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An essential aspect to growing great orchids is getting your orchid lighting environment optimised for you particular plant. If you have more than one species of orchid or even a large collection, you may need to place them in different areas for optimum growth. Some orchids may require more shade while other species may even need to be brought inside (if not already) and supplemented with artificial light, especially through the cold winter months.
Orchids in the wild exist in many different natural habitats and the requirements of each one should be kept in mind when planning, purchasing and establishing your collection. These requirements include orchid lighting, watering, temperature, humidity, nourishment and air circulation. For this reason orchids with similar requirements are best grouped together.
How to tell if your Orchid Lighting is good or bad.
Your orchid will give you signs about its health and as you become more experienced and knowledgeable you will come to recognise them and rectify them before too much harm is done.
Too MUCH Light
The Leaves
May have spots and burned leaves, turning different shades of brown or yellow, and could even fall off prematurely. You may also notice that they are warm to touch.
The Plant
Will lack signs of health and vibrancy.
Too LITTLE Light
The Roots
Will be thin, fine or stringy
The Leaves
May be a dull dark green
The Flowers
May not have bloomed for an unusually extended period of time, if at all.
The Plant
Similar to when orchid lighting is too intense, your plant may appear unhealthy or dull.
Now let's look at some simple solutions.
The obvious solution is to move your orchid to a different location where orchid lighting may be more appropriate for your plant. For example putting up some shade cloth, if there is too much light, or moving it to a place where it will receive more sunlight. Remember in winter your plant will probably require less light as it does not grow much, if at all, during this season.
Artificial Light
As mentioned, depending where you live, it may be advantageous or necessary to grow, or supplement, your plant with artificial light. This can be as simple as using fluorescent lights to provide the necessary orchid lighting requirements. You could also look into the special growing lamps that are available. Check out your local nursery or garden center or online for availability and pricing.
You should notice a dramatic improvement in your orchid when you do find the right lighting conditions for your plant.
It's NOW time to get your hands dirty and make light work! Enjoy!
Initially I became interested in growing orchids when my mother, a gardening enthusiast, seemed to constantly be having problems. I read books and searched forums and blogs to find out how I could help. Unfortunately mum is no longer able to care for her orchids on her own so I help where I can.
I also realized that I had a lot to offer other orchid growers from my research and started off a small site that just keeps growing and growing. You can find more information on lighting requirements for orchids there.
While checking out my site get your hands on my free Orchid Care Mini Course.
Anne Pinter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Pinter
