Phalaenopsis – Right Light For Your Moth Orchid

Orchids can be classified into 3 groups depending on their requirement of light. The high (3,000 foot candles, medium (2,000 foot candles) and low (1,000-1,500 foot candles). Generally most orchids require plenty of light, preferably 6 hours per day. Orchids are tough and can handle more or less of their recommended light.

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Providing more light will enhance the flowering potential. Less light will prevent the plants from flowering but they still grow.

Gauging Your Light by Showing the Green

Leaf color is one of the best ways to determine if your plant is getting enough light. Houseplants may look best with dark green lush leaves but that’s not generally true for orchids. Leaves that are dark green are attractive but are a sure sign of not enough light. A plant that is grassy green in color means the plant is receiving enough light to bloom. Forgetting all the foot-candle measurements, below is a simple way to figure out if you have enough light.

Read this article on Growing Orchids Under Fluorescent Lighting in a basement.

Place your hand six inches above the leaves and look at the shadows cast.

• A sharp edge to your shadow   = High Light
• A soft edge shadow =   medium to low light
• No shadow at all = the light is insufficient for your plant to flower.

For natural light your best bet will be a southern or eastern facing window. The afternoon temperature can be too hot in a western window and the northern window is usually too dark.

Too much sun can bleach out the leaves and cause sunburn, eventually turning black. It may be necessary to move plants around as the season changes or to regulate the amount of light. A sheer curtain can also provide for some light shade.

Artificial light is excellent. You can provide sufficient light with 4 fluorescent tubes in one fixture placed 6"-12" over the leaves, for 12 to 16 hours per day.

Orchid Lighting Tips To Remember:

• Orchids that are growing and do not flower often require more light.
• Potting or repotting of your phalaenopsis is usually done in the spring.

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Phalaenopsis – Moth Orchid Care
• How Often Should Orchids be Watered?
• Orchids as House Plants
• Phalaenopsis – Moth Orchid – Up and Coming