How Much Sunlight for Orchids?

Significance

• Orchids that don't receive enough sunshine won't bloom. On the other hand, orchids cannot handle a heavy beating from the sun, as this leaves them with unhealthy dark spots. In a healthy orchid, leaves stand upright and showcase a green-yellow color -- not the dark green color of grass, according to the American Orchid Society.

Intensity

• Most orchids thrive in bright spots without much direct sunlight -- though different species vary in their needs. For instance, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum orchids prefer low light locations, such as a spot on a table one or two feet from a sunny window. Cattleya and Cymbidium prefer brighter spots in open windowsills. If your only choice is a south-facing window or another place where the sun beats down, horticulturalist Richard Jauron recommends hanging a sheer curtain over the window on the Iowa State University website.

Duration

• The natural rising and setting of the sun offer a healthy beginning and end for an orchid's day of sun exposure. At least six hours a day is best, and you can keep lights on for 12 to 16 hours in some cases. Keep in mind that while lots of sunlight encourages blooming, you should never leave the lights running all night; orchids also need nighttime darkness and cooler temperatures to flower.

Checking Light Levels

• To determine if a location receives enough sunlight to satisfy your orchid, place your hand approximately 1 foot from the orchid leaves, to block the sunlight. If your hand casts a faint shadow, the sunlight is sufficient for low light orchids; if it casts a dark, clear shadow, the sunlight should satisfy orchids that require high intensity light, according to the American Orchid Society.