Do You Really Need Orchid Lights?

Since so many orchids are found naturally in sunny regions of the world

, you would expect that the orchid in your home would require brilliant light too. The majority prefer 4 to 6 hours of natural light every day. Don't forget though, that some orchid types prefer less light. Harsh, hot direct light is never good. Whether you have an orchid that prefers bright light or something less, the light is almost always filtered light.To avoid the guesswork, many orchid lovers use orchid lights. Orchid lights give them direct control over how much light their orchids receive. Many lights have clamp on fixtures, and can rotate 360 degrees and angle at 90 degrees. Florescent lights are good to encourage blooming, as they give light with no heat. A dark or shady apartment may need florescent orchid lights for 12 hours.Another idea is to mix the flourescent light with some natural sunlight. Make sure you adhere to these simple principles, no matter what type of orchid light you decide to use. Your orchid will tell you when it is not getting enough light, as its leaves will become a darker green. When the leaves turn pale green or yellowish it can mean that it is getting too much light, although it could also mean too much water. Your own experience will become the best way to tell when or how to adjust the orchid lights. Bright, light green and glossy leaves are good indictors of health. And when your orchid is blooming you can be assured you are doing a good job in properly caring for your orchid.If your plant is located by a window, make sure it is draft-free. An east window is great for morning sun and most orchids will do well there. Indoor orchids need more light, as they are tropical in nature and used to getting more light outdoors. They are not used to winter at all. Remember, they don't need much if any direct sunlight, but an indirect light source.Each type of orchid has a somewhat different light requirement. Several do alright out in the shade, or in trees. For house orchids, artificial lights will give you the most control. You may want to purchase orchid lights for these types of orchids. Bright light and indirect sun is required by Cymbidiums, Vandas, Cattleyas, and Dendrobiums. Those requiring medium light, but no direct sun, are Oncidinae, Intergenerics, Oncidiums, Miniature Cattleyas, Phalanaenopsis, and Phramepediyms. Orchids requiring low light levels, in the source of bright, indirect light, are the Jewel orchids. These are Paphiopidilems, and some Angraecoids. LED orchid lights are available and provide high spectrum light for your indoor plants. Remember, if your orchid is Epiphytic, it has a root system that needs sunlight for photosynthesis.Orchid lights range from very simple to quite complex. Budget indoor orchid lights include a range of popular reflectors. Digital indoor grow lights give you a little more control. Air-cooled indoor orchid lights make sure light temperatures don't get too hot for your plant. Usually, when orchids are in a resting phase, they won't require as much light. During growing or flowering seasons, they will need more light. Never put an orchid in the dark when it is not flowering. It still desires sunlight, as all plants do, for photosynthesis.An orchid light can make caring for your orchids a little easier. It removes one of the crucial variables required by your orchids for healthy, vibrant growth and bright blooms. Regardless of what orchid light you opt for, first make certain you know the individual light preferences of your orchid.

Do You Really Need Orchid Lights?

By: Brian Paul

POST COMMENT

Care For Orchids Choosing the Best Orchid Pots Caring for Orchids Growing an Orchid Under Artificial Lights Caring for Amazing Orchids Caring For Moth Orchids - Orchid Care Expert Orchid Growing Guide - Orchid Care Expert Pruning Your Orchid Successfully A Brief Introduction to Amazing Orchids Growing Growing Orchids - How to Grow Orchids Care for Orchids - Orchid Care Before and After Blooming How To Safely Water Orchids How to Water Orchids