What Orchid Lights Can Do For Your Orchids

Most orchids are used to growing in sunny parts of the world, so many do best in well lit areas. Most like four to six hours of natural light each day. However, there are varieties that have slightly different needs. For all orchids, avoid hot direct sunlight. Whether you have an orchid that prefers bright light or something less, the light is almost always filtered light.

Since light is vital for thriving and healthy orchids, some owners opt for 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.

A combination of sunlight and fluorescent light makes a great combination for many orchid blossoms. No matter which type of orchid light you are using, just be sure to follow these principles. 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. 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. Blossoming of your orchid means it is very healthy.

If your plant is located by a window, make 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 slightly different light requirement. Some do alright 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. Low cost indoor orchid lights include a range 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 want more light. Never put an orchid in the dark when it is not flowering. It still requires 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. Regardless of what orchid light you decide on, first ensure 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 .