sunlight question

[boxerfan]

I recently purchased a light meter to help me determine the best light for my orchids. The brochure that came with it suggested that orchids need between 15,000-27,000 foot candle hours of light each day. My indoor orchid spot ranges between 600 fc and 1000 fc and I only have Phals. I've recently found a new outdoor spot that provides 1500 fc - 3000 fc. With Phals. low light requirements I reason that they can go outside for 5-6 hours each day and then come in to lower light and still bloom and grow. Is this just my logic or does it work for orchids too? Lisa

[tom499]

I would look up the light requirements for phals specifically just to be on the safe side.

There is no problem putting them outside during the day as long as the conditions are ok for them.

As long as you make it a consistant timetable of when they go out and when they come in,and as long as the environmental changes do not differ too much then it will certainly aid your phals getting the extra light they need to flower.

[mayres]

I would be VERY careful putting phals outside in the sun - it will have to be a gradual increase - and then not during mid day for sure - where the footcandles can be clear up to 8000 or so!