When it comes to growing Phalaenopis Orchids, one of the most important factors in securing a success is that of the amount of light the plant receives. A plant that is given too much light could cook while a plant that does not receive enough, would not grow. So how do you know how much light the orchid needs to grow? Start with the basics.
In general, orchids need light to grow. In a normal home setting, a Phalaenopsis Orchid should thrive being set in or at least near a window. A window facing east or west is the best to allocate optimal growth. It is important to remember in the heat of the day, the light from the sun is too harsh for your precious orchids. Instead morning and late afternoon sun is the best option for the plants. If you are in a darker or cloudier environment then the option that you will want to take is a shaded southern facing window. Orchids need light to prosper.
Another lighting solution that you may want to partake in is the use of artificial or florescent lighting. This would be achieved properly by setting your lights up near the plants. For Phalaenopsis Orchids, the optimal set up would be where you set the lights approximately 1 foot above your orchid plant. If you use this method be careful to time it properly. You need to simulate the regular amount of daylight. If you leave the light on too long, it can cause your flowers and your leaves to wilt. On the other hand, leaving the light on too short of a period of time, your plant will not receive the nutrients that it receives from the sun or artificial source of light.
Another important aspect of lighting where Phalaenopis Orchids are concerned is lighting for a home greenhouse. The shading element of home greenhouses is extremely important if that is where you are going to be growing your orchids. Orchids thrive with the correct lighting but are very sensitive to being overly exposed to the very light they need to survive. With a home greenhouse it is suggested that you try a shading cloth. This should be used to minimize the light exposure on the delicate plants. Optimal shading would allow the light levels to between 1000 and 1500 feet. Any direct sun light beyond those specifications can damage the flowers and in worse case scenario the plants themselves.
In conclusion, Phalaenopsis Orchids need the help of the suns growing powers. They need sun light but if the light is too severe it can actually hurt the plants not help them. An ideal spot for growing orchids would be that of a window that is faced east or west. Use of florescent lighting should be minimized to simulate the regular amount of daylight and should be placed approximately a foot above the plant. It is clear there are a lot of requirements for lighting a Phalaenopsis Orchid, however if you follow this simple guide, then your plants should grow to the beautiful outcome you want.