What Kind of Lights Do You Use to Grow Orchids?

Natural Light

• Most orchids prefer shaded or indirect sunlight as their primary source of light. A table placed 12 inches from a bright, south-facing window is ideal, although east- and west-facing windows may provide enough light. Don’t place the plant directly on the windowsill unless the light is indirect; straight sunlight can actually burn their delicate petals.

Supplementary Fluorescent Lighting

• While some orchid varieties can grow and bloom under artificial lights, most do especially well when artificial light supplements their daily dose of sunlight. Fluorescent, full-spectrum lights mimic natural light better than any other type of bulb; fluorescent lights are also energy-efficient and do not give off a tremendous amount of heat, which can damage or burn your orchids. Use a clip on desk lamp for one or two plants or a shop light fixture for multiple plants. In either case, position the fluorescent bulbs 8 to 10 inches above the orchid.

Fluorescent-Only Lighting

• If you will be giving your orchids only artificial light, the minimum suggested by Washington State and University of Illinois horticulturalists is to use 40-watt full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs hung 6 inches above the plants. The lights should be on the orchids for at least 12 hours per day; you can purchase a light timer at most home improvement or gardening centers.

Troubleshooting

• Healthy orchids receiving the correct amount of light will have light-to-medium green leaves with a soft, matte sheen. Too much light will bleach the leaves to a yellow-green or will cause red or purple scorch sots on the leaves or bloom, which will dry out and turn crispy. Orchids with dark green leaves, which may be shiny, are not receiving enough light. While low light will not hurt the orchid, it will not bloom.