The Ultimate Guide: Houseplant Lighting
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Why Lighting Is Important For Houseplants
Despite what some plant labels in garden centres might suggest, not all plants thrive in bright indirect light. Houseplants come from diverse environments across the globe, and their lighting needs vary based on their native habitats. One of the primary reasons people lose their plants after purchase is due to incorrect care information on labels or pots. In this article, we aim to correct this misinformation, providing plant keepers with the accurate knowledge they need to ensure any species can thrive in their homes. After losing a plant, some people may believe that houseplants are hard to care for. However, with the right knowledge, most houseplants can be simple to care for and can thrive in an indoor environment.
Anyone who has had a plant collapse after trying to keep it in the incorrect lighting understands the vitality of lighting for houseplants' health and wellbeing. Lighting is the lifeblood of houseplants; it’s essential for photosynthesis, the process where plants convert light into energy. This energy fuels their growth, allowing them to develop strong stems, vibrant leaves, and, in some cases, beautiful flowers. Without adequate light, houseplants can become weak, leggy, prone to disease, and may starve due to a lack of nutrients. Keeping a sun-loving plant in the shade is akin to a human only drinking water; eventually, the plant will starve. Understanding which houseplants thrive in full sun and which prefer shade can mean the difference between a plant that survives and one that truly thrives. Before we delve into which houseplants like sunlight, let's explore why lighting is important for houseplants:
Growth and Strength: Proper lighting ensures that plants grow strong and healthy, helping them produce food for growth. Insufficient light can lead to weak, spindly growth as plants stretch toward the light source to absorb more through their leaves. If your plant's new growth stretches out and the distance between leaves increases, it’s a sign it isn't getting enough light. This is called the internodal distance, and it can be used to measure lighting levels for plants. When light is inadequate, internodal distances increase. When lighting is too strong, the nodes get too close, causing a stacking pancake effect. We use adjustable hanging grow lamps to remedy long or short internodal distances by adjusting the light source.
Root Development: Lighting levels influence houseplant root development, as plants cannot produce large root systems without energy. Strong lighting encourages a robust root system, vital for water and nutrient uptake.
Food Production: Plants convert light into energy through photosynthesis. When plants don't produce enough energy, they slow down growth or lose colours and patterns. It can be tempting to fertilise plants in low lighting to compensate for lower energy levels, but this won't work. Without adequate lighting, plants cannot use the nutrients provided by fertilisation. We've written about the difference between light energy and food energy in more detail later on in this lighting guide.
Leaf Variegation and Colouration: Many houseplants have beautifully variegated leaves or vibrant colours that require adequate light to maintain. Insufficient light can cause variegated plants to revert to a solid green colour as they increase chlorophyll production to allow them to produce more energy through photosynthesis.
Fenestrations (Leaf Splitting): Some plants, like the Monstera species, develop unique leaf patterns known as fenestrations. Adequate light is crucial for these patterns to form, and to prevent them from reverting once plants have matured.
Mature Leaf Sizes and Shapes: Light availability affects the size and shape of leaves. Plants grown in low light may have larger, thinner leaves to capture more light, with longer internodal distances. Houseplants kept in bright light may develop smaller, thicker leaves, with closer growth. If a species refuses to size up, offering more light or adding artificial lighting can help to trigger mature growth. Always check the individual needs for each houseplant species, so that you know the right place to put them in your home. If plants that don't like full sun are put into the sun's direct rays, they can become bleached, scorched, and lose their colours and patterns. More on that later.
Flowering: For flowering plants, light is critical for bloom production. Without enough light, many plants will not flower or will produce fewer blooms. Plants like the Peace Lily require adequate lighting to produce flowers annually. Supplemental lighting can help trigger flowering in houseplants not blooming yearly.
Impact of Low Light On Plant Health
Pest and Disease Resistance: Healthy, well-lit plants are more resilient and less susceptible to pests and diseases. Good lighting helps plants produce natural defences and strengthens their immune systems. Inadequate lighting has been shown to negatively impact the overall health and growth of houseplants. A review article found that lighting plays a crucial role in regulating plant immune systems. If your lighting levels are extremely low, we recommend adding artificial light to help plants health.
Photosynthesis Efficiency: Adequate light ensures efficient photosynthesis, crucial for energy production and overall plant health. Low photosynthesis rates can slow growth and cause undesirable changes to new growth, such as reverted fenestrations or colouration.
Stress Reduction: Plants that receive proper lighting are less stressed and better able to adapt to changes in their environment, such as temperature fluctuations or humidity levels. If your plant is stressed due to lighting, consider adding a grow light or converting a house lamp into a plant light for growth.
Nutrient Absorption: Light plays a role in how effectively plants absorb and utilise nutrients from the soil. Proper lighting helps plants maintain a balanced nutrient intake. Inadequate lighting can prevent plants from absorbing nutrients through their roots, causing them to starve. Plants need energy from photosynthesis to uptake food through their roots. A plant requiring bright light may starve when kept in low light conditions because it cannot produce enough energy to absorb soil nutrients.
Leggy Growth: Some houseplants, like Aglaonema, Dieffenbachia, and Tradescantia, can grow extremely leggy when they're kept in lower lighting conditions than usual. This can cause long stems with no leaves, leaving a tree like appearance. When this happens, pruning is required to remove the leggy growth, and the plant needs to be moved to a spot with brighter lighting, or given supplemental light to prevent new growth from coming back leggy again.
What To Do When You Can't Increase Light Levels For Houseplants
When you can't increase your natural lighting levels, adding artificial lighting can significantly boost indoor plant growth. You can transform any regular house lamp into a grow light by using high-powered bulbs, ensuring the wattage doesn't exceed the base unit, and the fittings are compatible. You can also purchase specially designed grow lights for plants — we've listed a range of affordable options as well as high-end models to suit every collection and budget. We highly recommend adding a grow light if you are struggling to grow plants indoors, as it can make a world of difference in low-light environments. Even an LED bulb can have a positive impact on plants that are struggling.
