subject: Everything You Need to Know About Orchids Light Requirements [print this page] Orchids are not any different than most other house plants. Every plant species needs a particular combination of nutrition, light and water delivered in the best possible environmental conditions.
Among these critical factors, one of the most important for orchids is lighting.
Orchids are essentially tropical plants. They grow best when they get lots of sun light and warm temperatures but they thrive most with somewhat filtered light rather than direct intense sunshine.
Orchids Natural Light Needs
The actual levels of light can vary depending on the particular orchid type you choose.
In actual tropical conditions, orchids have varying patterns and intensities of light depending on the time of day. The trees and surrounding foliage offer protection against the intense midday sun and filter the sunshine during the cooler morning hours.
For orchid growers at home, finding an eastern facing window is usually a good setting for an orchid. Filtered sunshine for around 12 hours per day is best although these levels may not be available in seasonal parts of the world.
The first step to success with the orchid you choose is to learn as much about it as possible. There are a variety of ways to gather the needed information. In most cases, the best source is the orchid grower that sold you the plant.
Certainly you can find a good deal of information on the internet. For best results, do your internet research about orchid types in your particular climate, before you make a final purchase.
For example don't buy an orchid that needs lots of sunshine if your home climate and setting makes it difficult to get plenty of sunlight.
Many orchid growers lump orchids into two simple categories. First there are orchids known as "soft growing orchids" that do well in lower light conditions while the second category known as "hard growing orchids" require lots of sunshine to thrive. Ask your orchid grower what category your orchid fits.
It is common to find orchids that need less light or even shady environments will bring their owners a vibrant plant but the blossoms are typically smaller and at times irregular.
In contrast orchids that do well in hard or sunny conditions are more likely to produce more blossoms and not much plant which means the actual leaves of the plant may be slightly yellow and a bit smaller in size.
Growing Orchids in Artificial Light
Another proven method to ensure your orchids get the correct amounts of light is using a grow-light. Grow-lights with timers correctly measures and thus ensure your orchids get the right levels of light to thrive.
In addition, orchids can be successfully grown by using florescent lighting when inadequate levels of natural light are available.
It is wrong to believe the rumors that growing orchids requires trained horticulturists. Armed with a basic understanding of your particular orchid type, coupled with the right amount of light, orchids can be grown with little difficulty and by people with virtually no experience.
Whether you use natural sunshine, a grow light or perhaps even a fluorescent light, it is absolutely possible to grow a gorgeous orchid flower that offers consistent blossoms for years to come.
The only thing that is required is to take the first step and have fun.
Everything You Need to Know About Orchids Light Requirements
