Most hobbyist orchid growers don't have the time, money or space for a greenhouse and thus must grow their plants indoors. The logical place (short of those with atriums or sun rooms or skylight lit bathrooms) is near a window.

But which window for which orchid?

The first question is certainly what type of orchids do you have as each variety of orchid has different light intensity requirements.

The most common orchids grown by beginners are phalaenopsis or moth orchids followed by inter-genetic orchids similar to Oncidiums. Mini cattleya, paphiopedilum and several other orchids also do well near a window.

Certain orchids really cannot be grown indoors and need more light such as most larger cattleyas, Cymbidiums and vandas, however there are exceptions.

Just growing really isn't the goal, though - we want our orchids to rebloom! Often indoor lighting is enough to keep the plant alive but not sufficient for the flower to bloom!

Think of it this way: you might be able to live on dry bread and water for many years, but you're probably not going to run a marathon on that kind of diet! Since orchids depend on light to produce its food, sufficient light (along with fertilizers, proper medium and humidity) are required for a plant to bloom.

An EAST facing window is usually optimum here in Sacramento for most common beginner orchids. Morning light is great for most orchids and by mid-day, the hottest part of the day, the light is less as the run rises over the eves of the house.

If an EAST facing window is not available, a South Facing window will suffice, although South Facing windows can get too hot and receive too much light during the summer months. In this instance, it is usually recommended to put a light see-through curtain to block part of the light (especially during the summer months) or to put the plants slightly farther back from the window.

A WEST facing window usually is just too HOT and has TOO MUCH late afternoon sun to grow most orchids. Some growers can use a WEST facing window, however, if some shade by trees, porches, overhangs or blinds or sheer curtains is present or if the plants being grown need more light and can take a little more heat (or are set further back).

For most orchids, a NORTH facing window simply doesn't provide enough light. Orchids will live and perhaps even grow, but few will flower in north facing windows unless the light is supplemented with either a skylight, side window or lights.

Black areas on the leaves mean your plant is getting too much light and is burning. Other tell-tale signs of plants getting too much light is that some plants that are normally green will get red or purplish spots or areas around the edges of the leaves or the entire leaf will turn purplish red. At the hottest part of the day, when sunlight is the brightest on your plants, place your hand on the leaves - if they are hot to the touch, the plant is getting too much sunlight! If you put your hand where the leaf is and just the sunlight is not comfortable on your hand - move the plant back or provide a little shading.

There is commercial "SHADE CLOTH" however this is often 70-75% shade cloth which is often too much and will reduce the light too much.

Weak, dark green leaves is often a sign that your plant is getting too little light. Most orchids should be a medium green color.

Our houses (with central heat and air) often are lacking humidity - a necessity for good orchid growth.

Orchid plants LOVE humidity and placing a tray of pebbles (that you keep a little water in) under your orchids will benefit them. Do not allow the water level to go above the top of the pebbles or for the pot your orchid (or its roots) to rest in the water. There are also commercially available plant humidity trays that have an egg-crate-like top that you can place your orchids on. Companion plants such as ferns and other houseplants will help keep the humidity up, as well.

Misting usually does more harm than good, however a LIGHT misting in the morning (as long as it dries by nightfall) will help some orchids, especially if your house is very dry. Remember - orchids LOVE airflow - so ceiling fans or oscillating fans are a MUST near an orchid! Remember, though, that the more air flow the more often you will have to water.

Other factors when growing indoors:

Other things you'll want to consider is FERTILIZER, proper watering, humidity and proper medium (the "soil" your orchid is growing in), proper air movement and other basics.

Orchids love three other things other than light: fertilizer, humidity and good air circulation!

You can find topics on Fertilizers, watering, repotting and other orchid care care on the Sacramento Orchid Society Website at www.SacramentoOrchids.org or in other areas of this forum!

If you have questions on growing your orchids in your windows, ask us!