How Far Should Orchids Be Exposed To Artificial Light?

Orchids can thrive in environments with ample natural light, but they may need a little artificial light in northern climates above the 37th parallel. To grow orchids indoors with artificial grow lights, it is essential to measure and adjust light levels for different orchid types using PPFD, PAR, and lumens. Orchids are known for their stunning blooms and intricate beauty, but they naturally thrive in environments with ample natural light.

To ensure optimal growth and flowering, it is important to manipulate photoperiod, light spectrum, and light intensity for different orchid species and hybrids. If your home lacks sufficient bright light for orchids, use a fluorescent light system. When using artificial light for orchid growing, place the light a few inches away from the orchid to avoid too much or too little light. Additionally, give the orchid at least 12 hours of light each day.

Orchids grown indoors under good artificial light can be just as healthy as those grown in natural light. However, it is not as easy to place the orchids close to a light. When using artificial light, place the orchids further away from the lights, as intensity drops off exponentially with distance. Brassia orchids thrive in strong light, but not direct late-afternoon sunlight.

Orchids do not require direct late-afternoon sunlight, but they do need to be placed 12-24 inches above the orchids and adjusted as they grow. Monitoring light intensity is crucial for orchid growth, as orchid leaves are good indicators of the light intensity.

Should orchid roots be exposed to light?

Phaenopsis orchid roots can photosynthesize, allowing them to produce chlorophyll when exposed to light. White roots lack chlorophyll, meaning they were never exposed to light. Just Add Ice grows orchids in clear pots, exposing them to light during their growth stage. The roots arrive with plump, green ones. Brown/mushy roots can indicate overwatering, which is the number one mistake indoor plant enthusiasts make. To fix this issue, remove the roots and ensure they are properly watered.

How to tell if an orchid is getting enough light?

Adequate light for orchids should be a light yellow-green, firm, and upright, with leaves being the plant-equivalent of solar collectors. Plants need at least 2-3 times that level of light for adequate growth and flowering, while office environments typically require about 1/5 of that level. To gauge light levels, use a light meter or your hand to observe the shadow cast by your hand between plants and the light source and about 12 inches from the leaves.

If no shadow is visible, you may not have enough light for any orchids, except jewel orchids, which are grown more for their leaves than flowers. If the shadow is fuzzy and faint, your light level should be sufficient for Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum, which require less light than most orchids. If the shadow is sharp, you most likely have sufficient light for all but the highest light-requiring orchids like cymbidiums, vandas, and ascocendas.

Family hobbyists often grow a mixed collection of orchids, taking advantage of the variation in conditions throughout their growing areas. Direct sunlight entering an unshaded window can be as high as 4, 000 to 8, 000 footcandles measured directly at the glass, while it may only be as low as 500 footcandles just inside the shade off to the side of the same window. Lower light plants like Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis can be staged in shady areas, while higher light plants like oncidiums and cattleyas can be arranged closer to the center and nearer the glass. It just takes a little experimentation to find the right balance of light for your orchids.

How long should orchids be under artificial light?

To ensure optimal orchid growth, place artificial light a few inches away from the orchid, providing at least 12 hours of light daily. The time of day is crucial, with most orchids preferring light in the morning and afternoon. LED lights, available in various colors, are becoming popular for orchid growing due to their efficiency and better light quality. Despite being more expensive than traditional fluorescent lights, LED lights are more suitable for orchid growth.

Additionally, the temperature is crucial, as orchids generally prefer temperatures between 18-30°C. Too much heat can cause heat stress and hinder orchid growth. Overall, proper lighting and temperature are essential for orchid growth.

How to make orchids bloom constantly?

