Do You Really Need Orchid Lights?
The majority of orchids can be found naturally growing in many sunny areas around the globe. The majority like four to six hours of natural light each 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.
To avoid the guesswork, many orchid lovers use orchid lights. Orchid lights give them direct control over how much light their orchids receive. 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.
Another idea is to mix the flourescent light with some natural sunlight. Make sure you adhere to these simple principles, no matter what type of orchid light you decide to use. When your orchid is not getting enough light, it will tell you, by turning its leaves dark 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, make certain it is draft-free. An east window is very good 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 kind of orchid has a slightly different light requirement. A few do ok 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. Inexpensive 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. During growing or flowering seasons, they will need to have more light. Never put an orchid in the dark when it is not flowering. It still desires 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. No matter what orchid light you pick out, first ensure you know the individual light demands 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 .
