Light levels - Orchid Board

Kelo · #1 03-21-2011, 04:16 PM

Since the net wasn't generally available when I last grew orchids I'm picking up new ideas and methods etc. from the OB. My question is this; the latitude I live at sees the sun rise at 3.30 in the morning and it doesn't really set that much at night (the sun dips under the horizon around midnight), is this amount of light detrimental to orchids health? I'm thinking along the lines of the plant not getting enough of a respiration period at night.

RosieC · #2 03-22-2011, 09:10 AM

I believe we have other members in Scotland and I don't believe they have probelems. I'm a little further south down in England, and we don't get as short a nights as Scotland but I've not had problems with what we do get.

Hopefully someone with more knowlege will be able to help.

Eyebabe · #3 03-22-2011, 09:16 AM

It might help to purchase a light meter to see how much light you have at different times of the day and night.
Areas I thought were "decent light" turned out to be 400-600 candles

You may not have as much of a problem as you think.
On the other hand, if the meter shows 2000 candles at night, you might need some shading etc.

Paul Mc · #4 03-22-2011, 09:19 AM

Recently, there was a thread discussion about light levels at night due to snow and the moon. Some plants were getting scorched because the light was so intense, just like a person can get sunburned when it's snowy outside.

That being said, plants still get light at night from the rays reflected back by the moon. So, it would stand to reason that some light is not going to be detrimental.

As one person suggested, I would check your light levels to see exactly what you are getting and move the plant if need be.

Darin · #5 03-22-2011, 09:56 AM

I would expect that your greater issue is that during the winter months you will have trouble getting enough natural light for your plants to flourish. I'm guessing (and you probably already realize this) that significant supplemental lighting will be required.

Kelo · #6 03-22-2011, 10:16 AM

Thank you for the replies. I've had orchids in the past that had flowers develop with colours that were underdeveloped but the plants themselves appeared to fare well enough but some growth was on the long side - in winter. Supplemental lighting in the winter will be needed but for the time being I get all the light I need. Thank you again.