Do You Really Need Orchid Lights?
Most orchids are used to growing in sunny parts of the world, so many do best in well lit areas. Most prefer 4 to 6 hours of natural light day-to-day. However, there are varieties that have slightly different needs. Harsh, hot direct light is never good. Bright or not, in general, orchids can be found growing in nature with lots of humidity and filtered light.
Since light is vital for thriving and healthy orchids, some owners opt for orchid lights. With direct control over your orchid’s light, it is one less thing to worry about getting right. Many lights have clamp on fixtures, and can rotate 360 degrees and angle at 90 degrees. Florescent lights are good to encourage blooming, as they give light with no heat. A dark or shady apartment may need florescent orchid lights for 12 hours.
Another idea is to mix the flourescent light with some natural sunlight. The following principles apply regardless of which source of orchid light you are using. Your orchid will tell you when it is not getting enough light, as its leaves will become a darker green. Yellow, bleached out leaves indicate too much light. Your own experience will become the best way to tell when or how to adjust the orchid lights. Bright, light green and glossy leaves are good indictors of health. Blossoming of your orchid means it is very healthy.
If your plant is located by a window, be sure it is draft-free. An east window is great for morning sun and most orchids will do well there. Indoor orchids need more light, as they are tropical in nature and used to getting more light outdoors. They are not used to winter at all. Remember, they don’t need much if any direct sunlight, but an indirect light source.
Each type of orchid has a slightly different light requirement. Many do okay out in the shade, or in trees. For house orchids, artificial lights will give you the most control. You may want to purchase orchid lights for these types of orchids. Bright light and indirect sun is required by Cymbidiums, Vandas, Cattleyas, and Dendrobiums. Those requiring medium light, but no direct sun, are Oncidinae, Intergenerics, Oncidiums, Miniature Cattleyas, Phalanaenopsis, and Phramepediyms. Orchids requiring low light levels, in the source of bright, indirect light, are the Jewel orchids. These are Paphiopidilems, and some Angraecoids. LED orchid lights are available and provide high spectrum light for your indoor plants. Remember, if your orchid is Epiphytic, it has a root system that needs sunlight for photosynthesis.
You can find a wide range of orchid lights, from very simple to the deluxe variety with timers and other accessories. Low cost indoor orchid lights offer a assortment of popular reflectors. Digital indoor grow lights give you a little more control. Air-cooled indoor orchid lights make sure light temperatures don’t get too hot for your plant. In most cases, when orchids are in a resting phase, they won’t require as much light. In growing or flowering seasons, they will will need more light. Do not put an orchid in the dark when it is not flowering. It still wants sunlight, as all plants do, for photosynthesis.
An orchid light can make caring for your orchids a little easier. It removes one of the crucial variables required by your orchids for healthy, vibrant growth and bright blooms. Whichever orchid light you pick out, first ensure you know the individual light preferences of your orchid.
What you just learned about orchid lights is just the beginning. To get the full story and a FREE Orchid Care Minicourse, check us out at Growing Orchids .