Lighting for Dendrobium vs. Phals?

[bellc]

I have two Phals orchids and one Dendrobium in my master bathroom. The lighting seems to be ideal. It's very bright but is definitely indirect lighting.

I've read some different information about the Phals and Dendrobium and I'm confused about lighting. Can I keep both under the same lighting conditions or should the Dendrobium get a bit more direct light?

Is there any other obvious difference in care between the Phals and the Dens that I should know about?

Thanks!

What type of dendrobium do you have? The dendrobium-phalaenopsis type need very bright light, but I think the nobiles can take even more. It's been my observation that dendrobium-phals need slightly more light than the phals. I keep my dendrobium phalaenopsis in front of the phals and the dendrobium nobiles up against the glass in my west windwo.

[bellc]

I'm so new to orchids, I don't know what type of dendrobium it was. The label read Den Regina Beauty. It had long, house plant-like leaves versus the thick, tongue-like leaves of the Phals.

Guess what? I ended up returning it later this morning to the nursery because I didn't like the condition it was in for the price I paid. Since I'm new to dendrobium orchids, I certainly didn't want to play around. I replaced it with a Phals that was thriving.

Thanks for your prompt reply!

[janet_a]

well, if you try them again, dens will grow under phal light, but probably not bloom. i have two different types of dens (one phal type, the other with very thick leaves and little handlebar mustache type flowers) and they didn't bloom 'til they got 18 months of western exposure light. (the phals do fine in an eastern exposrue.)

[bellc]

Thanks for the tip on western exposure. Luckily my phals are in the bathroom with an eastern exposure, so I hope they do well. These are my first orchids and I'm really enjoying learning all about them.

I live in a very dry climate near Phoenix, Arizona. How would you suggest I make sure they get enough humidity? Would misting the leaves be enough or should I put them on a pebble tray? They already get some humidity from being in the bathroom, but I doubt that's enough, especially in our very dry climate.

[jerrymeola]

Light levels are the most important factor in flowering orchids.

Phals can flower in low light about 1500 foot candles
Most dendrobiums like more light in the 2500-4000 range.
Mobiles can take all day direct sun. The Hawaii growers give them full sun all day without any shade ever. This would be around 6-8000 foot candles.

laturia dendrobiums from New Guinae grow well in low light comparable to phals. Den spectabile would do well in your bathroom as well as any of the hybrids of spectabile, convolutum etc. These will not be easy to find and moderately expensive about double the price of common dens.

[bellc]

Thanks again, Jerry. You've answered both of my questions for me tonight. I'm saving this message as well for reference.

For an orchid novice, how do I judge light in terms of "foot candles"? Would I need to use a gauge vs. a professional by experience alone?

I can tell I need a good orchid book. I have absolutely fallen in love with them! Is there a particular book or two you recommend?

Bella

[jerrymeola]

Measuring light levels with a camera is at
Measuring light levels with an SLR camera