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What Kind of Light Do Orchids Like Indoors?

Paphiopedilum, phalenopsis, dendrobium, oncidium and Cattleya orchids will grow as healthy plants as long as the care is correct for the type of plant. Orchids can be grown indoors, but they do need the right lighting conditions. Incorrect lighting is the most common reason for orchids not flowering.
  1. Paphiopedilum Orchids

    • Paphiopedilum orchids, also known as slipper orchids, grow under low-light conditions. These orchids do very well in an east-facing window if the plant is set back away from the direct sunlight. If an east-facing window isn’t available, plants can be placed 8 inches under two 40-watt incandescent light bulbs for 14 hours a day.

    Phalaenopsis Orchids

    • Phalaenopsis orchids, also know as moth orchids, need low light. Do not place these orchids in a west- or south-facing window since that amount of light will sunburn the plants. An east-facing window provides the ideal lighting for the phalaenopsis orchid. Plants that can’t be placed in a window will get enough light from two 40-watt incandescent light bulbs placed 8 inches above the plant for 14 hours.

    Cattleya Orchids

    • Cattleya orchids, also called corsage orchids, need bright light with some direct sunlight to flower. Plants will do very well in a west- or east-facing window but can also be placed in a south-facing window that is shaded from direct sunlight. Plants that can’t be placed in a window will thrive with two 40-watt incandescent light bulbs placed 8 inches above tthem.

    Dendrobium Orchids

    • Dendrobium orchids, also know as spray orchids, are considered air plants or epiphytes. The orchids have pseudobulbs that store water. These types of orchids need bright light, which should consist of 50 percent sunlight. Indoors, the plant does the best in a west- or east-facing window, but a south-facing window filtered by a sheer provides enough light. Two 40-watt incandescent light bulbs provide enough light if the plant is not near a window.

    Oncidiums Orchids

    • Oncidium orchids, also know as dancing lady orchids, require high lighting, which comes from a south-facing window for one-to-three hours. However, if the plant leaves are thick, the plant can endure more than a few hours of direct sunlight, more so than a plant with thin leaves. Plants can also be grown under four 40-watt fluorescent lights placed about 12 inches above the plant.