How Many Hours Should Orchids Be in the Sun Per Day?

Phalaenopsis

• The phalaenopsis, also known as the "moth" orchid, is one of the easiest orchids to care for and one of the loveliest, with its somewhat flat face and delicate white and lavender flowers. In its native habitat it lives in the understory of rain forests, where large trees shade it and only indirect sunlight is present. At home, give your moth orchid six to eight hours of bright diffused or indirect sunlight each day for best blooming results.

Dendrobium

• The dendrobium comprises the second largest orchid species, with over 1,500 members and perhaps thousands of hybrids. Their environmental needs are diverse, with some members preferring a tropical climate and others tolerating cooler climate zones. Regardless of the temperature, all dendrobiums need bright light but not direct sun. Too much sun will burn the leaves and flowers so give this orchid approximately eight hours of indirect light each day.

Bamboo Orchid

• The bamboo orchid, or Arundina graminifolia, comes from the East Indies but is common in parts of Hawaii, where a real estate developer introduced it to promote the name "Orchid Isle." Unlike many of the other orchid species, the bamboo orchid thrives in full sun and hot temperatures. It pops up like a weed when its seeds land in a conducive spot with good drainage. It seems to grow in solid rock in hot, sunny places.

Cymbidium

• The many species of cymbidiums have different needs in terms of the amount of direct sun they can tolerate. The cymbidiums you are likely to grow at home are relatively large plants that produce large flowers and thrive in cooler environments. Give your cymbidium partial shade to partial sun, depending on the air temperature. In warmer areas, it needs more shade while in cooler areas it needs a bit more sunlight. When your plant blooms, move it to a shadier spot to prolong flowering.