I am questioning whether or not my orchid is getting enough light… The plant seems healthy, but I only have one north east facing window in my room. And there are cloudy days where it doesn’t receive a lot of light. Should I move it elsewhere? Should I buy a grow lamp?
Not every north window is the same. Size, overhang, obstructions, reflective surfaces can affect how much light it receives. That being said, I have kept my phals in a north window with reasonable results. Some bloomed. Some did not. But they all lived. Phals can tolerate relatively low levels of light, but generally speaking they need bright indirect to flower. I find the leaves are a good indicator of how much light your plant is receiving. Bright light will give the plant grass green leaves. Dark green leaves happen in lower light levels. And plants at the top of their light tolerance will have a reddish purple tinge. Anything above that and leaves start to scorch.
3 likes Very helpful! Thanks!
1 likeSo far yours seems happy based on leaf color. Phals also appreciate a slight temperature difference from day to night. If in the future yours seems healthy but struggles to rebloom, try putting it in a spot with some gentle temperature variation (like a 10°F change)
2 likes