Q. In the orchid show, many plants were in direct light. I thought orchids require filtered light.
You are correct--too much direct light can cause sunburn on orchids' leaves.
The displays in the conservatory are not a reliable a guide for optimal plant lighting. Because these displays are temporary, less attention is paid to light conditions. If they were long-term displays, the lighting would have to be different.
The amount of light an orchid needs depends on what type of orchid it is. For detailed information, consult our LibGuides, Basic Orchid Care, Orchid FAQs, and Troubleshooting with Orchids.