LIGHT
needs can vary from an hour of direct sun to nearly a full day’s worth of direct sun, depending on the
species. Most will thrive with 1-5 hours of direct sun a day. Generally, thicker-leaved plants, such as mule-ear and equitant types can stand more light. The more light you give Oncidium plants, the more blooms you will get.
- In a greenhouse, shade to part-sun, or about 21,500-65,000 lumens (2,000-6,000 foot-candles), depending on the plants.
- In the home, east, south, or west windows where they will get about 1-5 hours of direct sun are ideal.
- Many types of Oncidium will grow well under artificial light. Use lightbulbs/LEDs of your choice that are about 1-2 feet above the plant and emit >10,000 lumens (900 foot-candles). The lowest amount of lumens for growth is about 2,000 lumens (100 foot-candles), though flowering may be poor.