Need Advice About How Much Light for roth. Hybrids

[big923cattleya]

Some one asked about outside foot candles.
In the sun it is about 3,200 to maybe 3,400 but it does not stay for that long of a time period, just two to 2 1/2 hours per day. Then when the sun leaves them, the foot candles drop to 1,600, and then down to 1,400 or so. When you add them up over a ten to twelve hour period, I don't think that those levels are enough. Plus remember, the further North you travel, the sun's intensity is much much less.
Sun in Fort Myers Florida is much more intense on June 1st, then Atlanta Georgia. Then the intensity at Columbus Ohio is less on June 1st. Detroit is much less. How much less, depends upon latitude, particulates in the air, haze, partial cloudiness, etc.
I like the fact that under the lights, they get 2,200 foot candles, or whatever it is per hour, for as long as I have the timer on.
I originally purchased the fixture to better grow and bloom Cattleyas, my first love. The Paphs. are going along for the ride.

 

[Tom-DE]

...I originally purchased the fixture to better grow and bloom Cattleyas, my first love. The Paphs. are going along for the ride.

Once you have more luck with Paphs, they will be your forever love

 

[big923cattleya]

Could be Tom, could be.
For years I tried a few, both Maudiae’s and strap leafed types. But from learning so much about them and paying attention to culture, l learned that I probably did not water nearly enough.
As the saying goes, “You are never to old to learn!”

Being in Paph. And Phrag. central up here, I certainly get to see a lot in bloom.