Orchid Light Requirements

Different orchids have different light requirements and the amount and type of light is very important

. Orchids grow all over the world and in or on every medium, excluding ice. There is no way to make one, sweeping generalization as to how much light a specific type would need and want.

So let's take a look at three types of orchids that are not only commonly found in gardening centers and are therefore easily obtained, but that can be grown in the same lighting conditions. Those three orchids would be the Cattlyea, Phalaenopsis, and the Paphiopedilum.

All three of these types of orchids like bright light and some sun. Cattleyas like direct sun, whereas the other two are happy with indirect sun. All three like an east, west or shaded south facing window. If the foliage appears to be limp, or too dark green, the flower is telling you that it needs more light. Too little light or too much light can actually kill any of these or any other orchid. It must also be kept in mind that the medium of a plant that is kept in too much light will dry out too quickly. Too little light may cause "wet feet", meaning the roots will be wet and remain wet for too long. Too much moisture is an invitation to diseases and pests.

Another problem, sometimes caused by a lack of light, is the inability to bloom. You have to ask yourself if there's enough light, if the light is coming from the right direction and if your orchid is close enough to the source of light. Remember that plants react better to light from above than to light coming from the side. But be careful. If you think it may not be receiving enough light move it slowly towards the source of light. A sudden move can sunburn its leaves.

There are some generalizations that can be made. Orchids usually need from 12 -14 hours of light. This means that, except in the summer months, you may have to utilize some artificial lighting. That can be as easy as a couple of four-foot fluorescent bulbs hanging within six to eight inches of the plant. Some types prefer cool white bulbs, some prefer warm white bulbs and some like grow lights. Some growers claim that the new full spectrum bulbs are best. There are even some orchids that need high intensity discharge lighting. That kind of bulb needs a special fixture that will most probably cost more than the fixtures needed for incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. And, some of those bulbs are so bright that growers need to wear special goggles to work in the grow room while the lights are on!

The bottom line here is really to find out what type of orchid you have and do a little research. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out what kind of light your orchid needs and how much.

by: David E. Carlson

POST COMMENT

Caring for Orchids How To Repot An Orchid Orchid Pots (or Not) Caring For Orchids How To Identify Exotic Or Rare Orchids The 3 Best Methods When Caring For Orchids Four Important Things To Know About Fertilizing Orchids Why Silk Orchids Are Better Than The Real Thing How To Identify Common Orchids Orchid Care - The Facts on Caring for Orchids! Types of Orchids - The Essential Facts How to Most Effectively Water Your Orchids Growing Orchids - How To Grow Orchids