How To Grow Plants Indoors When You Only Have Low Lighting
Low-light conditions can be a challenge for indoor plant growth, but there are several strategies to help your houseplants thrive:
Choose Low-Light Plants: Opt for plants that naturally thrive in lower light conditions. Ensure they're kept in the right windows, and check the light requirements for each houseplant species on our comprehensive list of indoor plant lighting needs. Our list details what type of light, how many hours of both sunlight or artificial light they require, and the maximum shade percentage that each species can tolerate whilst still thriving indoors. Choosing plants that are suited to your environment prevents plant care issues, and making complicated adjustments with artificial lighting.
Use Artificial Lighting: Grow lights or LED bulbs in lamps can supplement natural light. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide the spectrum of light that plants require. Position them 6–12 inches above your plants and use a timer to mimic natural daylight hours. We've written an in-depth guide to grow light positioning if you want to learn more about it. We can't emphasise enough how much impact adding artificial lighting can have on plants grown in inadequate conditions. If you're seeing slow growth, desaturated colours, or a loss of patterns, adding a grow light can help to remedy this. Even adding a high-powered LED bulb can make a significant impact on plant growth indoors, and any lamp can be converted into a grow light when you use the right bulbs.
Reflective Surfaces: Place your plants near mirrors or other reflective surfaces to amplify the available light. Light-coloured walls can also help bounce light around the room. Painting your nursery rooms bright white with vinyl reflective paint can significantly increase available light by reflecting it around the room. This trick can have a substantial positive impact on houseplants and is one of the best bits of advice for low lighting, besides using artificial lighting. When white reflective walls are combined with grow lights, you can achieve decent lighting levels indoors, regardless of how much sun your windows provide.
Rotate Plants: Regularly rotate your plants to ensure all sides receive some light, preventing uneven growth.
Clean Windows and Leaves: Keep your windows and plant leaves clean to maximize the amount of light that reaches them. Dust can block precious light from the leaves, and dirty windows can reduce the overall light levels in the room.
Group Plants Together: Place plants close together to create a micro-environment with higher humidity and better light utilization. This is especially helpful with LEDs.
Move Plants Seasonally: Sunlight levels change throughout the seasons, making full sun windows suitable for plants that would normally burn under the sun's harsh rays. If possible, relocate your plants to brighter spots during different times of the year to maximize their exposure to natural light. This could mean moving bright indirect light plants to a south window during winter, where the sun is gentler. Be sure to move your plants back before spring, as the sun provides more intense rays during the warmer months, which can scorch leaves.
How Dust Can Impact Indoor Plant Growth
Blocking Light Penetration: Dust particles settle on the leaf surface, creating a barrier that reduces the amount of light that reaches the chlorophyll within the leaf cells. Since light is essential for photosynthesis, any reduction in light intensity can directly impact the plant's ability to produce energy. To maintain optimal photosynthesis and plant health, it’s important to regularly clean the leaves of your houseplants to remove dust and other debris. Simply wiping them down with a damp cloth or gently rinsing them with water can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. Let's explore why houseplants need to have their leaves dusted regularly:
Interfering with Gas Exchange: Leaves have tiny openings called stomata, which are responsible for the exchange of gases (carbon dioxide and oxygen) and water vapour. Dust can clog these stomata, restricting the flow of carbon dioxide into the leaf. Since carbon dioxide is a crucial component of photosynthesis, this interference can further diminish the plant's ability to produce food.
Affecting Leaf Temperature: A layer of dust can alter the microclimate around the leaf, potentially raising its temperature. Higher temperatures can increase the rate of water loss through evaporation, leading to dehydration. When a plant is stressed due to lack of water, it may close its stomata to conserve moisture, further restricting gas exchange and photosynthesis.
Reducing Overall Efficiency: When dust accumulates on leaves, it not only decreases the light absorption but also impacts the overall health and efficiency of the plant's photosynthetic machinery. Over time, this can lead to reduced growth, lower energy production, and weakened plant health.
Smoking & Vaping Around Houseplants: Smoke or vapour can leave sticky residues on leaves, clogging up stomata and impacting photosynthesis rates. Over time, this can impact plant health and growth. The residue build-up on leaves can reduce the amount of light reaching the plant, further impeding photosynthesis, and may have detrimental effects on plant tissue, potentially leading to discolouration, wilting, or other issues. To mitigate these effects, gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove any build-up, keep plants in well lit areas, and if possible, provide ventilation to reduce the concentration of vaping residues and chemicals in the air that can settle on leaves.
Can You Compensate For Low Lighting With Fertilizer?
When you learn that low lighting means plants can't produce enough food to support themselves, it can be tempting to try to fertilise plants in low lighting to compensate for their lower energy levels. However, although this may seem like a logical solution, plants cannot absorb nutrients through their roots without the energy to transport these nutrients to their leaves.
Nutrients from fertilizer perform a totally different role to energy produced via photosynthesis, and they're not interchangeable. Plants need both nutrients from fertilizer, and energy from photosynthesis to survive. Let's explore what happens to plants kept in inadequate lighting, and why plants need energy from light:
When a Plant Receives Insufficient Light:
Reduced Photosynthesis: Low light levels mean less energy is produced, leading to slower growth and weaker houseplants.
Nutrient Utilisation: Without enough energy, houseplants can't effectively absorb and use the nutrients provided by fertilizers.
Overall Health: Plants may become leggy, with small or discoloured leaves, lose variegations and fenestrations, and are more susceptible to pests and diseases.
