We keep shade cloth on the roof of the gh year around in Boulder
County. I have Ascda, Vanda, and Renanthera on the top level on the
south end of the gh and Catts, Brassia, Oncidium hybrids on the north
end. A few Nakamotoara and Aerides are mixed in.

Are you on the Western Slope, Front Range, Plains or up in the
mountains? Do you get any sun after 11 in the area your talking
about? We have the gh, (by default - the backyard) on the west side
of the house and on the south end of that side. So I get midday on
full sun year around.

Early morning sun is less intense, but by 9-10 it is probably too
strong for the Catts with out some 'partial shade.' These plants can
sunburn just like you. Unless you progressed slowly to more light I
would expect sunburn on a couple of leaves from 1 or 2 days in the
sun. They are better off with "bright shade or dappled shade" where
the sun does not sit on the same spot all day long.

The problem with growing them out doors is our notorious 7-10%
humidity. When you have the monsoon season in full swing we may or
may not make a 30% humidity between rains. The orchids would prefer
to never drop below the 30%. On the other hand many would prefer a
morning mist from an irrigation line and another every couple of
hours. .. Just a mist not 'being watered". This may make the plants
happier than living full time in the basement under light tracks.



On Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:21:04 -0600, "Maggie's Mom"
wrote:

Thanks for advice. I had no idea that phals are so sensitive to sunlight.
Just in case, before I hear more on the subject, the orchids will go back to
their shaded place. Plenty of light, but no direct sunlight at any time of
the day.
Does anybody else have any ideas about orchids and sunlight?

Thanks! - Maggie's Mom.


SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/orchids