Orchids Sunlight
The amount of light an orchid needs depends on the type of plant but here are general guidelines that will help optimize the health of your plant and coax it to flower.
Orchids sunlight. Orchids need lots of light and depending on the type of orchid they need filtered light or full on light. Expose potted orchids to sunlight gradually. Terrestrial orchids also known as hardy orchids often tolerate full sun better than tropical orchids. Orchids that grow at the tops of trees and in other exposed conditions can handle full sun.
Potted orchids should be allowed to acclimate to the sun. A fluorescent fixture in a dimly lit window adds extra light to natural sunlight too and can mean the difference between flowers and no flowers. Of course sunlight is essential for growing orchids but it must be remembered that not all types of orchids need the same amount of light. Light is a key factor in growing healthy orchids.
When growing an orchid indoors it is recommended that it receive six hours of indirect sunlight a day to stay healthy. Light is necessary for all life but plants have the unique talent of being able to harness sunlight energy and turn it into food. East facing windows provide morning sunlight and the orchid will not overheat or dry out directly in the sun. Get outdoors for some landscaping or spruce up your garden.
After 1 2 more weeks move the orchid into an area where it receives sun before 10 am and after. That will determine whether you use sheer curtains or whether you use no curtains. Direct sunlight may cause plants to burn and too little light will prevent plants from flowering. An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds.
These include vandas and some epidendrums. Check your orchid to see if it needs more light or less light. This plant should get at least six hours of sunlight a day. Orchids that do not flower often require more light.
Start with 1 2 hours of morning and evening sun a day. Fast free shipping on many items. Even on a mostly cloudy day you will have 10 15 of sunlight so places that don. Then after a week move your orchid into an area with 3 4 hours of morning and evening sun.
Orchids requiring more light such as vandas and cymbidiums however need natural sunlight or high intensity discharge lights to bloom. How much sunlight does an orchid need. In nature orchids like partially shaded areas. Be sure to move them back into more shade in springtime.
If you receive your plant by mail expose it to light gradually in stages over a period of several weeks. In wintertime when the sun is lower in the sky many orchids can handle brighter light. Some varieties of orchids such as the phalaenopsis only need 10 15 sunlight in a normal day which isnt a great deal.