The Role of Photosynthesis In Energy Production
Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert light energy into a usable form of chemical energy. This chemical energy is stored in the form of glucose, which plants use to grow, develop, and carry out various physiological functions. Without adequate glucose levels, plants cannot absorb nutrients through their roots, meaning you can't replace adequate lighting with extra plant food. Overfeeding your plants can cause nutrient lockout, leaving them completely unable to absorb any nutrients, causing more harm to your houseplants in the long term.
Fertilizer Nutrients vs. Photosynthesis Energy
Light energy is not interchangeable with nutrients from fertilizer, as they play different roles within the plant. Light energy gives plants the strength to draw in nutrients and water through their roots. Without adequate light energy, plants are too weak to absorb enough food to survive and will slowly starve.
Nutrients From Fertilizer: Nutrients provided through fertilization or the plant's substrate act like vitamins and minerals for plants. These essential nutrients support various structural and functional aspects of plants, including cell division, protein synthesis, and root development. Nutrients don't replace photosynthesis; they complement it, creating the correct balance when combined to support vital plant functions.
Energy From Photosynthesis: Light energy is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis, providing the fuel that drives the processes required to survive, including the uptake of nutrients from fertilizer. Without sufficient light, even with adequate nutrients, plants won't have enough energy to utilise these nutrients effectively and will slowly starve. Energy produced via photosynthesis doesn't replace nutrients provided through fertilization; they complement each other, working together to create the perfect combination of energy for plant health and growth.
Combining Fertilizer and Light Energy
When both fertilizer and light energy are combined, plants have the right energy levels to support their foliage and root systems, leading to healthy growth and thriving plants. Although you can't replace adequate lighting with extra fertilization, you can use both together to create the ideal energy levels to support indoor plant growth. In summary, while fertilizers can help support plant health by providing essential nutrients, they cannot replace the energy that plants need from photosynthesis. Ensuring your plants get adequate light is essential for their overall health and vitality. If you don't have a brighter spot to move your plant to, try adding artificial lighting. You don't have to buy a grow light to achieve plant growth indoors with artificial lighting. We've detailed how to convert any lamp into a grow light, and the best bulbs to use for indoor plant growth.
To help with houseplant placement, we've listed which plant species is suitable for low light, indirect light, and full sun, along with how many hours of sunlight each species needs to thrive.
We've also included how many hours of artificial light they need to give a conversion rate for low lighting households. We've listed the maximum shade percentage recommended for each species, allowing you to find the perfect houseplant for every window in your home. To skip to the list of lighting requirements for different houseplant species, click here.
Seasonal Adjustments: Moving Houseplants To Brighter Windows In Winter
Throughout the year, the intensity of sunlight changes, allowing us to move plants around indoors to utilize the different lighting levels. In the summer, we keep all of our bright indirect plants far away from direct sun, as it would scorch their leaves. However, in the colder months, the sun is gentler, and you can put these lower lighting plants into full sunlight windows without any issues. The only problem you may face is if you forget to move your plants back before the sun gets stronger. We have actually done this once, scorching a whole 5m stretch of Aglaonema plants! When you forget to move plants, they get sun-stressed, causing yellowing of older leaves and new growth coming through with fewer patterns and washed-out pale colours. Given our personal experience with this, we feel the need to reiterate how important it is to move your plants away from the stronger sun in late spring!
Winter Sunlight
During the winter months, the sun sits lower in the sky and its rays are less intense. This is an ideal time to move your bright indirect light houseplants to south-facing windows, where they can receive more light without the risk of sunburn. The sunlight is gentler and can provide the necessary light to keep your plants healthy. This allows plants to get a different spectrum of light than they would normally get under artificial lighting and provides some gentle UV, which is beneficial for plants.
Optimal Time: Move your plants to south-facing windows from late fall to early winter (November to February). This allows them to take advantage of the lower intensity sunlight during the shortest days of the year.
Spring Sunlight
As spring approaches, the sun becomes stronger and days get longer. It's critical to gradually acclimatise your plants to the increasing light levels to avoid shock and sunburn. Start by moving them away from direct sunlight or using sheer curtains to diffuse the light.
Optimal Time: Begin transitioning your plants in early to mid-spring (March to April). Monitor their response to ensure they aren't getting too much light too quickly.
Summer Sunlight
In the summer, the sun is at its strongest, and direct sunlight through south-facing windows can be too intense for many indoor plants. Consider moving your plants to east or west-facing windows where they can receive bright but indirect light. Alternatively, use shades, curtains, or move them further from the windows.
Optimal Time: Make these adjustments in late spring to early summer (May to June) to protect your plants from the harshest rays.
Autumn Sunlight
As the days shorten and the sun's intensity decreases, you can gradually move your plants back to brighter locations. This period is similar to the spring transition but in reverse.
Optimal Time: Start moving your plants closer to south-facing windows in mid to late autumn (September to October) to help them acclimate to the reduced light levels.
Why Winter Sunlight Is Beneficial For Houseplants
Natural sunlight provides a full spectrum of light, which includes blue and red wavelengths crucial for photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. Blue light promotes leaf and stem growth, while red light supports flowering and fruiting. The combination of these wavelengths helps regulate plant growth patterns. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun enhances plant stress tolerance, improves the colour and flavour of fruits and vegetables, and increases pest resistance by stimulating protective compounds. During the winter months, the sun's lower intensity provides gentler sunlight, making it an ideal time to place indirect sun plants in south-facing windows. This ensures they receive more light during shorter days without the risk of sunburn and provides them with a wider spectrum of lighting than they would receive under artificial lights.
Additional Tips
Always observe your plants for signs of sun stress, such as leaf burn, yellowing, or stretching towards light, and adjust their placement accordingly. In particularly dark months or for plants that need more consistent light, supplementing with grow lights can be beneficial year-round. By making these seasonal adjustments, you can ensure your houseplants receive the optimal amount of light throughout the year by utilizing different lighting levels in different windows. This allows plants that don't normally get the full spectrum of sunlight to experience a small amount of UV over the months when the sun won't burn them. If you can't move your plants to a brighter window, try adding supplemental lighting to compensate during the colder and darker months.
