[jay]

Hello,

I have found lots of info about how much light different types of orchids should have, but I have not found for how long they should remain at that level.

I have a 4 tier wire shelf for my orchids. It faces an East sliding glass door/window. Unfortunatly, the window in tinted (I live in the desert, and this is needed).

I have just purchaced a light meter to find out how much light they are actually getting. And here are the results. Keep in mind that this will be close year round as we have about 350 days a year without any clouds.

Beginning around 6 am, the light starts at about 2000 footcandles. This is through the window (outside direct is about 8000 fc). The top tier will fall into shade and drop to about 300-400 fc by 9 am. By this time the bottom 3 shelves are now getting about 3000 - 3200 fc of light. About every hour another tier will fall into shade until about 11am, at which point all four levels are getting around 350 fc. I used to think that this room was bright. Wow, what a surprise.

Even though the direct light is about 10k -12k fc in afternoon, the tint really takes it out. Is this tint also "killing" certain spectrums of light needed? Will it filter out what is needed?

Is this long enough at the higher light levels, or will they need supplemental light after they fall into shade?


Humdity is always an issue, but that is for another post.


Any thoughts, comments, or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jay