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 day-to-day. Don't forget though, that some orchid types prefer less light. 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. This way they have direct control over the amount of light their plant is getting. 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. 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. 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 green and glossy leaves mean your orchid is healthy. Blossoming of your orchid means it is very healthy.If your plant is positioned 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 kind of orchid has a a little 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.Orchid lights range from very simple to quite complex. Inexpensive indoor orchid lights offer 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. Typically, when orchids are in a resting phase, they won't require as much light. In growing or flowering seasons, they will require 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. No matter what orchid light you choose, first make sure you know the individual light preferences of your orchid.