How Important Is Orchid Lighting?

Orchid lighting is a part of the tools that orchid growers use for the cultivation of their plants. Although most orchid species grow in tropical countries, this doesn't necessarily mean that they can stand being in the sun like sunflowers. In their natural habitat, orchids grow under the canopy of the forest which gives them intermittent amounts of light in a warm, moist environment. Even those orchids which can be found on the side of mountains or in crevices of rocks only get exposed to sunlight for part of the day. That is why the home gardener or the orchid farmer needs to take these factors in account and try to mimic the plant's natural light exposure especially for blooming or plant reproduction. Since orchids are cared for and grown in various parts of the globe, the able orchid grower will try to adapt his environment to the plant's origin so that he can create the best conditions for his orchid plant.

?Natural sunlight is the best because even with the brightest lamps or bulbs in the house or garden, it may not be the best for the orchid. What may seem brilliant to humans may be a mere pittance to the poor orchid. Light for plants is measured in fcs or 'foot candles' which is an old way of measuring light by a one foot candle's shadow. Anyway, our bright living room light may only measure about 800 fcs while the outdoor sunshine streaming through the screen door may amount to 8,000 fcs. So there is a great disparity between what we think as strong light and the light that the orchid plant may need in order to flower. Also, the amount of light varies from season to season. Temperatures vary as well. This is another factor that the orchid grower needs to consider with regard to orchid lighting. This is why experts always encourage orchid growers to time blooming or repotting when the season is right so that the sun or the artificial light can help in plant function.

?Not all orchids like the same amount of light either. There are low light, medium light and high light orchids. Being aware of the light exposure your orchid species likes best will be very beneficial in creating healthy blooms. Sometimes, just changing the location of your plant may make a non-flowering orchid plant bloom. Orchid lighting greatly affects plant cycles. That's why there are anecdotal accounts of orchids who have stubbornly refused to bloom despite the best efforts of the gardener. When transferred to an area with more sunlight, it miraculously blooms. Much of it is trial and error so being observant and being willing to experiment with what your plant likes will eventually allow you to figure it out. The plant itself will tell you in the quality of its leaves whether it needs more sun or light. When the leaves become dark green in color, it means that you need to give it more light.

?There are different artificial lights that can be used by the orchid grower to encourage the plant to grow taller or to flower. Incandescent lights with their warm red glow work well to help bloom plants. Fluorescent lamps cast both red/warm or blue/cool lights so they perform better than incandescents and won't likely burn the plant because of heat emission. However, it's hard to use too many fluorescents in a small space. Another consideration is that you've got to put the plant directly in the middle so you can get the best effect for your orchid lighting. Metal Halide lights and sodium lights are two kinds of HID or high intensity discharge lights that give your plants more brightness for less space. These more 'high-tech' lights do come with a higher cost so it's not practical for the simple home grower but they do serve the need of giving your orchids the red or blue light it needs to ensure flowering or growth. Combining ?these types of orchid lighting can make you enjoy your orchid growing experience even more.

If you would like to know more about orchid lighting just click here or you can visit my website at http://www.SecretsofOrchidCare.com for helpful tips and information on buying, growing and caring for many types of orchids

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