Do orchids need sunlight? The simple answer is yes, but they can be finicky about it. Different types of orchids require different types and amounts of light, but almost all varieties respond poorly when exposed to too much bright, direct sunlight.
Most orchids grown as houseplants are native to tropical mountain and lowland rainforests. They are generally epiphytic Which means they grow on trees or rocks with open root systems that take nutrients from the air. Sunlight filters through the tree canopy to provide these unique plants with varying levels of indirect illumination.
Growing orchids is a profitable gardening project. Learn how to keep yourself healthy and blooming year after year The right type and amount of light Mentioned in this guide.
How much light does an orchid need
The basic rule for orchid care is to provide bright, indirect light. Some types can tolerate direct exposure to the morning sun, but the midday and afternoon rays are too strong.
They can overwhelm your plant with energy, burn the leaves, and destroy the orchid’s ability to use nutrients efficiently. However, not having enough sunlight throughout the day may result in failure to bloom.
Orchids may require low light or high light or fall somewhere in between. This refers to the intensity of the light and not the number of hours of exposure. The sun reaches its peak around noon with its rays continuing to increase in strength and warmth for several hours. Daylight lasts longer during the summer months which means more hours of sun exposure at a higher intensity.
You don’t need to be a meteorologist to grow orchids, but finding the best place to place your orchids may require some trial and error. Here are the light requirements for three common types of orchids to help you get started,
phalaenopsis orchid
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Phalaenopsis Requires six to eight hours of indirect sunlight during the growing season. Four to six hours is enough during the winter months. Place these orchids near an east- or south-facing window or filter direct light with curtains, blinds or shades. In southern climates, Phalaenopsis can also thrive in a north-facing window.
If the bottom surface or edge of the leaf begins to turn reddish-violet, your Phalaenopsis orchid is getting too much direct light. Black or brown tips and spots on leaves are symptoms of sunburn. Signs of insufficient light include stunting, poor legume development and long, drooping leaves.
Cattleya Orchid
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cattleya These are considered medium-light orchids and fail to bloom with inadequate exposure. They need at least four hours of bright sunlight to bloom. They tolerate direct sunlight in northern growing regions as long as they are not exposed to afternoon sun. Southern growers need filtered exposure to indirect light. East and south facing windows are the best locations for this orchid.
Red leaf edges indicate that your Cattleya orchid is receiving too much direct sunlight. If the leaves turn dark green the light exposure is insufficient to produce blooms. The leaves of healthy Cattleya are light green in color.
dendrobium orchid
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Dendrobium Orchids require six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight for good health and may require Supplement with Grow LightsEspecially during the winter months in northern growing regions. Place them in a transparent or curtained place on an east or south facing window. Leaves may burn if exposed to direct sunlight.
Dendrobium is a high-light orchid that fails to bloom in insufficient light. Weak stems are another sign of inadequate exposure. Black or brown spots on leaves and red-violet edges are symptoms of sunburn.
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Can you grow orchids in low light?
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Phalaenopsis is considered a low-light orchid. Miltonia‘Pansy’ and PaphiopedilumThe ‘Lady Slipper’ orchid is also considered a low-light type.
These orchids cannot use the strong, high-energy rays of sunlight, which can also cause adverse effects, but they still need a few hours of exposure to weaker morning rays.
They can be tolerant of afternoon shade but still require low intensity morning light to thrive. Move these orchids to an east-facing window during the winter months.
5 signs your orchid isn’t getting enough light
- The leaves become dark green.
- Orchid fails to bloom.
- Leaves and stems are weak and swollen.
- The leaves are thin and long.
- Growth is slow or halted.
FAQ
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A good place to start is near an east-facing window. Morning light is least likely to have adverse effects on most types of orchids. You can make adjustments if the orchid shows signs of too little or too much exposure.
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Most orchids do not require direct sunlight, although some orchids with higher light requirements can tolerate direct morning sunlight. Amounts of bright, indirect light are better for most varieties.