Maybe I'm confused

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Nexogen

Far from me thinking that I want to insult someone.
I ask those who can clarify; what role light plays in plant life?

I am also a little confused by the reason for the question, but adding to what others have stated, light provides plants with the energy required for photosynthesis (converting water and carbon dioxide into the sugars that plants need in order to live).

Without light at all, these processes don't happen and the plant dies. With insufficient light, the plant performs poorly. Too much light, and the plant burns.

[Nexogen]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I am also a little confused by the reason for the question, but adding to what others have stated, light provides plants with the energy required for photosynthesis (converting water and carbon dioxide into the sugars that plants need in order to live).

Without light at all, these processes don't happen and the plant dies. With insufficient light, the plant performs poorly. Too much light, and the plant burns.

I just want to understand how choosing a light source.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Nexogen

I just want to understand how choosing a light source.

Natural sunlight is best, and can be reduced if needed using shade cloth (to keep sensitive plants from burning). Artificial light is fine as well, and there are many possible choices. I have not used the LED lights that are designed specifically as grow lights, but I hear the energy savings can be substantial and eventually offset the initial higher cost for the lights.

In winter, I grow plants indoors using T8 fluorescent Daylight 6500k lights. This seems adequate for my collection which is mostly Cattleya alliance and Phalaenopsis, with a few Dendrobiums and a few other genera. During the warm months I grow outdoors under shade cloth, except for a few plants which are adapted to full sun.

I hope this helps.