The Importance of Air Movement & Light Levels

There are several factors that lead to poor orchid growth. Correctly identifying the source of the problem is key to understanding how to treat it and avoid it in the future. This blog covers the topics of improper air movement and light levels.

Improper Air Movement and Plant Spacing
Often overlooked is adequate air movement and proper plant spacing. Adequate air circulation (think gentle breeze, not heavy winds) is required to dry moisture from the leaves and flowers. To promote air circulation, don’t overcrowd your growing area. While it is tempting to buy more orchids than you have space for (yes, we know you want more), it doesn’t make sense to have a bunch of sick orchids.

Specially designed fans are helpful to circulate air in a greenhouse environment

An orchid severely damaged by too much sun

Improper Light Levels
The right amount of light is essential for maintaining plant growth and encouraging re-flowering of your orchid.
 
High light levels lead to leaves that are yellowish in color and in some cases can cause scorching of the leaves. This scorching first appears as white patches on uppermost leaves, which eventually turn brown. Extreme cases of scorching can kill the plant! Yellowish leaves caused by high light levels are easily remedied by moving the plant to a slightly shadier spot.
 
Low light levels typically won’t kill your plant, but it is the most common reason people fail to re-bloom their orchids. In this scenario, plant leaves are typically dark green and the plant fails to re-flower during its normal blooming season. The ideal leaf color should be an even, medium-green. Slowly increase the light level over a couple months by introducing the plant to slightly brighter conditions, until the desired leaf color is recognized. In Phalaenopsis, low light levels can also lead to soft, floppy elongated leaves.
 
Most orchid problems are preventable.

• Keep your growing area clean
• Water only as necessary and as early in the day as possible
• Feed at recommended rates
• Space your plants well
• Make sure they have adequate air circulation

 
There really is no magic to growing orchids successfully; just some preparation and care is all you need.
 
For more information about proper air movement and light levels, watch our video below. 

Happy Blooming!

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