LIGHT Is Important

Light is a very important factor for the life of orchids, namely for the photosynthesis process that produces energy for growth and flower production.
Each type of orchid requires a different light depending on where they live in their natural habitat.
The need for light consists of light intensity and duration of illumination. Morning sun is very important for all types of orchids.
Are orchids get enough light, can be seen from the color of the leaves.
If the light green or light green shoots and on young leaves look a bit shiny so orchids get enough light they will be.
If the dark green, indicating they will be the lack of light orchids.
And if a little reddish or purple orchids indicate they will accept a maximum of light capable of receiving, if the combined intensity will burn the leaves.
Light intensity is often measured in units of foot-candles (fc), which is theoretically 1 = foot-candles of light received by the light of a candle with a distance of 1 foot (30.48cm).
For comparison, the light outside the house at noon kira2 more than 10,000 ft, while in the house about 50 fc.
The actual light intensity is difficult to measure with our eyes because the eye will easily adapt to the lighting around it. To measure it can use Light Meters commonly used in photography, but the price is quite expensive.
As a basic rule:
• In 1500 fc, all types of orchids can survive, but not all can grow well and bloom.
1500 fc is 15% of the brightness of the sun, for example: under the shade of trees throughout the day.
• In 5000 fc, type of orchid that require bright light to bloom. 5000 fc is 50% of the sun, for example: the open air with cloudy conditions.
• Only a few species of orchids that can be grown both under and above 1500 fc 5000 fc.
In general, the light needs to masing2 orchid species can be grouped as follows:
• very bright light (full sun):
direct sunlight unhindered for more than 6 hours, equivalent to more than 5000 fc.
• Bright light (high light):
direct sunlight without blocked for 4-6 hours (direct sunlight in the morning and evening, and sheltered at midday) or all day if cloudy conditions, approximately 3000-5000 ft or 50% -70% under the shade (shade).
• Light is (medium light):
direct sunlight without any obstructed or about 4 hours of sunlight during the day indirectly, around 2000-3000 ft or 70% -80% shade.
• Light shade (low light):
kira2 sun for 1-2 hours (in the morning), about 1000-2000 ft or 80% -90% shade.
• The light is very shade (full shade):
kira2 sun for 1 hour (in the morning) or less each day, around 1000-1500 ft or 90% shade.
Note: The sun at noon brighter / hotter than the morning or late afternoon.
Light needs to masing2 genus is as follows:
• Bulbophyllum: light is
• Cattleya: moderate to bright light
• Coelogyne: light to medium shade
• Dendrobium: moderate to bright light
• Cymbidium: very light
• Oncidium: moderate to bright light
• Paphiopedilum: light to medium shade
• Phalaenopsis: light to medium shade
• Vanda: moderate to bright light at all
Note: The need of light for the genus above is based on the genus in general, there are several species have different needs.
Due to lack of light:
• crop becomes thin and slow growth,
• leaves are long, thin, limp and dark green.
• difficult to be flowering or flowering with poor quality (small and few in number).
To increase the light, move the orchids to a brighter location. But hati2 the transfer because the plants have long been in the dim light, the leaves will burn easily because the light brighter. So gradual adjustments needed.
Most orchids do not like to be moved into place. Every time it moved the plant will adjust back to the direction and intensity of the light it receives, and all changes related to the environment in its new venue.
Because all enersinya used to adapt, then there is no growth in these orchids. The more different between the conditions of the old and new where the longer period of adaptation. Length of the adjustment also depends on the type of orchid.
Red pigment produced by several species of orchids (the rod, the new shoots, leaves) showed that the maximum amount of light needed has been reached.
If the light plus the red pigment produced becomes more, and finally the leaves will have dark brown spots or yellow leaves on fire due to heat generated effects light.
Due to excess light:
• leaf cells become damaged and yellowed leaves because of fire,
• plants will grow up too fast (not yet reached the normal size has stopped growing).
To reduce the light, move into a more shaded location (under a tree) or use protective roof (paranet) above.
In addition to growth, the light will also affect the direction and shape its growth. The direction of growth of the plant will follow the direction of light sources. For example, stem and flower stalk will grow upward (toward the source of light) and the roots will grow opposite the source of light.
Tip: To get the best flower display, when the buds begin to form on the flower stalks, do not change the direction / location of the pot because it will change direction which tended flower towards the source of light.
Orchids can be planted in the house with the help in the light.
See site: The Orchid House and Growing Orchids Under Lights for Beginners.
Orchid consists of various kinds (genus) and the above information is to orchids in general. For treatment according to type (genus) it, please see the specific pages of the genus.