People usually enter the world of orchids by taking care of phalaenopsis orchids.
This might be your first time hearing about phalaenopsis specifically, but you have probably met hundreds of varieties throughout your life.
Even though this type of orchid is easy to take care of, some basic care knowledge such as the light requirement for this orchid will be beneficial for all orchid owners.
Phalaenopsis, unlike oncidium species do not fare well if exposed to direct sunlight.
While oncidium orchids tend to bloom beautifully when there is ample heat, phalaenopsis species usually wither when placed in a location that has a constant source of direct sunlight with no shade.
Because of this peculiar requirement, orchid growers generally recommend that this type of orchid be placed near eastern windows, or anywhere that the sun does not directly reach.
If you have to place the orchids in the direct path of the sun's rays, make sure that you place some shading to prevent the orchids from being scorched.
If you have grow lights installed in an improvised green house or warm house, they can be used instead of sunlight.
The phalaenopsis orchids will fare well.
Just make sure that the lights are no closer than a foot from the plant itself.
If they are too close, the grow lights can also cause problems.
How do you know that your phalaenopsis orchids are doing well under your care? Look at the leaves.
Healthy phalaenopsis orchids have very dark green leaves.
The underside of the leaves usually have reddish streaks, as well.