Understanding Light The Key to Happy House Plants
Want lush, thriving houseplants? The secret lies in understanding light. Like food for us, light is a plant’s fuel for growth and vitality. Learn how to assess your home’s light conditions and match them to the perfect plant pals.
Types of Light for House Plants:
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Bright, Indirect Light: Perfect for most houseplants – plenty of light, but no harsh, direct sun. Think near a window with a sheer curtain or a few feet back from a sunny window.
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Medium Light: Some direct morning or afternoon sun, but mostly bright shade. Well-lit rooms without direct sunlight.
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Low Light: Darker corners or rooms far from windows. These spots still have some light, but significantly less.
Matching Light to Plants:
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Bright Indirect Light Lovers: Monstera, fiddle leaf fig, most philodendrons, rubber trees.
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Medium Light Champs: Pothos, snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies.
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Low Light Heroes: ZZ plants, cast iron plants, certain ferns.
- Check out our top 10 low light plants here.
How to Tell if Your Plant is Getting the Right Light:
- Signs of Too Much Light: Scorched leaves with brown, crispy edges, bleached patches.
- Signs of Too Little Light: Slow or stunted growth, leggy stems reaching towards the light, dull or pale leaves.
Tips for Adjusting Light:
- Move Your Plants: The easiest solution! Experiment with placing them closer to or further from windows.
- Utilize Sheer Curtains: These soften harsh direct light, creating that perfect bright, indirect glow.
- Supplement with Artificial Light: Grow lights are ideal if natural light in your home is limited.
Further guides on indoor plants can be found here
