Which Window Direction Is Ideal For Orchids?

Orchids thrive in east or south-facing windows, which provide ample light for their growth. These windows are ideal for growing orchids, as they receive some light in the morning or afternoon. The ideal amount of light is about five hours per day, and the best windows are bay windows, which amplify the light possibilities during the day. In the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows receive the most light, but medium to low light may require protection from direct sun.

Orchids should not be placed near heating or drafts, as the ideal room temperature for an orchid is between 15 and 25 degrees. To ensure healthy growth, place them in the best windows with light shading like sheer curtains. If receiving your plant by mail, expose it to light gradually over a period.

Indirect sunlight is best for orchids, so it’s best to keep them near a north- or east-facing window. West windows can be too hot in the afternoon, while northern windows are usually too dark. Some sunny south-facing windows may have limited light, so it’s essential to plan to utilize all available light without direct sunlight.

Orchids on windowsills perform best in east or west-facing windows, where they receive some light in the morning or afternoon. Place orchids near windows where they can receive indirect sunlight, such as east-facing windows, which offer bright morning light, ideal for most orchids.


📹 Orchid Care for Beginners – Where should I put my Phalaenopsis Orchid in my house?

Today we continue our Orchid Care for beginners series with a subject I always get asked about: Where can we keep Our …


What is the best window to put an orchid in?

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.

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.

Where is the best place to put an orchid in the house?

Houseplant orchids prefer bright light but not direct sun, and prefer regular watering and misting with rainwater or boiled water. They need bark-based compost and prefer a medium in between. Tropical orchids don’t thrive in dry air, so mist leaves regularly. Tap water can be harmful, so use boiled or rainwater if possible. Avoid leaving them standing in water, as it can rot the roots. Phalaenopsis, the most widely grown houseplant orchid, is ideal for centrally heated homes and produces exotic displays of large blooms. They require minimal maintenance and are ideal for beginners.

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.

Where is the best place to hang orchids?

To ensure optimal orchid growth, hang them in a window with bright but indirect sunlight, cover them with a sheer curtain, or use artificial light. When mounted, place them in a shaded area, then move them to a brighter location when roots become established. Mounted orchids require daily watering, so ensure they are easily accessible. If hung indoors, spray them with a hose at a tepid temperature, then carry them to the sink to let the water wash over the roots.

Is morning or afternoon sun better for orchids?
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Is morning or afternoon sun better for orchids?

Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum orchids can thrive under artificial lights, such as fluorescent lights, provided they don’t burn leaves. However, some orchids require bright light without direct sun, as trees and clouds block the direct rays of the sun, causing sunburn on leaves. Many orchids can handle some direct sun, but most need protection from direct midday and hot afternoon sun. Some orchids, like Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Laelias, and Oncidiums, can handle full sun.

In winter, many orchids can handle brighter light, but should be moved back into more shade in spring. Plants moved into brighter light need a few weeks of adjustment to avoid sunburn, and should receive adequate water and humidity.

How far should orchids be from the window?
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How far should orchids be from the window?

Growing orchids requires a bright, indirect sunlight all day, 12 to 36 inches away from a south window. Plants should be placed in an east, south, or west window and protected from direct noonday sun. Orchids have different light requirements depending on their genera and variety. High light plants like Cymbidiums can be placed close to the window, while medium light plants like Cattleyas need to be kept away from direct sunlight. Low light can be maintained indoors by varying the distance between plant and window. Phalaenopsis needs low light, and a sheer curtain can help prevent scorching during low light months.

Orchids also grow well under artificial fluorescent lighting. Provide artificial light only during daylight hours to initiate flower buds during the proper season. For best results, use wide spectrum fluorescent tubes such as grow lights or warm and cool white tubes combined. Lights should be on at least 12 hours per day.

Florescence is crucial for orchid growth. New leaves that are lush, soft, and darker than mature leaves indicate inadequate light, while stunted, hard, and yellow foliage indicates too much light. Orchids generally require the same temperature range as houseplants, with daytime highs in the 70’s and nighttime lows of 55-65ºF. Warm growing orchids should have a day temperature of 72-80°F with sun and nighttime low down to 65°F. Cool growing orchids require a day temperature of 65-70°F with sun and night temperature of 50-55°F.

How often should you water an orchid?

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.

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.

What is the secret to keeping orchids alive?
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What is the secret to keeping orchids alive?

Orchids require bright indirect lighting to thrive and rebloom, so they should be left alone. In the Plant PPL series, we interview people of color in the plant world. The Black Thumb, a superhero, discovered his power through tragedy, accident, and supreme effort. Terry Richardson and Chelsea Richardson, a physical therapist, and their wife, welcomed an orchid into their apartment but killed it due to ignorance and neglect.


