Is it possible to keep an orchid in the sun?

Photosynthesis is a necessary process for the normal development, growth and flowering of a plant. Is it possible to keep an orchid in the sun? It is possible and necessary. But sunlight should not be direct, but diffused. In nature, she lives an epiphyte in trees at a height of up to 2 meters. Although the sun shines longer and brighter in the tropics, the crowns create a lace shadow, saving the flower from burns.

What kind of lighting do orchids need?

Light is the main source of energy for orchids. Leaves, flower stalks and even roots absorb it and process it into glucose and other beneficial compounds. Scientifically, this process is called photosynthesis.

For photosynthesis, a flower requires 1,000 to 4,500 ft-candela of light. Foot candela is a unit of measure. Also, lighting is measured in suites. 1000 suites equals 92.3 ft candela. Yes, science is responsible for plant growth. Agree, it would be wrong to focus on the subjective "a lot of sun" and "little." It is necessary to measure everything accurately.

To make it easier to understand how much light a tropical beauty needs, we will try to compare its brightness and foot candelas. At noon on a calm day under the sun, the illumination is 10,000 foot candelas. Opposite the unfinished southern window - 6000, the curtained - 4000. And when removed 30 cm - 3000 ft-candela. This is provided that the window is not blocked by buildings and trees. Total we get that the flower will be fine on the window on the south side of the house, slightly shaded.

But in reality there is one small snag. Orchids come in several forms and, accordingly, require different levels of illumination:

• Wands, dendrobiums, oncidiums - photophilous. For them, the optimum level of light is 35,000 lux, or 3,000-4500 ft-candela.
• Phalaenopsis, hemaria, slippers require little light. For normal development, they will have enough light at 10,000 lux, or 1,000 foot-candelas.

Where is the best place to put a flower?

Choosing a place for a flower is of great importance. Many people know that it is better to grow flowers on the windowsill, because in the immediate vicinity of the window there is the greatest amount of sunlight. But, as we have already found out, different types of orchids need a different level of illumination. Light can be adjusted by placing flowers on different windows.

• Photophilous orchid should be placed on the windowsill of the south window.
• An orchid that needs little sun should be placed correctly on the windowsill of the east window, either 60 cm from the south window, or opposite the west window at a distance of 30 cm.

Also, the level of illumination can be reduced by sticking a lace film on the window or by placing a flower in the shadow of a tall photophilous plant.

Plants are not recommended on the north side of the house. There is too little sun for them and a short daylight hours.

Signs of lack and oversupply of light

Indoor orchid is popular with gardeners. First of all, it attracts with its long flowering, which can last up to six months.

For the orchid to develop and bloom, it should have enough sunlight. Signs of his lack:

• matte leaves of dark green color with a blue tint;
• reduction in the size of young leaves;
• lack of a flower arrow.

In such a situation, it is recommended to rearrange the pot in a more lighted place or to illuminate the plant with a phytolamp. The backlight is especially relevant in the winter, when the sun's rays are dim and appear for a short time.

The optimal daylight hours for orchids are 14–16 hours. If there is too much sun, burns and pigmentation form on the leaves of the plant. They brighten, discolored spots with a brown edge appear.

An excess of the sun will help to neutralize one simple trick. In the heat, you need to water the flower more often and open the window. Air movement and humidity will help reduce the temperature of the substrate and the plant itself.

So, you can keep an orchid in the sun. She loves good lighting. But it may suffer from direct sunlight. The amount of light needed depends on the type of flower. Wands, oncidiums and dendrobiums should be put in place with the highest level of illumination, but phalaenopsis needs a less bright sun. Choosing the right place for the plant guarantees fast growth and long flowering.