Can Calathea and Phalaenopsis Orchid share one grow tent?
One tent means one light, one timer and one climate. This is what Calathea and Phalaenopsis Orchid each need, and which differences moving the pots can fix.
The short answer
- Light: at their most demanding stage, one light level suits both — 70–135 µmol/m²/s.
- Day length: both are usually grown at 12 h, so one timer suits both.
- Temperature: both are comfortable at 20–26 °C.
- Humidity: both are comfortable at 70–80 % RH.
Light, stage by stage
| Calathea | PPFD | Phalaenopsis Orchid | PPFD | Suits both |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mature | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | Growth | 50–115 µmol/m²/s | 70–115 µmol/m²/s |
| Mature | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | Flowering | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | 70–135 µmol/m²/s |
They share a light level in 2 of 2 stage combinations.
For plants whose target is daily light (DLI), the PPFD shown is at their usual day length. On a different timer it changes.
How to make it work
Keep both canopies at a similar height and set the light for 70–135 µmol/m²/s.
Where exactly, in your tent?
That depends on your tent, your fixture and how high it hangs. Add Calathea and Phalaenopsis Orchid in the app and it shows where each pot gets its own light.