Direct Morning Sun?

[Firochromis]

Hi dear community, this is my first question so little bit nervous

I have two Phalaenopsis, one Odontoglossum and one Doritaenopsis. I'm living in an apartment facing north at one side, and south at the other. Nowadays humidity is something like %70 and temperatures like 27-35 C (80-95 F)

Because the south facing side takes direct sunlight for 4-5 hours, these guys are at the north facing side of my apartment at the windowsill. But a little low from the window level (They are sitting on a lower table). North facing side also takes direct sunlight from 8.00 to 10.00. I read that direct sunlight must be avoided but I also read if it is not appropriately lit, short exposures of morning sun can be beneficial (unfortunately I can't remember where I read it).

I made a reading with my SLR camera and convert it as described at orchidworks homepage and found a 500-1000 footcandle, but mostly closer to 500 side and sometimes even lower. Besides, as my orchids are at a lower level from windowsill, mostly flowers are exposed to direct sun. Do you think it is safe?

Regards,

[Tanya]

Hi Firochromis, welcome to the forum.

Not all orchids takes direct morning sun even in the morning especially during hot summer. Phals particularly, will burn if expose to direct sun even in the morning. With regards to phal flowers being exposed, they might drop, I'm not sure because I haven't experience it.

If I were you, I would put a sheer curtain to filter the direct morning sun. I also have phals growing on window sill that get direct sun and a double layer of sheer curtain is doing great job, I use double layer because my window is facing the afternoon sun. In your case, maybe one layer is enough.

The experts will give you more info when they wake up.

[mde]

There have been several discussions about this on the forum recently, so you may want to do a search for "light" and review what's already there. One of the main themes is that it really depends upon where you live. I have a few Phals that take direct East Sun for several hours, and are perfectly fine. I live in Minneapolis, MN (44 degrees N latitude) and Istanbul is at 41 degrees N latitude. If you were at 20 degrees N latitude, then it would be different yet again.

The amount of light that makes it through your window is even a big factor...it depends upon the thickness of the glass, how clean it is, if it is also passing through a screen, etc.

Matt

[peteMc]

I've got my phals in an east window, screened; they've been getting sun-up to noon since I moved and seem to be fine. The blooms have been above the screen and haven't suffered a great deal, lasted for quite a while....

As a guess, I'd say the phals could probably handle the north window pretty well....maybe bringing them up gradually so they have some time to adjust would be helpful. Smarter folks will have more to say

p

[Firochromis]

Thank you very much. I appreciated your input.

This morning I made a screen by using white Xerox paper. In photography sometimes I use them to diffuse light. I hope it works.

[Jmoney]

I don't know what latitude you're at, but perfectly north-facing windows aren't sufficient light for most things here in the US. Maybe for phals and some paphs, but other things won't bloom. I'd use the south window, but shade it with blinds or thick lace curtains or something, and keep the plants a few feet away. And of course if the temps are up you have to keep air movement and watch the leaf temperatures as well.

[Gin]

I would also use the south and shade it , a lot of my Phals, Paphs, Phrags . are back approx. 2 feet from an east window in another area they get east/south until noon . Both areas are shaded by adjustable slat blinds which provide broken direct sun . I have not had luck using a straight north window . Just watch the heat, feel the leaves if they feel hot shade more . I know our conditions are not the same .What is my latitude anyway The black screen door wire works well for shade if you don't mind how it looks . Hope this helps a little . Gin

[mde]

Gin - not sure if you were serious, but your latitude is ~ 38 degrees north (37.67054 N to be exact). I thought really hard to calculate this!

(with a little help)

Matt

[Gin]

Thanks Matt ! I was serious Gin

[Firochromis]

Allright, I have an empty room facing south (lucky me ). With some 8 m2 (~86 square feet? ) it is perfect for my use. I'll design that room considering my orchids' needs. Curtains for shade, a small fan, a humidifier and additional lighting for darker backgrounds. Soon I'll post a picture for you to quality control

BTW, I'm living 41 degrees North.