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Orchids greatly appreciate diffused, or indirect, light. They thrive when placed in a windowsill that allows them to receive indirect sunlight. If you are growing an orchid indoors with exposure to sunlight, aim for around two hours of direct sunlight and four to six hours of indirect sunlight. Although some rare orchids do enjoy more than two hours of direct sunlight, most do better with indirect. In addition, orchids will grow under artificial diffused light as well.
Diffused light is good for orchids because it reduces the amount of heat they are exposed to. Although they are tropical plants, they enjoy the humidity of the tropical air much more than the heat of it. Hot, dry air is very damaging to orchids. For this reason, diffused light is recommended by most orchid experts, including the England Orchid Society. -
If you wish to grow orchids under diffused artificial light, use broad spectrum fluorescent lights with an output of around 1000 to 1200 candles. Position them about 12 inches above the orchids, but not directly above them. Instead, hang them to the left or right, so the light is not direct.
Orchids grown under artificial lighting need more light than those grown with sunlight. Therefore, leave the lights on for twelve hours per day and switch them off. When the lights go off, lower the temperature about ten degrees Fahrenheit. This fluctuation in temperature is vital for orchids to bloom. - Orchids are air plants and they prefer that air to be humid. To keep your orchids healthy, be sure to mist them often (at least once a day in the morning is best). This is especially important if you are growing your orchids under artificial growing lights. In addition, most orchids prefer their soil to be slightly moist at all times, so make sure you water your plants once a week. The soil should be barely wet when you water. Do not let your orchid sit in soil that is constantly wet, as this will lead to rotting.
