For orchids growing in locations where the correct lighting level is in doubt, there are immediate visible signs on the plant. They achieve this by anchoring their roots to the tree bark and sustaining growth by collecting water and nutrients that have lodged on surface of the tree.

Orchids often chosen by orchid enthusiasts for growing indoors belong to the epiphytic species which have a com characteristic of growing from the bark of trees. In the home these natural conditions of the combination of and shade are not always easy to replicate, particularly in rooms with small windows and low levels of daylight. Lack of light produces a darkening of the leaves. This unique location provides them with partial shading from the intense tropical sun. This includes sufficient daylight both in terms of length of time as well as intensity.

For orchids to flourish when grown indoors they require conditions similar to their natural tropical and sub tropical habitat.

When it is receiving sufficient levels of natural light the orchid leaves will be an jammie green in colour.