Light
Light is probably the single most important factor in successfully growing and blooming orchids. With the right light level, the plant can produce enough food to produce flowers. Too little light and they may grow well, but won’t flower. Too much light will scorch or burn the leaves just like we sunburn when staying in the sun too long. If you have orchids that don’t bloom, but are otherwise healthy and growing well, light is the first cultural condition to check.
How much light does this orchid need? Good question. Here are 4 ways to tell:
- Observe you orchid.
| Light is too Low |
Light is just Right |
Light is too High |
- Leaves are dark green
- New growth is smaller than last growth
- Stems are floppy and/or weak
- Does not bloom
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- Leaves are light green
- New growth is larger than last growth.
- Stems are strong
- Blooms regularly
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- Leaves are yellow and/or have burn spots.
- Leaves turn black and fall off.
- Growth is stunted.
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- Orchids can be loosely grouped into three light level categories:
| Low |
Medium |
High |
- Phaleanopsis
- Paphiopedilum
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- Post a question on an orchid discussion forum. Orchid people are a helpful, friendly lot.
- Research the weather conditions where your orchid grows in the wild. Or if it is a hybrid, research the conditions of the species present in your hybrid.