Rotating Plants For Even Growth
Rotating your plants is beneficial for ensuring even growth and maintaining overall plant health. We recommend checking and rotating plants, and monitoring for uneven growth. Let's explore why you should rotate your plants, and the benefits it offers:
Balanced Light Exposure: Plants naturally grow towards the light (a phenomenon known as phototropism). By rotating your plants, you ensure that all sides receive equal light exposure, preventing one side from becoming elongated or “leggy” while the other side remains underdeveloped.
Prevent Uneven Growth: Regularly rotating your plants helps them develop a more symmetrical shape. Without rotation, plants might grow unevenly, leading to a lopsided appearance that can affect their aesthetics and structural integrity.
Encourage Healthy Foliage: By providing balanced light exposure, you promote healthier foliage development. Leaves on all sides of the plant will receive adequate light, which is essential for photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.
Avoid Leaf Burn: For plants that are moved between different light conditions, rotating helps prevent leaf burn. Exposing all sides gradually to light reduces the risk of sudden sun stress and scorching.
Enhanced Air Circulation: Rotating plants can improve air circulation around the foliage. This helps prevent the build-up of humidity, which can reduce the risk of fungal infections and pests.
Improved Aesthetics: A well-rotated plant looks more aesthetically pleasing, with even growth and a fuller appearance. This is particularly important for plants used as decorative elements in indoor spaces.
Even Growth for Climbing Plants: For climbing plants or those on support systems, slight rotation can help the leaves fill in around all sides of the support, ensuring a more uniform appearance.
Plants That Don't Need To Be Rotated
There are a few houseplants that generally don't require rotation for even growth. These plants tend to have a more uniform growth pattern and don't exhibit significant leaning towards the light. Here are some houseplants you shouldn't rotate: Aglaonema (Various Species), Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior), Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema), Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Snake Plant (Sansevieria), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), and ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia).
How Often To Rotate Plants
Fast-Growing Plants: Every 1 to 2 weeks.
Slow-Growing Plants: Every 2 to 4 weeks.
Plants with Large Leaves: Every week.
Climbing or Vining Plants: Turn as needed for even growth around supports.
Environmental Considerations: Bright, Direct Sunlight: Every 1 to 2 weeks. Low or Indirect Light: Every 2 to 4 weeks.
Scientific Insight
Plants exhibit phototropism, where they grow towards a light source to maximize photosynthesis. This adaptive behaviour is driven by plant hormones called auxins, which accumulate on the shaded side of the plant, causing cells to elongate and the plant to bend towards the light. Regularly rotating your plants helps distribute auxins evenly, promoting balanced growth and a healthier plant structure. By incorporating plant rotation into your care routine, you can ensure that your houseplants grow evenly and remain healthy and vibrant.
Understanding Window Placement For Houseplants
Understanding the orientation of your windows and how they affect light exposure can help you optimize the placement of your plants. By understanding the light levels provided by different window orientations, you can place your plants in the best possible locations to ensure they receive the right amount of light for optimal growth. Let's explore the different window placements recommended for houseplants, and what they mean in your home:
East-Facing Windows: These windows receive gentle, morning sunlight. The light is bright, but not as intense as afternoon sun. Perfect for plants that prefer bright, indirect light or moderate direct sunlight. Morning sun is less harsh and won't scorch leaves.
West-Facing Windows: These windows get strong, afternoon sunlight, which can be quite intense, especially in the summer. Suitable for plants that can tolerate or thrive in bright, direct light, but may need some protection from the intense afternoon sun. Consider using sheer curtains to diffuse the light if necessary.
North-Facing Windows: These windows receive the least amount of direct sunlight, providing mainly indirect light throughout the day. Best for low-light plants that can thrive in indirect light conditions. These windows are also ideal for plants that are sensitive to direct sunlight.
South-East-Facing Windows: These windows receive a mix of morning sunlight and bright, indirect light for the rest of the day. Ideal for plants that need moderate to bright indirect light. Morning sun exposure is beneficial without the risk of intense afternoon rays.
South-Facing Windows: These windows receive the most sunlight throughout the day, especially during winter when the sun is lower in the sky. They are ideal for sun-loving plants that require bright, direct light for several hours a day. The intense light can promote strong growth, vibrant colours, and abundant flowering.
List Of Light Requirements For Each Houseplant Species
When adding new houseplants or relocating existing ones, it's essential to understand their light preferences—whether they favour sunlight, shade, or bright indirect light. Placing houseplants that don’t thrive in full sun in direct sunlight can cause damage, including scarring, bleaching, and loss of colour or patterns. Conversely, placing sun-loving houseplants in low-light conditions can result in similar negative effects, such as loss of vibrant colours and variegation. Proper placement is crucial for both the aesthetics and health of your houseplants. Poor window light can be supplemented with artificial light if your plants can't get enough from the pre-existing available light.
