Orchids love bright light, but too much direct sunlight can burn their leaves. Here’s the ideal light level depending on the type of orchid you have:
🌞 How Much Sunlight Do Orchids Need?
✅ Most orchids need 6–8 hours of bright, indirect light per day.
✅ Soft morning sun is good, but harsh afternoon sun can burn them.
✅ Best location: Near an east- or north-facing window.
🌿 Light Needs by Orchid Type
| Orchid Type | Light Level | Can Handle Direct Sun? | Best Window Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) | Low–Medium | 🚫 No direct sun | East/North window (Filtered light) |
| Cattleya | High | ✅ Yes, morning or late afternoon | South/East window |
| Vanda | Very High | ✅ Needs some direct sun | South window or grow light |
| Dendrobium | Medium–High | ⚠️ Some direct sun okay | East/South window |
| Oncidium | Medium | ⚠️ Some filtered direct sun | East/North window |
🌅 Best Window Directions for Orchids
- East-facing 🌅 → Best! Gets gentle morning sun, no burning.
- North-facing ❄️ → Good for low-light orchids (Phalaenopsis).
- South-facing ☀️ → Too strong unless filtered with a sheer curtain.
- West-facing 🔥 → Risky, afternoon sun is too intense (can cause burns).
🚨 Signs of Too Much Direct Sun
❌ Yellow leaves with brown spots → Sunburn! Move to filtered light.
❌ Wrinkled, dry leaves → Too much heat, especially for Phalaenopsis.
❌ Leaf turning red or purple? → Some orchids (like Cattleya) do this when getting max light but be careful of burning.
🌤 What If You Don’t Have Enough Light?
- Use grow lights (LED full-spectrum grow light, 12-14 hours/day).
- Move closer to a bright window (but avoid harsh sun).
🔥 Quick Tip: If you can put your hand between the sun and the orchid and feel strong heat, it’s too much! Use a sheer curtain or move it to indirect light. 🌸😊
Do you know what type of orchid you have?