📹 How to Keep Your Orchid Alive and Thriving!

In this video I share how I take care of my orchids. My orchids always do best and grow the most new buds when placed directly in …


Which Window Direction Is Ideal For Orchids?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

13 comments

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  • This article is sponsored by rePotme, who also provided pots, medium and fertilizer for the orchids in this article! Check them out at my affiliate link here go.missorchidgirl.com/repotme7 Check out our entire Orchid Care for Beginners Series! youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxo6tXzj__mZzIrS7nCGjI6NEwWCwvuya

  • I had a Phalaenopsis in my old flat which sat on a south-facing windowsill. Didn’t flower for two years and when it did, the flowers lasted three weeks. Moved last year and now my orchids sit on a west-facing windowsill. All are flowering and for months at a time. Very happy with my plants and where they sit.

  • I was going to repot my new Phalaenopsis orchid. I bought her two months ago, my first orchid ever. But, she’s been super healthy, with tons of blooms, root growth, and a possible keiki growing. The bark looks really good right now. And once I took your advice on bottom watering, she’s taken off in growth and health. I cannot thank you enough, Danni! Thank you so much! You are the BEST!

  • I put all my orchids in one of our spare room that have morning sun for 2 hrs, my orchids loved it, at night time it gets cold where I’m from so I turn on house heater and set it on 23 to 24 degrees for 2 hrs so that my orchids get comfortable overnight. I always watch your articles, it is very informative.

  • Hi Danni, I am a beginner and really value your shows.❤ I live in a temperate zone and we are coming into winter soon. My heating is on during the day but goes off at night and the indoor temperature can get down below 16 degrees C. Should I put a heater in the room for my phalaenopsis during the night?

  • Right now with our dreadful heat this summer my Phalaenopsis do not have a choice about the temperature. It would not be what I would be comfortable in. They have no direct sun and I keep fans on them 24/7 and the humidity is 60% plus and the air “cools” down 15-20 degrees after dark. Let’s see if all these measures are adequate to tide them over until this breaks.

  • My dog has eaten more phals than i can count. Every single one that got that tasty sap got eaten… My birds shred the leaves on my phals and oncidium types as well. They look a mess but they are so resilient i am shocked, only the parts that the birds have actively shredded died! Yes, my plants are up high but my dog is tall 🙁 Thank goodness that Orchids are non-toxic so I can love my pets and my plants!

  • Just discovered this site and so thankful for the great information. But I can’t find anything about care for phelenosis (sorry about the spelling) grafted onto trees. Grafted last April and They all bloomed this year but the leaves are dehydrated and yellow. I did change the spagham moss on them and prune the roots but no sure if they are healthy or not . Any information would be appreciated

  • I live in northern Minnesota, and in the winter daylight is in short supply. How many hours a day do orchids need to be lighted? I have an ideal exposure during what light there is, but maybe our day lengths aren’t long enough during the winter. Day length is seasonal everywhere, but – how much is required by phals, at the shortest point? And do you have any recommendations as to the type of artificial light? There are so many options.

  • Hi! I’ve just started paying attention to how I keep my orchids. They have been on my kitchen windowsill BUT they haven’t flowered in 5 years. This window is north facing. I was going to move them to another window sill but in the UK house builders always put radiators under windowsills! What can I do?

  • I have a polite request, after seeing your beautiful Nelly Isler and Kathrin Zoch I now have them in my collection. But sadly their perfume is really affecting me. Can you recommend some beautiful but unscented Oncidiums for those of us unlucky enough to be allergic to strong perfume? A article on this would really help some of us…and yes this comment does pertain to where to put orchids in my house. Most of them are in the conservatory where I am most of the time, and but the scented ones have to be moved to a bedroom away from me…so sad as they are incredibly beautiful…really hope you can give me some suggestions xxx. PS I am in the UK.

  • Because I had the air conditioner going and the blinds closed because of the heat, I made a HUGE mistake and brought my phals outside in a shady location. Many of the leaves are now turning yellow. I brought them back inside. Is there any hope for recovery? I am losing a leaf on my orchid that I have nursed back to health for over nine years. Help please! I need your words of wisdom!!

  • Hey, I don’t suppose you know if orchids can survive a day or so without medium, I have order some online and should be arriving tomorrow. I came back from uni to discover one of my Mum’s orchids is in very bad shape, the bark is mulch the roots all appear to be dead, the spike has been removed, and the only part that seems like its not yet died are the leaves. I am debating removing all the dead roots and medium but don’t have medium to replace it with right now, any advice?