To ensure your houseplants are positioned correctly, we’ve created a comprehensive list detailing the lighting conditions required for various houseplant species. Our list includes practical notes based on personal experience, as well as specific adaptations you may need to consider for different varieties within each species. Additionally, we provide tips on how to enhance flowering, fenestrations, and variegation. Discover which plants thrive in different light conditions, how long sun loving plants take to acclimatise when moved into sunlight, the number of hours of light each plant needs, and the maximum percentage of shade each species can tolerate:
Houseplant Species Suitable For Full Sun
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Variegated varieties need protection from intense midday sun. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Agave (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Some species like Agave americana handle intense sun; others like Agave attenuata prefer some midday shade. Takes about 3–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Cacti (Various Species): 8+ hours of sunlight or 14–16 hours of artificial light, maximum 10% shade. Desert cacti like Echinocactus grusonii thrive in full sun; jungle cacti like Epiphyllum prefer bright indirect light. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis): 6–8 hours of sunlight, 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 40% shade. Prefers full sun; variegated forms may be sensitive to intense midday sun. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Needs full sun; varieties with thicker leaves handle more intense sun. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Echeveria (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Full sun enhances growth; variegated varieties prefer bright indirect light. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Euphorbia (Euphorbia species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Requires full sun; thinner-leaved varieties require protection from midday sun. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. May be sensitive to midday sun; varieties like ‘Bambino’ prefer bright indirect light. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): 4–6 hours of sunlight or 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Prefers full sun; variegated varieties require protection from intense midday sun. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Kalanchoe (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Benefits from full sun; thinner-leaf varieties prefer bright indirect light. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Lemon Trees (Citrus limon): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Full sun is necessary; dwarf varieties like ‘Improved Meyer’ need midday protection. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Oleander (Nerium oleander): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Prefers full sun; variegated forms benefit from midday shade. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Pineapple Plants (Ananas comosus): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Requires full sun; dwarf varieties may need midday protection. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Thrives in full sun; mature plants handle midday sun better. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Sedum (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Thrives in full sun; variegated varieties prefer bright indirect light. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Sempervivum (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Prefers full sun; delicate varieties benefit from midday shade. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata & cylindrica): Reclassified from Sanseveria in 2017, Dracaena requires 4–6 hours of sunlight or 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Some variegated varieties prefer bright, indirect light. Moonshine can survive sunlight despite being pale, we grow ours in full sun all year round. Takes about 4–6 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Grows better in full sun; can tolerate bright indirect light. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Succulents (Various Species): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Full sun enhances growth; variegated varieties require protection from intense midday sun. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Tradescantia (Various Species): 4–6 hours of sunlight or 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Prefers bright indirect light; some varieties may benefit from midday shade, especially when foliage is white. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Yucca (Yucca elephantipes): 6–8 hours of sunlight or 12–14 hours of artificial light, maximum 20% shade. Grows best in full sun; variegated forms benefit from midday shade. Takes about 3–5 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis fasciata): 4–6 hours of sunlight or 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Tolerates some direct sun; prefers bright indirect light to avoid leaf burn. Takes about 2–4 weeks to acclimatize to full sun.
Houseplant Species For Bright Indirect Lighting
Anthurium (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Can tolerate lower light but blooms best with brighter light.
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea): 2–4 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 40% shade. Tolerates lower light, but gets less vibrant foliage.
Begonia (Various Species): 2–4 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 40% shade. Can tolerate lower light but will bloom less often.
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Prefers consistent light levels for healthy fronds.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): 2–4 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 40% shade. Can tolerate and adapt to lower light.
Calathea (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Tolerates lower light levels, but can lose vivid patterns.
Dracaena (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Tolerates lower light, but may lose variegation.
Ficus Trees (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Can tolerate some morning or late afternoon direct sunlight. It takes Ficus plants around 4–6 weeks to acclimatise to full sun lighting. Typically, Ficus trees acclimatise to full sun within 4–6 weeks, depending on variety.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. More light encourages frequent blooms.
Epipremnum (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. More fenestrations and variegation in bright light, but can tolerate and adapt to low lighting.
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. More light promotes frequent blooming.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): 2–4 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 40% shade.
Monstera (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Fenestrations, maturation, larger leaf sizes, variegation, and colouration are all encouraged with more light.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Can tolerate lower light, but grows best with more light.
Orchid (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Bright light promotes frequent blooming indoors.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Can tolerate and adapt to low lighting.
Red Aglaonemas ('Siam Aurora' & Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Brighter light maintains vivid colours and patterns.
Schefflera (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Can tolerate lower light, but prefers moderate light.
Scindapsus (Heavily Variegated Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 10–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Tolerates lower light, but you may lose variegation and get more green leaves.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Prefers consistent light for healthy fronds.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Tolerates lower light levels; vibrant foliage with more light. Silver Glory and Variegated varieties can revert to all green in low lighting.
Peperomia (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. Tolerates lower light, but variegated varieties need more light to keep their colours and patterns.
Hoya (Various Species): 4–6 hours of natural light, 8–12 hours of artificial light, maximum 30% shade. More light promotes frequent blooming. Some species can tolerate full sun when acclimatised. Some Hoyas, like lacunosa, wayetii, kerrii, mathilde, and carnosa can tolerate and benefit from direct morning or late afternoon sunlight. Hoya australis 'Lisa' can tolerate full sun all day. Several Hoya species can experience sun stress if exposed to intense sunlight without gradual acclimation. These include Hoya australis, burtoniae, burtoniae variegata, caudata, curtisii, deykei, deykeae, diptera, imbricata, kerrii, nicholsoniae (Including New Guinea Ghost), obscura, pachyclada, panchoi, parasitica, pubicalyx, rebecca, rosita, siptangensis, sunrise, wayetii, wayetii variegata, and wilbur graves. It's essential to monitor these plants closely and introduce them to increased sunlight gradually to avoid leaf scorch and other stress symptoms. Some Hoya varieties can stay in sunlight all day when properly acclimatised. However, the ability to handle intense sunlight can vary for each individual plant based on how they were raised. It's essential to introduce them to increased sunlight gradually and monitor closely for signs of scorching or stress. Hoya usually take around 2–3 weeks to acclimatise to sunlight, however, monitor each variety closely, as some can take longer than others.
Houseplant Species Suitable For Low Lighting
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. To boost growth, size, and leaf colour, provide bright indirect light.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 80% shade. Thrives with brighter indirect light for enhanced growth and colouration. To encourage flowering in low light areas, try adding artificial lighting to supplement.
Aglaonema (Various Species): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. More light helps with faster growth, increased size, and more vibrant colours. To promote flowering, maintain stable light conditions and keep the plant slightly root-bound.
