Plant Care 101: Light

 

A Guide to Light for Happy Houseplants

When it comes to keeping your houseplants thriving, getting two things right makes all the difference: proper watering and the right light. In a previous post, we covered watering tips—now, let’s shine a little light on the subject. By the end of this guide, your plants will be well on their way to living their best lives!

More Than Just North, South, East, and West

Light for houseplants is influenced by more than which direction your windows face. Sure, a south-facing window is typically considered a bright spot, but it’s not that simple. Trees, buildings, or even large outdoor overhangs can block light and turn a bright window into a lower light situation. The placement of your plant also matters—just a few feet from a window or a sheer curtain can significantly change how much light a plant receives.

What Does "Bright, Indirect Light" Really Mean?

Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. But what does that actually look like? Let’s break down common light terms:

1. Bright Light
   Bright light means direct sunlight hitting the plant for several hours a day. This is typically found right in front of a large, unobstructed south- or west-facing window. Plants like succulents, cacti, birds of paradise, and crotons love this kind of light.

2. Bright, Indirect Light
   This is the most common light requirement you’ll see for houseplants. Bright, indirect light means the plant is near a window but not in direct sunlight. This could be a spot to the side of a window, behind a sheer curtain, or a few feet away from the sun's path in a south- or west-facing window. North and east windows often provide this type of light naturally.

3. Low Light
   Low light refers to areas several feet away from windows, where natural light is minimal. Low light-tolerant plants include ZZ plants, snake plants, and pothos. However, "tolerant" is key—these plants survive in low light but grow best with more brightness.

For the more visual folks, I LOVE this diagram from Tonkadale, so much in fact, that I have it printed out next and on our checkout counter. https://tonkadale.com/blog/houseplants-light-up-their-lives/

 

Key Takeaways

• The direction your windows face is just a starting point. Consider window size, obstructions, and how far your plant sits from the light source.
• Bright, indirect light is like the sweet spot of lighting: enough to keep most houseplants happy without risking sunburn.
• Even low light plants do better with a bit more light when possible.

By paying attention to these details, you’ll set up your plants for long-lasting health and happiness—and a home that feels a little more alive.