How much light do indoor plants need?
Indoor plants generally thrive in bright, indirect light. For most plants, that means placing them in front of a window, with no direct sunlight striking the leaves at midday. Low-light plants can survive farther away from a window, but they should still have access to some natural or artificial light. If you see pale new growth or your plant leans toward the light source, it probably needs more light. You may also notice brown, scorched patches on the leaves if the light is too intense.
How much light do indoor plants need?
Light requirements will vary from one plant to another. Most houseplants do well in bright, indirect light. The best exposure for many plants is an eastern window, which gives them gentle morning sunlight. They'll also thrive several feet away from a south- or west-facing window, particularly when the intense afternoon sun is diffused by a sheer curtain.
Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants are a few of the species that can survive in lower light. But remember, just because they're in a spot that is relatively dim, doesn't mean there is no light at all. A plant can survive in the dark corner, but it'll likely grow slower and may become leggy. If your plant's new growth seems spindly, you can relocate it to a brighter area near a window or supplement with a grow light.
Still other plants, including many succulents, herbs and cacti, require several hours of direct sunlight each day. Without sufficient light, these plants may grow tall and lanky and stretch toward the window, exhibit excessive spacing between their leaves, or pale out of their normal colors.
Signs that the light is wrong
- Not enough light: It might lean, have small new growth, be slow growing, have pale leaves, or become leggy.
- Too much direct sun The leaves might show bleached spots, brown spots, or dried, crispy leaf margins.
Slow down on the light. Bringing a plant from a dark room directly into bright light will burn it. Rotate your pots every week or two to ensure that the plant grows evenly. If you do not have enough natural light, a grow light can be a good substitute if installed as directed.