All plants need light-either natural or artificial.
It is their source of energy for food and reproduction and orchids are no exception.
If you find that your plants seem to be producing fewer blooms than expected, it's possible that the light intensity at the plant's location is inadequate.
You can check if your plants are receiving adequate light by the color and condition of their foliage.
Orchid species vary in their appearance, but for the most part, their leaves should be light green in color and firm enough to be able to stand vertically or horizontally on their own.
Poorly lighted orchids have narrower and darker green leaves that are droopy and spaced farther apart on the stems.
Since light is the most essential factor in the flowering of your orchids, any extra care you make to improve the light will pay-off, not just to produce blooms, but will also improve their general health.
To improve natural lighting for your orchids, inspect the room where the plants are located.
Can you move the orchids closer to windows? Are there south- or west-facing windows that receive stronger light? Can shrubs or trees shading the windows be pruned to allow more light to reach the windows? If adequate sunlight is not available, various artificial light sources can be employed to augment the natural light.
When correcting the lighting your orchid receives, do so cautiously.
Increase the plant's exposure to light gradually.
If you are bringing them outdoors after a long winter spell, position them in the shade first and gradually move them to less-shaded areas as the days progress.
Orchids burn easily when light and heat levels are introduced too quickly.
The Danger of Exposing the Orchid to Too Much Light and Heat While orchids need adequate lighting to thrive, ensure that you don't over-expose them to strong direct sunlight.
When orchids are placed in direct sunlight, especially if moved suddenly from a cooler, darker environment, the leaves will sunburn.
This damage will show up as black circular or oval spots on the foliage.
If you suspect the light is too strong, feel the leaves, if they are hot to the touch, they're definitely getting too much light.
Correct over-exposure by moving the orchid to a location where the light is indirect, partially shaded, or filtered.
Moving your orchids back indoors during the peak of summer is an option, if your home has good light and humidity.
Not only will you be able to keep a closer eye on the orchids, your home will be all the brighter because of them.
It is their source of energy for food and reproduction and orchids are no exception.
If you find that your plants seem to be producing fewer blooms than expected, it's possible that the light intensity at the plant's location is inadequate.
You can check if your plants are receiving adequate light by the color and condition of their foliage.
Orchid species vary in their appearance, but for the most part, their leaves should be light green in color and firm enough to be able to stand vertically or horizontally on their own.
Poorly lighted orchids have narrower and darker green leaves that are droopy and spaced farther apart on the stems.
Since light is the most essential factor in the flowering of your orchids, any extra care you make to improve the light will pay-off, not just to produce blooms, but will also improve their general health.
To improve natural lighting for your orchids, inspect the room where the plants are located.
Can you move the orchids closer to windows? Are there south- or west-facing windows that receive stronger light? Can shrubs or trees shading the windows be pruned to allow more light to reach the windows? If adequate sunlight is not available, various artificial light sources can be employed to augment the natural light.
When correcting the lighting your orchid receives, do so cautiously.
Increase the plant's exposure to light gradually.
If you are bringing them outdoors after a long winter spell, position them in the shade first and gradually move them to less-shaded areas as the days progress.
Orchids burn easily when light and heat levels are introduced too quickly.
The Danger of Exposing the Orchid to Too Much Light and Heat While orchids need adequate lighting to thrive, ensure that you don't over-expose them to strong direct sunlight.
When orchids are placed in direct sunlight, especially if moved suddenly from a cooler, darker environment, the leaves will sunburn.
This damage will show up as black circular or oval spots on the foliage.
If you suspect the light is too strong, feel the leaves, if they are hot to the touch, they're definitely getting too much light.
Correct over-exposure by moving the orchid to a location where the light is indirect, partially shaded, or filtered.
Moving your orchids back indoors during the peak of summer is an option, if your home has good light and humidity.
Not only will you be able to keep a closer eye on the orchids, your home will be all the brighter because of them.
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