A  I believe the answer would be distinct ~n different latitudes. In your sustained warm weather at the latitude of Sydney, 34 degrees south, I would prefer to shade more heavily and try to keep leaf temperatures no higher than the low 80s F. It is well established that photosynthesis processes are seriously reduced when leaf temperatures spike higher. Your relatively sunny winter environment gives you the opportunity to expose your plants to quite high light intensities for at least six months of the year. Growers in more northern or southern locations may not have the luxury of bright winter sunshine and may need to maximize radiant input over sum mer. They often utilize fine-mist cooling systems, swamp (evaporative) coolers or even a level of air conditioning so as to expose their plants to quite high light levels without restricting growth through heat buildup in the plants. — Andy Easton, Director of Education, American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach, Florida 33446 (e-mail aeaston@aos.org).