Do orchids need sunlight? The simple answer is yes, but they can be picky about it. Different types of orchids need different types and amounts of light, but almost all varieties do poorly when exposed to too much direct sunlight.

Most orchids grown as houseplants are native to tropical montane and lowland rainforests. They are usually epiphytic, meaning they grow on trees or rocks with exposed root systems that take nutrients from the air. Sunlight filters through the treetops to provide these unique plants with varying levels of indirect light.

Growing orchids is a profitable gardening project. Learn how to maintain your health and blooms year after year with the right type and amount of light described in this guide.

How much light do orchids need?

The basic rule for caring for orchids is to provide bright, indirect light. Some species will tolerate direct exposure to morning sun, but midday and afternoon rays are too strong.

They can send your plant into energy overload, burn the leaves and destroy the orchid’s ability to use nutrients efficiently. However, insufficient sun during the day can lead to failure to bloom.

Orchids can have low or high light requirements, or they can fall somewhere in between. This refers to the intensity of the light, not the number of hours of exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon with the rays continuing to increase in strength and heat for several hours. Daylight lasts longer during the summer months, which means that exposure to the sun is more intense for more hours.

You don’t have to be a meteorologist to grow orchids, but finding the best place to put your orchid can take some trial and error. Here are the light requirements for three common types of orchids to help you get started,

Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis it needs six to eight hours of indirect sunlight during the growing season. Four to six hours is enough during the winter months. Place these orchids near east- or south-facing windows, or filter direct light with a sheer curtain, shade, or shade. In southern climates, phalaenopsis can also thrive on north-facing windows.

If the undersides or edges of the leaves start to turn reddish-purple, your phalaenopsis orchid is receiving too much direct light. Black or brown tips and spots on the leaves are symptoms of sunburn. Signs of insufficient light include stunting, leggy growth and long, drooping leaves.

Cattleya Orchids

Cattleya they are considered medium light orchids and do not bloom with inadequate exposure. They need at least four hours of bright sun to bloom. They tolerate direct sunlight in northern growing zones as long as they are not exposed to midday sun. Growers in the south must filter exposure to indirect light. Near east and south facing windows are the best locations for this orchid.

Red leaf edges indicate that your cattleya orchid is getting too much direct sun. If the leaves turn dark green, exposure to light is not sufficient for flowering. Healthy cattleya leaves are light green.

Dendrobium Orchids

Dendrobium orchids need six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight for good health and may need supplemental lighting, especially during the winter months in northern growing zones. Place them in an east or south facing window with a sheer or curtain. Direct midday exposure can burn the leaves.

Dendrobium is a high light orchid that does not bloom in inadequate light. Weak stems are another sign of insufficient exposure. Black or brown spots on the leaves and reddish-purple edges are signs of sunburn.

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Can you grow orchids in low light?

Phalaenopsis is considered a low light orchid. Miltonia, ‘pansy’ and paphiopedilum, ‘lady slipper’ orchids are also considered low light species.

These orchids cannot use the strong, high-energy rays of sunlight, which can even cause harmful effects, but they still need a certain number of hours of exposure to the weaker morning rays.

They may be tolerant of afternoon shade, but still need low-intensity morning light to thrive. Move these orchids to an east-facing window during the winter months.

5 signs that your orchid is not getting enough light

1. The leaves turn a darker green.
2. The orchid fails to bloom.
3. Leaves and stems are weak and droopy.
4. The leaves are thin and elongated.
5. Growth is slow or stunted.