When your start growing orchids you may be wondering how important is the light and conditions you use. If you have the time and space to set up an the environment correctly this can bring about wonderful results with your orchids.

Orchids love sunlight and being a tropical plant they are also accustomed to grow in shaded areas where the sun is limited. Here we’ll look at how the lighting can play a big part in your orchids health.

1 - You want to start be giving your orchid a light source that's comfortable and balanced between morning sunrise to evening sunset. Be careful of the midday sun as it can be too strong for orchids and placing them during that time can be too much for them. You may soon see ill effects such as withering on your orchids. Try finding an eastern side window or opening so that the orchid receives a comfortable amount of sun. The way the eastern sun hits the plant, the strength becomes tolerable and nourishing.

Plan for twelve hours of sun if you can on most days as this will greatly benefit your orchid.

2 - Not all orchids have the same dependencies on light and shade as different species have different patterns. One thing you can do is gather some information on the type of orchid you have. Try the place where you purchased it and ask the employers if there any particular needs they should meet.

3 - Looking online is another good way of researching and finding the out the best conditions to set. Its very important for new comers to get a good start on growing orchids and having the right knowledge

4 - I’ve noticed when asking growers that there are two kinds of orchids that you can determine in regards to the amounts of light these plants enjoy. When there is shade, orchids that are soft natured tend to thrive and strong resilient orchids can sit out in very sunny conditions. You’ll see varieties enjoy plenty of sun while others can look withered and start to dry slowly if not placed under shade for an amount of time. These orchids that are grown in softer climates with plenty of shade have less occurring blooms. Look into the variety your after with the setting you have at home.

5- What about indoor lighting you say. These set ups can be used to give the orchid the benefits of artificial light, using a controlled timer for substantial lighting. Its key that the right amount of light and darkness is handled correctly giving the orchid a well balanced amount. Keep an eye on the source and strength of the light. it should be at the correct temperature so the orchid receives an adequate supply of light, but you don’t want the opposite where it sits under a blaring hot lamp. Balanced and adjustable lighting is what you really want if your planning to grow indoors.

They say experienced gardeners often speak about how its difficult to grow orchids with success but with simple preparations and good planning, these steps can help you handle the correct lighting your orchid needs for a long and healthy life.