Dieffenbachia (Various Species): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 60% shade. Bright indirect light promotes better growth and more vivid foliage colours. To encourage blooming, avoid sudden changes in light exposure.
English Ivy (Hedera helix): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Higher light levels encourage faster growth, larger plants, and more intense leaf colours.
Epipremnum (Various Species): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Prefers bright indirect lighting for fenestrations and variegation. More light leads to faster growth and larger, more colourful leaves.
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Provides bright indirect light for faster growth, larger plants, and more vibrant colours. To promote flowering, maintain stable low light conditions.
Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. For faster growth, larger size, and more vibrant colours, provide bright indirect light. To encourage blooming, ensure consistent light levels and avoid over-fertilizing.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. For faster growth, larger size, and more vibrant colours, provide bright indirect light.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 60% shade. Prefers more light for blooming. For faster growth, larger size, more vibrant colours, and more regular blooms, provide bright indirect light, and use a bloom booster fertilizer.
Philodendron (Various Species): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Matures faster, grows bigger, faster, sizes up leaves, and exhibits more vibrant colours in brighter light.
Shamrock Plant (Oxalis triangularis): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Will grow bigger, faster, and exhibit more vibrant colours when kept in brighter light. To promote blooming, maintain stable lighting and keep it slightly root-bound.
Scindapsus (Various Species): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. Adapts to low light, but leaves may appear less vibrant, growth slows down, and the plant may stretch towards the light. Varieties with more green on the leaves, like Argyraeus will grow well under artificial lighting. For increased silver variegation, offer bright indirect light. We avoid keeping ours in low light as it tends to cause more chlorophyll production in new leaves, reducing silver variegation. Some species may revert to all green in low lighting, to reverse reverted growth, prune off all green leaves and provide more light to prevent new growth coming through reverted.
Snake Plant (Dracaena): Reclassified from Sanseveria in 2017, requires 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 60% shade. For faster growth and a more vibrant appearance, provide bright indirect light. To encourage blooming, provide consistent low light and avoid over-watering. Some varieties, like trifasciata and cylindrica, can acclimatise to gentle direct sun, which can help to promote indoor flowering. We see our Black Coral Snake Plants flower every year in direct sunlight, whole floor length windows with no shade. Acclimatising suitable varieties to the sun usually takes around 4–6 weeks on average.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 60% shade. For faster growth, larger size, and more vibrant colours, provide bright indirect light. To promote flowering, use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola): 2–4 hours of natural light, 8–10 hours of artificial light, maximum 60% shade. Can tolerate lower light levels, but grows better with more light. Rarely flowers indoors; focus on foliage.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): 1–2 hours of natural light, 6–8 hours of artificial light, maximum 70% shade. The darker leaves of the Raven ZZ contain more chlorophyll to absorb light, which means they benefit from brighter conditions. Providing bright indirect light will help these plants thrive and maintain their deep colouration. Standard green ZZ plants are very adaptable and can thrive in low light conditions, although they will grow faster in brighter light. Rarely flowers indoors.
How To Acclimatise Houseplants To Sunlight
When relocating houseplants, it's essential to move them to a sunny spot without causing shock, bleaching, or scorched leaves. This is especially crucial for plants that have lived in low light or artificial light. Moving plants to brighter conditions should be done gradually, allowing their leaves to acclimate without cellular damage. When houseplants experience shock, they can enter a dormancy period where growth slows, and metabolic processes decrease. Proper acclimation prevents shock and leaf burn. Follow these steps to adjust your plants to brighter conditions:
Check Species Lighting Requirements: Ensure the species is suitable for the new lighting conditions. Consult our list of lighting conditions for various houseplant species. Not all plants react the same way to light changes—some can tolerate full sun, while others may suffer from bleached leaves. Knowing where to place your houseplants is key to successful indoor growing.
Start Slowly: If your plants have been in low or artificial light, they may go into shock if moved to a bright window too quickly. Begin by placing them in a spot with indirect sunlight for a few hours daily. A north-facing or east-facing window is ideal for this initial stage.
Increase Light Gradually: After a week, move your plants to a brighter location where they receive gentle morning sunlight. Gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight by 30 minutes to an hour each day.
Monitor for Stress: Watch for signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing, or scorched leaves. If you notice issues, reduce their exposure to direct sunlight by moving them back from the light source slightly, and allow more time for adjustment. If problems persist, move plants 1–2 feet back from the window and allow more time to acclimate before trying again.
Rotate Plants: Rotate plants every few days to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This prevents uneven growth and helps the entire plant acclimate. Certain plants do not require rotation, including Aglaonema, Syngonium, Boston Ferns, Cast Iron Plants, Parlour Palms, Peace Lilies, Sansevieria (Now Dracaena), Spider Plants, and ZZ Plants. Avoid rotating plants on moss poles or supports, but turning them slightly can help leaves fill in around all sides. We typically turn our moss poles about 1/4 of a turn periodically to ensure that we don't end up with bare sides, as we've found that it helps plants to completely fill out the moss pole.
Provide Adequate Water: Increased sunlight causes faster soil drying. Water your plants more frequently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a moisture meter to accurately monitor soil moisture and reduce the risk of root rot.
Maintain Humidity: Higher light levels can decrease humidity. Monitor and maintain stable humidity levels by misting plants at night (to avoid fungal disease) or using a humidity tray. For a long-term solution, consider adding a humidifier.
Use Sheer Curtains: If sunlight is too intense, use sheer curtains or light cloths to diffuse the light. This prevents leaf scorch while still providing increased sunlight. Sheer curtains are especially helpful for plants like Monstera or Hoya, which can handle direct sun when it is diffused to reduce the harsh sun rays.
Gradual Transition: Depending on the individual plant species, the entire acclimation process can take several weeks to a few months. Be patient and allow plants to adjust at their own pace. By following these steps, you can help your houseplants adapt to brighter sunlight conditions without causing stress or damage. Gradually moving plants towards a brighter light source ensures they become accustomed to the new conditions without experiencing stress-induced dormancy.
