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The majority of orchids can be found naturally growing in many sunny areas around the globe. The majority like 4 to 6 hours of natural light each day. However, there are varieties that have slightly different needs. For all orchids, avoid hot direct sunlight. Bright or not, in general, orchids can be found growing in nature with lots of humidity and filtered light.

To avoid the guesswork, many orchid lovers use 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. One good light choice is flourescent, since it gives your orchid the light, but without the damaging heat. These are especially a good choice if your house is particularly dark, as could be the case for a house surrounded by tall trees.

A combination of sunlight and fluorescent light makes a great combination for many orchid blossoms. The following principles apply regardless of which source of orchid light you are using. If leaves are dark green and soft, or bluish, this probably means they are not getting enough light. Yellow, bleached out leaves indicate too much light. As you gain more experience, you will learn what adjustment your orchid is calling for. Bright green and glossy leaves mean your orchid is healthy. And when your orchid is blooming you can be assured you are doing a good job in properly caring for your orchid.

If your plant is placed by a window, be sure it is draft-free. An east window is excellent 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 somewhat different light requirement. A few do fine 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.

Indoor grow lights for your orchid come in the very simple to the very complex. Budget indoor orchid lights provide a variety 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 general, when orchids are in a resting phase, they won’t require as much light. In growing or flowering seasons, they will want more light. Never 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 select, first be sure you know the individual light needs 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 .

Filed under: Hobbies on September 4th, 2010