[jerrymeola]

A real rough guideline for orchids flowering level light levels are:
Vandas 6-8000 foot candles
cattleyas 3500-4000
dendrobiums 2000-4000 most common dens are the same as cattleyas but many species can vary
Oncidium alliance (basically all thin leaf types) 2000-2500
Phalaenopsis 1000-1500
Paphs (Lady Slippers) 1000 (African Violet light and conditions for those who raise african violets)

Most orchids will grow and live in much lower levels but the light is the most important condition for flowering. Note that once the flower buds sets, it is not necessary to keep it in that light level, and can be moved indoors for enjoyment of the flowers

To measure light using a SLR camera either film or digital set the ASA or ISO to 100 place a piece of clear white paper in the area you want to measure and fill the picture frame witht he paper, it is not necessary to focus. Take a light reading
speed fstop
1000 foot candles 1/2000 f2.8
1/1000 f4
1/500 f5.6
1/250 f8
1/125 f11
2000 foot candles 1/2000 f4
1/1000 f5.6
1/500 f8
1/250 f11
1/125 f16
4000 foot candles 1/2000 f5.6
1/1000 f8
1/500 f11
1/250 f16
1/125 f22
8000 foot candles 1/2000 f8
1/1000 f11
1/500 f16
1/250 f22

If you have a digital camera that does not set lower than 200 ISO use it and double the foot candles
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