It’s hard to find a home these days without a beautiful, colorful orchid brightening up a windowsill. These exotic beauties are everywhere, and for good reason! Generally, a spot by the window is the perfect place for these light-loving plants. However, you’ve got to be a little careful—not every window is created equal when it comes to keeping your orchid happy.
Orchids Crave the Light
Most of the vibrant orchids we love live on our windowsills, where they can show off their long-lasting blooms. Because they are tropical exotics, they are naturally “light-hungry.” Getting the right lighting and sun exposure is absolutely key to making sure they grow strong and healthy.
While a window seat usually provides plenty of light, keep in mind that some windowsills are much better for orchid cultivation than others.
Choosing the Right Windowsill
A spot by the glass usually guarantees enough light, but you have to be especially careful with south-facing windows. During the peak of the day, the midday sun can be intense! It’s a good idea to protect your plants with sheer curtains or blinds. If they get hit with too much direct radiation, it can actually cause some serious damage to the plant.
The Best Spots
Windows on the east and west sides of your home are usually the “sweet spots” for growing orchids. They provide a great balance of light and sun throughout the day without being overbearing.
Proceed with Caution
If you’re using a south-facing window, just make sure you have a way to shade your orchids from that harsh midday glare. North-facing windows can work, too, but keep an eye on them. Because there’s less sun, some orchid varieties might grow a bit slower or look a little stunted. If you have a north-facing spot, try these varieties:
- Dendrobium kingianum
- Calanthe vestita
How to Spot Sunburn
If your orchid is getting too much “Vitamin D,” it’ll actually start to show signs of sunburn on its leaves. Believe it or not, window glass can act like a magnifying glass and increase the burn risk. You’ll know there’s a problem if you see yellow patches appearing on the leaves. If you see this, move your orchid to a shadier spot immediately so it can recover.
Pro Tips for Windowsill Care
To keep your orchids thriving, try to keep the humidity at a steady 50% to 60%. A quick daily misting of the aerial roots with lukewarm, filtered water (or rainwater) works wonders! Also, try to keep the ambient temperature consistent around 77°F (25°C). Orchids aren’t big fans of drama, so try to avoid temperature swings of more than about 5-10 degrees.
