subject: The Most Overlooked Factors When Considering Growing An Orchid Under Artificial Lights [print this page] Orchids, like most house plants, do require specific needs for them to grow and maintain their health, and the right amount and intensity of light is no different. Orchids are an exotic plant and are indigenous to tropical areas of the world where they get a good deal of sunlight. However, the sunlight they naturally get is somewhat diffused or indirect as a result of the many natural plants that surround them in a lush tropical environment.
The idea is to simulate growing conditions for the specific type of orchid you wish to grow that matches its natural home environment. Now this doesn't mean that you have to travel half way across the world to learn about the environment that your orchid originates, but it does mean that you have to know what type of orchid you're planning on growing before you set up any indoor lights.
Growing an orchid under artificial lights is very beneficial because you get to control its environment. Controlling your orchid's environment gives you the advantage of simulating its natural growing conditions. Believe me, orchids aren't that smart. They won't know that you're trying to fool them. They'll just think that they are at home and will happily bloom just like in the wild.
Now, how much artificial light is ideal? In tropical climates throughout the world, sunlight is generally 12 hours on and 12 hours off. That's because tropical areas are near the equator so they get equal amounts of daylight and nighttime compared to other regions of the world. So when growing an orchid under artificial lights, always plan on a 12 hour on and 12 hour off cycle.
But there's a little more to it than that. Previously, I mentioned orchids are surrounded by many other plants in their natural habitat giving them more of a diffused light source, especially during the hottest time of the day. Well, you can provide the same conditions for your orchids. Surround them with other plants or objects and this will give them some degree of shade. With this said, however, you have to know the type of orchid you are growing because some do require more diffused light than others. It's the same principal, different types of orchids grow in different tropical areas of the world with some types surrounded by more or bigger plants, and others surrounded by less or smaller plants. Generally, orchids with smaller flowers or blooms require more light diffusion than orchids with larger blooms. So before you consider growing orchids under artificial lights, make sure you know what type of orchid you have so you can regulate the amount and degree of shade that it needs.
Using a glow-light with a timer is a great way to give your specific type of orchid the right amount of light. Using less expensive fluorescent lights that aren't too strong is also a good choice. You don't have to be a horticulturist and own an elaborate greenhouse to grow orchids successfully. When growing an orchid under artificial lights, you will need some equipment, but the little expense will go a long way to producing beautiful orchids that will grow like they are in the wild.
