Room wall colour and plant health advice.
 

Hello!

The pictures show my living room. I'm in Sweden and this room is pretty much surrounded by large trees so even with all the windows, it can get pretty dark during the summer when the trees have leaves...

I have hibiscus on the windowsill and they need all the sun the room gets so I would like to put some orchids a little further in the room.

I've been wondering if maybe painting the walls white would make a difference to plants that aren't directly at the window? My lipstick plants (left wall and near the tv) grow just fine but are very poor bloomers for example, though that might be due to something other than light. The fern is very happy where it is, the golden cane palm (?) grows well enough.

The thing is, I like the room the colour it is. It brings warmth to the room and to be honest I really don't feel like repainting it. BUT if it would make a real difference to plant growth then it would be worth it and I really could do with more space for orchids.

The picture that shows the window (facing southish) is darker than it actually is but the sun came out and decided to stay! It's more like the one that has the sofa, there were some light clouds then. If it's a really grey day I need to turn the lights on, doesn't matter what time it is.

The white sheet was to get an idea of the white vs 'cream'.

Any thoughts on the subject would be very appreciated!

Certainly bright, flat white will reflect the wavelengths more uniformly, but I doubt it would be significantly better, considering the relatively low light level in the room.

I’d consider supplemental lighting before I’d repaint.

That is a very beautiful room!

The region where the Chamaedorea palm is growing has plenty of light for Phalaenopsis.

Don't think a paint job would add too much for plant growth. I agree that supplemental lights would work. And yes, that space is very lovely.

You've brought the outdoors indoors. That's always been my idea of the way to decorate. As others have said, a beautiful space.

Thank you so much for the compliments! I'll probably stick to the colour I have for now at least and maybe focus on Phalaenopsis with maybe a light or two somewhere. Anything to add more plants! :)

You could search for low light orchids (lower than Phals) to add some variety.