Friday, September 11, 2009

Orchids and Sunlight

Orchids, like any plant require sunlight not only to thrive, but to survive. Orchids which can be found in naturally warm environments do love light, but as with many things; in moderation. Each Orchid variety has different demands and it is important to the health of your particular plant that you understand its individual requirements. Here are some questions that you should be asking:

1. Where does the Orchid thrive in nature?

To understand your individual plant’s requirements, think about where you would find that species of orchid in nature. What is its natural preference and environment? Orchids can generally be classified in one of three main groups:

-Sunlight lovers
-Mid-level lighting lovers
-Moderate lighting lovers

The sunlight lovers include species like the Vanda and tree dwelling orchids. Mid-level lighting species include the Cattleya, while the terrestrial plants show a preference for moderate lighting levels for optimum growth.


2. How much sunlight is enough?

Most orchid varieties require sunlight for around four to six hours daily, throughout the year. During their resting or dormant phase, they may need less. Never place your orchid in the dark during the day as this will interfere with the photosynthesis process and cause the plant to become malnutritioned.

In most countries and areas of the world, it is not difficult to provide the right amount of sunlight. This can easily be done by simply placing the plant on a ledge or windowsill, where is can absorb the suns natural rays.

Windows can be cold places at night, so make an effort to pull a blind or curtain to retain the heat or if necessary, remove the plant altogether, at night; especially during winter.

There are a very few places where it may be necessary to use a florescent lamp to provide the light required, but this is unusual for most parts of the world.


3. Will any light do?

Full sun can burn any plant, but in particular the sensitive orchid. Yes, they love sun, but filtered sun. If your plant is in a window with full sun, particularly at the hottest part of the day, consider adding a blind or sheer curtain to filter the amount of sun that gets through.

4. How much sunlight is the right amount?

An unhealthy plant is easily spotted. Remove dead leaves and check that you are not overwatering. Always narrow down the suspects. If the leaves are not their normal glossy dark selves, and possess light spots or dark marks, then you should consider the amount of sunlight that your plant gets is either too much or not enough.

Keep an eye on the window at different times in the day. You may have picked that spot in the morning and failed to see that the heat from the sun was excessive in the middle of the day. Sunburn can bleach the leaves and if this happens, remove the plant from the location it is in. Sometimes just relocating your orchid back a half foot is enough.

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