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Next to the problem of over watering, not enough light causes the most challenge to the residential orchid grower.  When new to the orchid growing world many don’t understand the relationship of light in the growing process.  Plants start to crash and the new grower 1) ups the watering, 2) adds more fertilizer to the plant and 3) even raises the temperature to save the plant.  They don’t think to change the light levels.  Most older homes are not well equipped to get proper light to the orchid plants.  In most homes you get what is there and no more.  It then is up to the grower to make the changes to have healthy and beautiful plants.  Where there is not enough natural light, orchids can be grown under artificial light.  Some orchids need time to acclimate to the use of artificial orchid grow lights.  They are getting ready for better and more frequent blooms.   So what is out there and what should I use?  Well we will break this into three types of orchids lights. 

Incandescent:  This is the everyday Edison type bulb in your home most likely right now.  This is by far the cheapest light to use.  However, by itself it is not a great choice.  One formula to work with is two combined incandescent and fluorescent to achieve a good end result.   A suggestion is a ratio of five watts of daylight fluorescent (cool white) with one watt of incandescent.  The extended life 25 watt bulb is better for longer bulb life and cool to run. Try to get the longest fluorescent you can use in your growing area.   

Fluorescent: This type of orchid lights can do a fair job.  The light dispersion rate to the plants is far better than incandescent bulbs.  These tubes will give off very little heat to the orchid plants.  They are very inexpensive to operate and should last a long time.  You will need to figure out a way to hang these for your plants.  Also, this lamp fixture can be found at most home improvement stores.  A “shop lamp” comes in a box and not normally with the needed tubes.  One drawback is the fact that these types of lights are only best for the low light orchids.  Understand, not all orchids need the same light amounts.  Orchids that call for more than 1800 fc (foot candle) of light will not do well under this light set up.

High Intensity Systems:   These systems, like everything in life that’s the cream of the crop, comes with a price.  High-intensity-discharge lamps are the best to use.  They have been around for quite awhile and serious growers will use them.  The systems consist of high pressure sodium lamps, metal halide ones, quartz tubes filled with sodium or mercury vapors sealed under pressure and incased by an absorbent ultraviolet coated with phosphors.  Virtually all orchids will do well and bloom under these types of orchid’s lights.  These are the cream of the crop and need to be researched by anyone trying to use these for their home growing orchid experience. 

The best is natural light, excluding that, while I am not indorsing any brand or model of the high intensity systems they are the Benz of the orchid growing practice. 

Marty Lewis

Marty Lewis has been an avid horticulturist for over 30 years. Working in greenhouses allowed Marty to witness firsthand the needs of growers. Marty has been nationally recognized in horticulture competition. This most recent book, Orchid Care Plus gives insight to orchid owners regarding absolutely everything they need to know about care for their Orchids. Marty would like to share an additional Article about Orchid Lights with you.