Orchids can be grown very well in Colorado, but the extremes of our climate require considerable modification to grow the tropical cultivated type, whether in a greenhouse or in the home. The sunny climate offers many more bright days than many parts of the United States, as well as ample opportunity to damage plants through excessive light. And while the low humidity can severely desiccate a plant in a matter of days, it allows effective temperature control through evaporative cooling.
It definitely takes a little more effort to grow orchids well here than in some areas, but the results are particularly gratifying during the long winter while outdoor plants are dormant.
Light
A south or east window is ideal for most types, with a sheer curtain used as needed. Fluorescent lights work well; also, leaf tips should be kept 3 to 6 inches from the tubes. The greenhouse grower will want to reduce the available light by 50% or more using lath covering, shade cloth, or latex shade material. The leaves of most plants should be a medium green color. Yellow-green leaves generally indicate excessive light. Leaves that are very dark green, thin and brittle, often result from inadequate light.
