Question
Hi Jim, I have few orchids including a relatively young Doritaenopsis Newberry Parfait Picotee. It is actually doing great (have two beatifull bloms), but I'm a little concerned because two days ago I changed my regular incandecet light for a 18W low consuption white light (equivalent to 90 W). The light remains turned on every day until about 2:00 a.m. (that the time I go to bed), and it is located about 5 feets of the nearest plant. Yesterday night I noticed that the growing leave of the Dtps began to turn (aparently) in to the direction of the lamp. I examined the crown and there is no signal of rot, I always take care to avoid water on it. The leave itself looks ok, but it is not as firm as the rest of the leaves. Could it be the new light? If so, could it affect the rest of the plants?

Thanks in advance, and best regards from Venezuela

Gonzalo d'Escriv醤

Answer
Hi Gonzalo,

Yes, the orchid leaves will tend to grow towards the strongest light.  As more leaves grow, they will continue to grow towards the light.  Is it possible to move the doritaenopsis directly under the light?  The other orchids may do the same over time.  

Hope this answered your question.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.