subject: Top Three Tips on Orchid Lights [print this page] Do your orchids appear to be suffering from too much or too little light? Orchids need a certain amount of light to live. Like other plants, they use light to turn carbon dioxide to useful nutrients by a procedure known as photosynthesis. The level of light an orchid variety needs depends on where it originated and how it grows for example, is it an epiphyte or a terrestrial orchid? Did it originate in the mountains of Madagascar or the south-west of Australia?
Some terrestrial (ground-growing) orchid varieties originated in forest areas - where they were accustomed to being protected from lengthy periods of direct sun by a dense tree canopy. Epiphytic (tree growing) varieties may have grown high up in the trees and received a higher level of light for a lengthier period each day. If you cannot offer your orchids the right levels of light naturally, you may be able to do it using either artificial light, or by altering the light conditions around your orchids.
1. Natural Light Adjustments
Regardless of whether you keep your orchids inside or outside, it might be possible to alter the surroundings to increase or decrease the amount of light for your plants. Can you reposition something to offer more or less shelter? Perhaps you can simply move the plant closer or further away from the light source.
If you are determined to grow your orchids in a specific location that does not have the right levels of light, you'll need to consider using artificial lights to maintain healthy plants.
2. Artificial Orchid Lights
Orchids often live quite happily in artificial light however, as with sunlight, the duration of exposure to the light and the intensity of the light still needs to be correct. Different varieties of orchids have different light preferences.
Once you've identified your orchid's light requirements you can choose your orchid lights. You can also purchase a light meter that measures the level of light in footcandles and you'll often see the light requirements of orchids described in footcandles.
It's also a good idea to install an on/off timer for your lighting system so that you don't need to remember to switch them on and off.
3. Symptoms of Insufficient or Excessive Light Exposure
An orchid that is getting too much light or not enough will often exhibit tell-tale signs. If you know what they are you'll be able to act quickly to fix the problem
When over exposed to light, some orchids will start to show a red pigment on the leaves. Leaf tips may have signs of scorching. Insufficient light can result in the orchid leaves turning a deep green color. They can appear to be quite healthy but the correct color for most orchid leaves is a bright green.
Correct lighting is essential if you want your plants to thrive and flower well. Without sufficient light your orchid may not flower at all and that would be truly disappointing.