Signs Of Sun Stress In Houseplants
Spotting signs of sun stress in houseplants is crucial for maintaining their health. Here are some common indicators and how to address them:
Signs of Sun Stress
Scorched Leaves: Look for brown or black patches with a crispy texture. This suggests the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
Bleached Leaves: Leaves may appear faded or washed out, a sign that chlorophyll is breaking down due to intense light.
Wilting: Even when well-watered, a plant may wilt if it's receiving excessive sunlight.
Leaf Curling: Leaves may curl or become distorted to reduce their exposure to intense light.
Leaf Drop: The plant may start shedding leaves as a response to sun stress.
Dry Leaf Edges: The edges of the leaves may become dry and brittle.
How to Remedy Sun Stress
Move to a Shadier Spot: Relocate the plant to a spot with less direct sunlight. If severely stressed, move it to bright, indirect light.
Use Sheer Curtains: Filter the sunlight with sheer curtains to reduce its intensity and prevent further damage.
Adjust Watering: Ensure the plant is adequately watered, as stressed plants dry out faster. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Increase Humidity: Mist the plant or use a humidity tray to raise the surrounding humidity, which can help it recover.
Prune Damaged Leaves: Remove severely damaged or scorched leaves to encourage new, healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Monitor for Pests: Stressed plants are more susceptible to pests. Check regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
Gradual Acclimation: If reintroducing the plant to brighter conditions, do so gradually to prevent further shock.
Species That Display Desirable Sun Stress Traits
Some people intentionally expose certain plants to some sun stress to enhance their colour and appearance. When introducing these houseplant sot sunlight for the first time to try to achieve sun stressed colours, it's essential to monitor these plants closely and introduce them to sunlight gradually to avoid leaf scorch and other stress symptoms. While a bit of sun stress can enhance the aesthetics of these plants, it’s crucial to monitor them and ensure they aren’t getting too much sun, which can cause damage. Here are a few examples:
Echeveria: Many Echeveria varieties develop vibrant, colourful leaves when exposed to more sunlight. This sun stress can bring out hues of red, pink, and purple.
Sedum: Some sedum plants, such as Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant), can turn red or bronze when exposed to direct sunlight.
Graptopetalum: Known for its rosette form, Graptopetalum can exhibit a range of colours, including pink, purple, and blue, under the influence of sun stress.
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks): These succulents can develop rich, contrasting colours with more sun exposure.
Aeonium: Certain Aeonium varieties, like Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', can get even darker and more intense colours with more sunlight.
Hoya: Several Hoya species can experience sun stress if exposed to intense sunlight without gradual acclimation. These include Hoya australis, burtoniae, burtoniae variegata, caudata, curtisii, deykei, deykeae, diptera, imbricata, kerrii, nicholsoniae (Including New Guinea Ghost), obscura, pachyclada, panchoi, parasitica, pubicalyx, rebecca, rosita, siptangensis, sunrise, wayetii, wayetii variegata, and wilbur graves.
Scientific Insight
Excessive sunlight can cause chlorophyll breakdown, leading to bleaching and sunburn. Chlorophyll is crucial for photosynthesis, so its degradation reduces the plant's ability to capture light and produce energy, causing stress. Ensuring proper light conditions and gradually acclimating plants helps protect their chlorophyll production and overall health.
Dry leaf edges
Bleached leaves
Washed out colours
Wilting
Leaf drop
Curled leaves with dry edges
The Science Behind Light Spectrums: How Sunlight Impacts Indoor Plant Growth
Some houseplants thrive in full sun due to their native environments and specific light requirements. Some plants have evolved in sunny regions and are adapted to handle high light levels, which maximize photosynthesis and lead to vigorous growth. We've listed which houseplants like full sun, for reference. Full sunlight stimulates flowering and fruiting, promotes sturdy growth, and enhances plant resilience through UV-induced protective compounds. These plants also experience fewer pest issues in dry, sunny conditions, making them healthier overall. Sunlight is composed of a broad range of wavelengths, each corresponding to different colours in the visible spectrum, as well as ultraviolet (UV) and far-red light. These wavelengths play critical roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. To understand how the sun impacts indoor plant growth, let's explore how the different light colours in the spectrum of sunlight impact plant growth, and the difference between sunlight and artificial lighting for houseplants:
Visible Light Range (400-700 nm)
This range, also known as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), includes the colours violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Each colour contributes differently to plant growth:
Blue Light (400-500 nm): Essential for chlorophyll production, blue light promotes strong, healthy leaves and reduces internodal distances, leading to more compact growth. It also influences the opening of stomata, which are tiny openings on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange and water vapour loss. Blue light helps in preventing plants from becoming too leggy and ensures they maintain a robust structure.
Red Light (600-700 nm): Crucial for photosynthesis and promoting flowering and fruiting. Red light helps regulate various growth processes, increases internodal distances, and results in longer stems. It is particularly effective in stimulating the flowering phase and enhancing the production of fruits. Red light also works in synergy with blue light to control photomorphogenesis, the process by which plants grow and develop in response to light signals.
Green Light (500-600 nm): Though less efficient for photosynthesis compared to blue and red light, green light penetrates deeper into the plant canopy, supporting overall growth. It can reach lower leaves that might not receive enough blue and red light, thereby aiding in photosynthesis throughout the entire plant. Green light also plays a role in regulating leaf morphology and can influence plant architecture by affecting leaf thickness and shape.
