| Jay your room is quite bright. I doubt many other members would get readings as high as yours. My house certainly would not.
Having been a photographer for 45 years I can assure you the readings are always accurate for whatever you read.
That said, you need to be taking an incident light readings for an accurate measure of the light falling on the plant. This is the little frosted globe that slides over the sensor. Reflected light readings can be misleading. Never believe your eyes. Our brains adapt to light and adjust for lower light levels.
I do all my photography outdoors under a roof right near a screen lanai. The light for 4-5 feet from the screen all looks alike but the light level can be 30-50 times stronger from 5 feet from the screen to 3 feet from the screen.
Also remember that light members are designed for photography and set to read visible light. Plants may be getting energy from other wave lengths, that we do not see or the meter does not register.
Orchids are also greatly adaptable. They often flower in less than the ideal light (although yours sounds about perfect). Many flower better in higher than normal light levels.
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jerry  |