The Amount Of Light That Orchids Need?

Orchids are adapted to low light conditions, living under the canopy of trees in rainforests. However, they cannot thrive in darkness, as too little light can cause health issues and problems with spiking and flowering. A study suggests that orchids should be comfortable with home temperatures of 55–60°F (13–16°C) at night and 75°F (24°C) during the day. Ideally, most orchids should have light green foliage, which should be a light yellow-green rather than a lush grass green.

Orchids require at least 6 hours of indirect bright light every day during spring and summer. Some orchid varieties are adapted to growing under large trees and tall plants. On average, orchids prefer around 12 hours of light per day, but this should not be constant throughout the year. To ensure optimal growth, grow orchids with low to medium light requirements under lights such as the Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum, and compact orchids under 12 inches.

A happy, light-fulfilled orchid will have bright green leaves growing from the plant, which are your best indicator of whether your orchid is getting enough light from day to day. However, exposure to direct sunlight can cause your orchid to become sunburned, resulting in white spots surrounded by dark rings.

Orchids need at least six hours of light per day to live, regardless of their variety. Grow lights can be used to help maintain the necessary amount of light for orchids, as they do well in artificial light. North windows are best for cloud-like conditions.

Orchids generally prefer bright but indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can be too intense and may burn their leaves. Phalaenopsis orchids have relatively low light requirements, and they do well with 1,000 foot candles or 11,000 lux of light.

How do I know if my orchid is happy?

Phaenopsis orchids are easy to grow and can last for years if given the right balance of light and moisture. To evaluate their health, look for signs such as thick, rubbery leaves, uniformly green leaves, robust blooms, white aerial roots with green shiny tips, and barely moist potting mix.

Unhealthy orchids may have white webbing, yellow or brown edges, very dark green leaves, limp, wrinkled, or torn leaves, calloused leaves, black crust on leaves or stem, black, brown, or yellow spots, tiny holes in petals, wilting or damaged flowers, unusual spots on leaves and flowers caused by fungi or disease, shriveled roots, shrinking plants over time, pots becoming too big for the orchid, or orchids not blooming for more than a year. Regular evaluation of orchid health is crucial for proper care and longevity.

What triggers orchids to bloom?

Orchids require a temperature differential to trigger blooming, and exposing them to nighttime temperatures 10 degrees cooler than daytime temperatures for two weeks at the start of their blooming season can help trigger this process. Gardeners often grow orchids for their foliage, but many issues can be addressed with minor adjustments. Inadequate light is the number one reason orchids refuse to bloom or rebloom, with popular varieties like Dendrobium, cattleya, and cymbidium preferring bright conditions but not direct sun.

If your orchid is kept indoors, grow light may be necessary to achieve flowers. Overabundance of artificial light can suppress blooming, and the shortening days of autumn can signal an orchid to form buds. To avoid this, use a timer to simulate the cycle of natural daylight and darkness when using artificial lights.

How much light should I give my orchid?

Plants should not be placed more than 3 feet from a window, and they should not be placed to the side of a window. They should get double or triple the number of hours recommended outdoors for indoors, with north windows being best for cloud-forest species, east and west windows for most orchids, and south windows for full sun plants. Ensure that trees and other objects don’t block the direct sun, and track the number of hours the window gets.

Secondary latitudes get hotter in windows, so it might be wise to not have any part of the plant touching the glass, as that can heat up to burning temperatures. Northern altitudes tend to be cloudy in winter and have shorter days, so supplemental light may be necessary during winter. If growing under lights, ensure that the lights are close but not too close, and adjust the distance as the plants grow.

Orchids don’t care about humidity if they are well-watered, as they absorb most of their water through their roots. Check water quality before using it, as orchids can only live with soft water, the cleaner and freer from total dissolved solids (TDS). Hard water cannot be used on orchids, but rainwater, reverse osmosis, or distilled water can be used. Water treated via water softeners needs to be tested, as many put sodium into the water, which is harmless for humans but lethal to plants. Ice is for cocktails, not orchids.

Are orchids OK in low light?

Orchids, including Pansy, Moth, and Lady Slipper varieties, can grow in lower-light conditions. Winter can be safe to move them near a window, as sunlight is weaker in cooler months. However, keep them in a subdued spot during summer. Orchids may experience issues due to incorrect sunlight exposure and seasonal changes. For instance, low- or medium-light varieties like Miraflore Moth orchid can benefit from extra light during winter months, encouraging flowering. Best practices include maintaining proper sunlight exposure and adjusting the plant’s location accordingly.

Can orchids get too much light?

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.

How do I know if my 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.

Do potted orchids need light?

Orchids require varying amounts of sunlight for flower production, with some requiring full sun for the entire day and others preferring indirect or dappled light. The time of year also plays a role, as the sun’s position changes over 12 months. Oncidiums like Spaghettis and Equitant require bright light, while Oncidesa, Phalaenopsis, and Cattleya thrive in semi-shaded conditions. Therefore, the ideal light conditions for your highrise garden depend on your specific orchid species.

What kind of light do indoor orchids need?

It is recommended that orchids be placed near windows that receive indirect sunlight. In particular, east-facing windows provide bright morning light, south-facing windows provide maximum light, and west-facing windows require shading during midday. Additionally, the use of light-diffusing curtains in the afternoon is advised.

How do I encourage my orchid to flower?

To ensure successful blooming in orchids, start fertilizing every other week with an all-balanced fertilizer, either a bloom booster or specifically designed for orchids. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it to the soil. Increase light levels, especially if your orchid is placed farther from a window, to facilitate blooming. Move your orchid to a cooler spot between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit and keep it there until a new flower spike emerges.

Can orchids get too much sun?

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.

Do orchids need to be in a window?

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.