What Type Of Lighting Are Orchids In Need Of?

Orchids are adapted to low light conditions, living under the canopy of trees in rainforests. However, they cannot thrive in darkness. To ensure orchid health, they need between 5 and 6 hours of indirect, bright light daily during spring and summer. To grow indoors, place the potted plants on a window sill facing the east or north. Learn how light duration, quality, and intensity affect orchid growth and flowering, and adjust light conditions for different orchid species and hybrids.

Orchids need bright, indirect light to thrive and bloom, but some varieties prefer direct sunlight. To ensure your orchid gets enough light, place them near windows where they can receive indirect sunlight. East-facing windows offer bright morning light, ideal for most orchids. South-facing windows provide the most light but may need shading during midday. West-facing windows can be too hot in the afternoon, so use light diffusing curtains.

To ensure proper lighting, choose a full-spectrum LED light bulb with a CRI of 95+ 500-650 PPFD or greater at 18″ above the plants or 850-1100 PPFD at 12″ above the plants. Orchids generally prefer bright but indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can be too intense and may burn their leaves. Full filtered sunlight, filtered through trees or screens, is ideal for orchids.

Orchid varieties are classified into three groups: strong light orchids thrive in strong light, while direct sunlight can burn orchids. High light orchids are usually best situated near east or south-facing windows, where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.

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.

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 need artificial light?

Orchids thrive best in natural light, which provides the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis and temperature regulation. However, if natural light isn’t enough, artificial light can be used. The right kind of light, specifically in the blue and red spectrum, is essential for orchid growth. Bulbs specifically designed for plants are ideal for orchid growth. Place the light a few inches away from the orchid to avoid excessive or insufficient light.

Provide at least 12 hours of light daily, and the time of day is crucial. Most orchids prefer light in the morning and afternoon, rather than evening. Ensure that the light is placed a few inches away from the orchid to maintain optimal growth.

How much light do indoor orchids need?

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.

Can orchids survive without direct sunlight?

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.

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.

Can orchids survive 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.

How often should an orchid be watered?

Watering your orchid every 7 to 11 days, especially when the mix is dry, is essential to prevent damage and prevent overwatering, which can lead to crown rot, root rot, and other infestations. Watering in the morning is recommended as nighttime watering can leave water sitting for a period. Additionally, consider the temperature of your house, as high thermostats may cause the orchid to grow in summer. Visit our shop to see beautiful phalaenopsis orchids grown in the south coast of England, and sign up for our newsletter to access our orchids at discounted prices when we have grown a few too many.

Are orchids ok in bathrooms?

Given their tropical provenance, orchids flourish in environments characterised by high humidity, rendering them particularly well-suited to cultivation in bathrooms. They are not particularly sensitive to light intensity, provided that it is not excessive.

Can orchids survive without natural 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.