Orchids are one of the most popular plants to grow in a home garden. They’re easy to care for and can be grown in a wide variety of conditions, making them an excellent choice for people who want to start their own indoor gardening hobby. Like all plants, orchids will need sunlight to thrive. So how much sun does orchid need?
Contents showHow Much Sun Does Orchid Need?
Orchid thrive best in shades. The plant will need about 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight. If the orchid is exposed to too much sun, it can actually get burned and die.
Does Orchid Prefer Full Sun?
Orchid prefers partial sunlight. Orchid leaves are thin and will burn easily if exposed to full sun, so it’s better that you keep your orchids in a shaded area. If you want the plant to grow fast, then let it enjoy plenty of sunshine but don’t expose it to full sunlight too often.
You can move the plant outside during the summer months when there are no clouds blocking the light and give it water regularly–but leave its pot under cover when rain is expected!
Can Orchid Grow in Shade?
If you have the space, you can grow your orchid in partial shade. Partial shade is more likely to occur on the north side of your house or in a location that gets only early morning sun, like under a large tree branch.
Your plant may still need supplemental light if it’s growing in shade. It all depends on how much light is available and which types of plants are around it. Plants can block out some sunlight as well! You may need to experiment with different locations and amounts of supplemental light until you find one that works for your plant—and remember that this will change throughout the year as the seasons change!
Where Does Orchid Grow Best?
Orchids can grow in many different places, but they do need a warm and humid environment. Direct sunlight will burn the plant’s leaves and flowers, so you’ll want to place your orchid in indirect sunlight. Although most people think of orchids being placed on a windowsill all day long, this is not the best thing for your plant. Orchid flowers are extremely delicate and need dappled light in order to stay healthy and beautiful.
You should also make sure that your orchid has enough water at all times! They need to be watered daily (or even twice daily if it’s extra hot outside), otherwise, they’ll start drooping from lack of moisture in their stems and leaves.
To keep your plant happy over time, try fertilizing every 2 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer made specifically for houseplants like Miracle-Gro or Fertilome Orchid Plus Liquid Plant Food 10-10-10; follow package directions carefully when using these products so as not to overdo it (this is especially true if using Miracle-Gro).
Can Orchids Get Too Much Sun?
If you live in a warm climate and your orchid is getting full sun, you may be wondering if it’s too much. There are some signs your orchid is getting too much direct sunlight:
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Leaves curling up
- Leaves dropping off
- Leaves with brown spots
Signs Your Orchids Aren’t Getting Enough Sun
It’s hard to tell if your orchid is getting enough sun. They’re fussy flowers, and they don’t like bright light. But if you’re wondering if your orchids are getting too little sun, there are a few signs to look for.
First of all, if you can see their leaves turning brown and crispy around the edges, that’s a bad sign. Orchids have evolved to thrive in the shade and require plenty of water and humidity to stay healthy. If they’re getting too much sun, they’ll start to wilt and turn brown.
Another sign that your orchid isn’t getting enough sunlight is if its leaves start falling off. (The plant will be able to regenerate them after a while.) If it’s been in the same spot for a long time and nothing has changed—if there are still no new growths coming up—then it might be time to move it somewhere else.
Conclusion
Orchids are so easy to care for, they can grow almost anywhere. Just remember that the more direct sunlight they get, the more water the orchids will need. So if you want your orchid to thrive, give it a little extra TLC by watering it every couple of days during summer and once every week in winter.
