Orchid Light Requirements

December 13, 2018

There are 25,000-30,000 known species of orchids, and their care requirements vary. Orchids have three general categories of light needs: low (200-300 PPF), medium (300-600 PPF), and high (600-1000 PPF).

A display of a variety of orchid species in bloom.
PC: Leslie F. Halleck

The color of orchid leaves will tell you if they are getting too much or too little light. Normal, healthy leaves should generally be a light, bright green. Leaves that become very dark generally aren’t getting enough light, while a pale yellow-green or red tint indicates plants are getting too much light.

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