Far-Red Light (700-800 nm)
Far-red light influences plant development, particularly in processes like seed germination, stem elongation, and flowering. It can also interact with red light to regulate the plant's photoperiodism, the mechanism by which plants measure day length and respond to seasonal changes. Far-red light encourages taller growth, boosts plant immune systems by promoting growth, enhances natural defences, and increases antioxidant capacity. Despite slightly reducing leaf photosynthesis, it increases overall plant biomass and resilience. A study found that far-red light boosts plant immune systems by promoting growth, enhancing natural defences, and increasing antioxidant capacity. Far red light regulates phytochrome activities to improve immune responses and, despite slightly reducing leaf photosynthesis, increases overall plant biomass and resilience.
Ultraviolet Light (UV, 280-400 nm)
UV light, made up of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, can stimulate the production of protective compounds and pigments, enhancing plant stress tolerance and potentially improving the flavours and colours of fruits and vegetables. However, too much UV-B can be harmful. UV light forces plants to produce protective compounds, leading to thicker leaves and stems and reducing internodal distances, making plants denser.
Sunlight vs. Artificial Lights
While artificial lights can supplement natural light and provide specific wavelengths, the full spectrum of sunlight has several advantages that artificial lights often cannot fully replicate:
Comprehensive Spectrum: Natural sunlight provides a full spectrum of light, including the balanced presence of all necessary wavelengths. Most artificial lights are designed to emit specific wavelengths, which might not provide the same comprehensive benefits as sunlight. You can buy grow lights that are specifically designed to emulate the sun, we've listed the best full spectrum grow lights for houseplants on our artificial lighting guide, to help closely mimic the spectrum of sunlight.
Intensity and Consistency: Sunlight offers high intensity and consistent quality across the spectrum. While LED grow lights and other artificial sources can be tailored to emit specific wavelengths, they might not match the natural intensity and energy distribution provided by the sun.
Photoperiodism and Seasonal Changes: Plants evolved to respond to the natural changes in daylight across seasons. Sunlight exposure varies naturally, providing cues that help plants grow, flower, and set fruit according to their life cycles. Artificial lights generally need precise control to mimic natural variations. Without these controls, plants can become confused about the seasons, leading to flowering at inappropriate times. This can potentially exhaust the plants if they do not receive the necessary rest period.
Significance of Light: Lighting is crucial for houseplants, even if it's not in the ideal spectrum. Adding any grow light is better than letting your plants struggle in low lighting. You can easily convert any lamp into a grow light with high-powered household bulbs and a fixture with a suitable base. Alternatively, we've listed a range of purpose-designed grow lights, offering a good spectrum balance for houseplants, from very affordable to high-end options to suit every budget and setup. We can't emphasize enough how beneficial it is to add any light to your houseplants, regardless of its strength or colour spectrum. When lighting levels are low, plants cannot thrive indoors, so any supplemental light can make a significant difference.
Utilizing Sunlight and Artificial Lights
While nothing quite beats the benefits of natural sunlight, using artificial lights can still effectively support plant growth, especially in low-light conditions. Combining both sources, when possible, can help mimic a more natural environment, ensuring that plants receive the right quantity and quality of light throughout the year. We love to supplement our lighting in the darker months using high-powered house lamp bulbs, as we find that this is a great medium between grow lights and low lights! You can convert any lamp into a grow light with the right type of bulbs, or you can buy specifically designed plant grow lights which are more closely optimised to the sun's spectrum, offering more natural lighting colours.
Summary Of Natural Lighting For Houseplants
To summarise our article, we've learned why lighting is important for houseplants, and the impact that low lighting can have on indoor plant health. Next, we explored if you can compensate for low lighting by feeding your plants more frequently, and how that impacts their health. We've explored the best ways to manage houseplants in low lighting environments, and how dust on the leaves can impact the rate of houseplant growth. Next, we looked at seasonal adjustments for houseplants and how you can move indirect sun plants to direct sun windows during the winter to enhance plant growth indoors. We discussed the benefits of rotating indoor plants for even growth, and we explored which houseplant species don't need to be rotated. After rotation, we explored which windows provide which type of light, and we explored a list of lighting requirements for different types of houseplants. After that, we had a look into how to successfully acclimatise houseplants to direct sunlight, and the signs of sun stress in plants to watch out for!
The best advice we can give you for natural lighting is to offer the best light that you can for each plant species, and watch out for signs of stress when moving plants. Try to keep lighting consistent, and adjust plant position through the year to maximize lighting. We like to use artificial lights to supplement our natural lighting throughout the year. If your home doesn't offer high light levels, we'd highly recommend converting a lamp into a grow light, or adding full spectrum grow lights to enhance growth indoors.
Edited & Fact Checked By: The Houseplant Shop
Article Published: 13h January 2025
About The Houseplant Shop:
Independent Houseplant Nursery
Horticultural Specialists
Managing Over 250 Houseplant Species Onsite
Over 15 Years Of Experience With Horticulture
As head of horticulture, Sarah manages the care and propagation of over 250 plant species at a commercial houseplant nursery. With over 15 years of experience in horticulture, specializing in houseplants, Sarah has extensive expertise in plant biology, soil science, and integrated pest management. She continually reviews and integrates the latest research into her plant care guides. Dedicated to educating others, Sarah has spent years diagnosing houseplant care issues and sharing her real-world experience. Her commitment to scientific accuracy and helping people diagnose plant health issues has established her as a trusted authority and expert in the field.
The Houseplant Shop is a dedicated houseplant nursery, growing all of their own stock from their botanical library of over 250 houseplant species. The nursery staff are horticultural experts who have dedicated their lives to cultivating and nurturing over 250 different species of houseplants, focusing on Aroids, tropical plants, and NOID collectables. All their plants are grown in house in Britain to be more environmentally friendly. The nursery is proud to have been featured by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a 100% peat free nursery.
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Written By: Sarah Brooks, Head of Horticulture
Article Received: 8th January 2025
Copyright: The Houseplant Shop (https://thehouseplant.shop)
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Author: Sarah Brooks
Head of Horticulture at The Houseplant Shop