To make your Phalaenopsis orchid rebloom, start fertilizing it every other week with an all-balanced fertilizer, either labeled as “bloom booster” or specifically designed for orchids. Increase light, find a new spot, and provide extra love during dormancy. Dormancy allows the orchid to replace nutrients used during blooming, and nutrients and water remain stored in the leaves until needed again. Dormancy can last anywhere from 6-9 months, and each orchid may bloom on its own, so it’s important to provide extra care and support to help it rebloom. Remember, every orchid is unique, so it may need to bloom on its own.

What side of the house do orchids like?

Orchids thrive in indirect sunlight, so they should be placed near a north- or east-facing window in your living room. If your room has west-facing windows, place them farther away on a table or shelf. If you prefer closer proximity, ensure the window is draped with a sheer curtain to block out direct sun rays. Phalaenopsis orchids, originally from the tropics, thrive in humid environments, so the bathroom is the most humid room in your home. The steam and heat from the shower will keep your plant hydrated and warm.

What triggers an orchid to bloom?

Orchids have natural stimuli that signal the end of their growth season and the time for blooming. Some orchids are temperature sensitive, triggered by natural cooling in the fall, and others are light sensitive. Temperature-sensitive orchids are triggered by the fall’s cooling, which signals the end of the growth period and the need for a bloom spike. However, plants grown in homes with constant temperatures may be hesitant to bloom. Light-sensitive orchids, grown in homes with lights on after dark, may have their natural cycle disrupted.

If these plants are allowed to summer outdoors, they will sense the shortening days and begin the bloom cycle. For more information on orchid care, visit our informative pages on Phalaenopsis Orchid Care and our directory of orchid care articles.

What direction of light is best for orchids?

To cultivate orchids, situate the plants in proximity to windows that receive indirect sunlight, such as those facing east, south, west, or north. These windows provide bright morning light, necessitate shading during midday hours, become uncomfortably warm in the afternoon, and are optimal for low-light orchids. In the event that the requisite natural light is unavailable, the utilization of grow lights is an alternative solution.

Should I mist my orchids everyday?

Tropical orchids flourish in warm, humid environments; however, excessive irrigation during the winter months can prove detrimental to their health. To obviate this issue, it is recommended that a mister or spray bottle be utilized to provide the requisite moisture. The roots of orchids are adapted to absorb moisture and nutrients from cloud and mist, making misting an effective method for nourishing and hydrating them even during cooler seasons. It is imperative to avoid over-watering and misting in order to ensure optimal orchid care.

Where is the best place to put an orchid?

Orchids thrive in east or south-facing windows, as they provide enough light for growth. Avoid west and north-facing windows, as they can be too hot and dark. Use a sheer curtain to cast light shade. Avoid direct light, as it can cause sunburn. Reposition plants as seasons change and avoid leaves touching the glass. Leaf color indicates the amount of light, with a grassy green color indicating sufficient light for bloom. Orchid DealWire offers exclusive savings and promotions for orchid vendors. Remember to avoid touching the windowpane in cold climates.

Do orchids do well under fluorescent light?

High-intensity compact fluorescent light is a newer option for growing orchids without the need for greenhouses or bright windowsills. These fixtures, similar to high-intensity-discharge (HID) units, produce little heat, reducing the likelihood of orchid burn. Artificial light sources allow for the growth of any orchid without the cost of equipment and electricity. Fluorescent lights are the most accessible and economical lighting systems, with three-tiered light carts providing 24 square feet of growing area.

These carts are versatile and practical, providing enough space for compact orchids to bloom year-round or miniatures for an entire collection. They can be placed in a heated garage, basement, or spare bedroom. Fluorescent light systems are ideal for homes lacking sufficient bright light for orchids.

How much light is too much for orchids?

Orchids require six to eight hours of indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, resulting in white spots and dark rings. To protect your orchid, use filtered light like a sheer curtain and keep it in a north- or east-facing window. If you lack access to these windows, keep your orchid several feet back in rooms with south and west-facing windows. Water your orchids with three ice cubes or one quarter cup of water once a week, but may need more hydration if the weather has been too hot in the last week.