How Much Sunlight Do Orchid Need to Make them Bloom?

If you want to start your gardening journey with a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow indoor plant, orchids are the best option.

Master the orchid care with the right amount of sunlight, water, humidity, and temperature.

Regardless of varieties, orchids need 6 hours of bright sunlight to grow and bloom. However, the light requirement may differ depending on the variety you choose to grow.

Broadly, orchids can be classified into three categories: low-light,medium-light, and high-light orchids.

Anyway, a high-light orchid doesn’t mean it prefers hot afternoon sun. Similarly, a low-light orchid doesn’t mean it likes to grow in the dark.

Not fulfilling orchids’ light requirements can cause them to grow slowly, produce fewer blooms, or even stop blooming.

For instance, keeping high-light orchids in medium-light may grow foliage but with fewer blossoms.

Likewise, if low-light orchids are exposed to direct sunlight, plants can experience sunburn.

So, it is essential that you completely understand your orchid’s light requirements before placing it on the window sill.

Orchids and Sunlight: A Comprehensive Guide

The first thing to do after purchasing or receiving an orchid as a gift is to research the orchid species, which is essential to providing ideal lighting.

The growth and blooming of orchids are directly related to the light they receive. Though most orchid varieties are resilient and can adapt to indoor environments, it is crucial to care to provide the desired light for successful blooming.

Low-light Orchids (Dappled sunlight)

Orchids that prefer dappled light: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Masdevallia orchids.

Starting with low-light orchids, the most popular orchid that prefers low-lightening is the Phalaenopsis orchid.

Also known as the moth orchid, phalaenopsis prefers bright, shaded spots and doesn’t demand direct sunlight.

Exposing Phalaenopsis to the sun will burn leaves and stop blooming.

Place moth orchid far from the window to keep it away from direct sunlight.

If your greenhouse isn’t getting enough light, you can use artificial LED lights above the orchids to encourage optimal growth and blooming.

Check this: Where Should I Put My Orchid in My House?

Medium-light Orchids (Bright, indirect sunlight)

Orchids that prefer medium-light: Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium orchids

Oncidium orchids can be considered in this section. It prefers bright light to low-light orchids but should avoid direct sunlight.

Leaves of Oncidium orchids are prone to sunburn.

You can use a sheer curtain to block direct sunlight from hitting its leaves.

Without sufficient sunlight, you must use grow lights to fulfill the light requirements of this orchid.

High-light Orchids (Direct Sunlight)

Orchids that prefer direct sunlight: Vanda, Cymbidium, and Brassavola orchids.

Vanda orchid needs abundant light to bloom and thrive.

You can grow them in balconies or terraces where they get adequate sun exposure.

But prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight can burn its leaves, too.

So, it is recommended that you use a shaded cloth to protect the vanda orchid from afternoon sunlight.

Tip: Use a light meter to determine the sunlight your orchid is receiving.

Also Read: 17 Orchid Growing Mistakes New Gardeners Make

Do Orchids Need Direct Sunlight?

Not all, but certain orchid varieties, like Vanda and Cymbidium orchids, do well in full sunlight.

But this doesn’t mean it can tolerate intense sunlight. Prolonged exposure to harsh sun rays can burn its leaves.

Can I grow orchids in low light?

Yes, a few orchids, like the Moth orchid and Lady slipper orchid, do well in dappled sunlight.

Choose a location that gets bright light and avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

Signs that my orchid isn’t getting enough sunlight

Orchids are epiphytes that naturally grow on trees in tropical forests, receiving filtered light. When they lack sufficient sunlight, they exhibit several signs:

• Change in Leaf Color: Healthy orchids have bright green leaves. Dark green leaves indicate inadequate light and suboptimal photosynthesis.
• Poor Flowering: Orchids need ample light to bloom. Failure to flower during the usual season often points to insufficient light.
• Leggy or Elongated Growth: The plant stretches towards light, resulting in weak, spindly stems.
• Slow Growth: Orchids require light for energy. Without it, growth slows significantly.
• Weak Root Systems: Insufficient light leads to thin, weak roots that can’t support healthy foliage.
• Soft, Pliable Leaves: Soft and pliable instead of firm and robust leaves indicate a lack of light.

These signs help identify when your orchid needs more light to thrive.

Orchids with too much sunlight

While orchids need light, too much direct sunlight can be harmful. Overexposure can cause sunburn, appearing as white or brown patches on the leaves, which may eventually fall off if the damage is severe. Excessive sunlight can also turn leaves yellow or bleached as chlorophyll breaks down, reducing photosynthesis.

Due to rapid water loss, orchids may exhibit wilted or drooping leaves despite adequate watering. Additionally, intense light stress can lead to stunted growth and failure to flower.

To prevent these issues, provide orchids with filtered or indirect light using sheer curtains, placing them in dappled sunlight, or moving them away from direct sunlight.

Growing Orchids Outdoors

Growing orchids outdoors can be highly rewarding if conditions mimic their natural habitat. In temperate climates, they can be placed outside during warmer months but should be protected from direct midday sun to prevent sunburn. Early morning or late afternoon sun is ideal.

Orchids benefit from natural humidity and airflow outdoors, reducing the risk of pests and diseases. However, they should be protected from heavy rain and strong winds by placing them under tree canopies or shade cloth.

Gradually acclimate orchids to outdoor conditions to avoid shock by increasing their time outside over a week or two. This ensures they adapt well to the new light and temperature conditions, promoting healthy growth.

Can Orchid Survive Winter?

Most orchids are tropical plants, so they can’t handle freezing temperatures. Bring them indoors before temperatures drop in cold regions and place them in bright, indirect light, ideally near a south-facing window.

If natural light is insufficient, use supplemental grow lights. Maintaining indoor humidity during winter can be challenging, as orchids prefer 40-60% humidity. Use a humidifier or a humidity tray with water and pebbles under the pot.

Keep orchids away from drafts and heat sources like radiators, as these can cause temperature fluctuations and dry out the plants. During their dormant phase in winter, reduce watering and fertilization to keep them healthy for spring blooming.

Can Orchid Survive Summer?

Orchids can thrive in summer if their needs are met. Due to increased evaporation, they may require more frequent watering, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot by ensuring the potting medium dries slightly between waterings.

Use shade cloth or move plants to a shadier spot to provide adequate shade during the hottest day. Proper airflow prevents fungal infections, so use a fan if natural breezes are insufficient.

In extremely high temperatures, mist orchids increase humidity and cool the plants, ensuring leaves dry quickly to avoid fungal issues. By closely monitoring their environment and adjusting care routines, orchids can thrive in summer.

Conclusion

Orchids are lovely indoor flowering plants that are known for love and thoughtfulness.

Vibrant colored blooms give utmost pleasure to your eyes whenever you have a glance at the plant.

It can be intimidating to grow these popular cut flowers indoors. But you must master the light requirements to have successful plant growth.

Not all orchids are identical, and their sunlight requirements are different.

Overall, orchids, regardless of variety, need 6 hours of bright sunlight. They need to be shielded from intense afternoon sunlight to avoid sunburned leaves.

I prefer medium-light orchids to grow in my room, as it gets enough bright light.

Consider your indoor location and temperature before choosing the orchid.