What are the sunlight requirements for orchids? A detailed guide to their light needs

Most orchids like to grow in semi-shaded environments, and their requirement for sunlight is that it be soft, so placing them somewhere with scattered light is enough. But there are also a few orchid varieties, such as Huilan (Cymbidium faberi) and Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium), that quite like light. When growing them, you should provide an environment with ample sunlight, which lets them grow better.

I. Sunlight requirements for orchids

Most orchids like to grow in semi-shaded environments, and their requirement for sunlight is that it be soft. They are not suited to strong direct sun exposure, so providing them with an environment that has scattered light is more suitable. But this is only the general case. Because there are many orchid varieties, and some varieties quite like sunlight and are suited to being grown somewhere with plenty of light.

II. Tips for giving orchids light

1. For the majority of orchids that like semi-shaded environments, placing them somewhere with scattered light is enough. As for varieties that quite like sunlight, such as Huilan (Cymbidium faberi) and Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium), they are better suited to being grown somewhere with ample sunlight.

2. In spring and autumn, when they are in their growing season, you can let them receive scattered light all day, or direct sunlight before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. In summer, you should do a good job of shading, and providing 5-6 hours of shaded sunlight each day is enough. In winter, you can place them by a window and let them receive more than 5 hours of direct light. But do not let them receive light when the sunlight is very strong at noon.

III. How to deal with orchids after they get sunburned

If they unfortunately get sunburned, you first need to move them to a cool, ventilated place, and use scissors to cut off the leaves on the plant that have scorch marks or sunburn spots. After that, spray water at the right times to maintain a certain humidity, and wait for them to grow new leaves.