How Much Light Do My Plants Need?
It’s no hidden secret that plants need sunlight to survive, but some like more than others and some like very little at all so how do you know what’s right for you? On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about how much light your plants need to grow. We’ll also tell you what terms like “low light”, “medium light”, and “bright light” mean!
Why do indoor plants need light?
Plants need light to live because it is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Glucose serves as an energy source and a building block for growth, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.
Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant cells, captures light energy. This energy drives the chemical reactions that produce glucose. Without sufficient light, plants cannot photosynthesize effectively, leading to stunted growth, weakened structures, and, ultimately, the inability to survive.
Light also influences other vital processes in plants, such as flowering, seed germination, and the opening and closing of stomata (tiny pores on leaves). These processes are crucial for plant reproduction, water regulation, and overall health. Thus, light is indispensable for the energy production and physiological functions that sustain plant life.
How much light do indoor house plants need to grow?
The amount of light indoor house plants need varies depending on the type of plant. Some plants thrive in low light conditions, while others require bright, indirect light similar to the light near a window but not in direct sunlight. A few indoor plants may even need direct sunlight to flourish, which means placing them in a spot where they can receive sunlight for several hours each day.
Plant light intensity all depends on the type of plant you own. low-light plants tend to be trailing/hanging ivy, fern plants, and house plants like peace lilies. In their natural environments, these plants are found on the bottom of woodland and rainforest floors, well under the top of the tree canopy.
Palms, trees, and succulents all prefer medium-light conditions and may thrive in direct sunlight. In the wild, they would all receive plenty of natural light, being found in exposed sunny areas like beaches and desert climates.
As plant parents, it’s important we understand the specific light requirements of each plant species to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of light. Factors like the intensity and duration of light exposure are critical for their growth and overall health.
When we first get our indoor plants after buying them online, we should always adjust their position relative to light sources, and use artificial grow lights if necessary. This way, we can observe their growth patterns, ensuring they receive adequate light.
Light Intensity: What Do All The Terms Mean?
Across our website and other plant care forums, you may see many different terms crop up regarding plants and light. Often, these terms seem daunting. Especially if you’re a beginner plant parent. That’s why we’ve created this handy little list of terms to help you decipher what these plant care terms really mean:
“Direct light” is easy to understand. This refers to the highest amount of sunlight we can give to a plant. A spot in direct light is as near to a large window or conservatory as possible. Plant care professionals often use terms like “full sun”, “direct sun”, and “direct light” interchangeably.
A house plant in “direct sun” or “full sun” has direct access to a light source throughout the day. Don’t hide a “direct sun” plant in the corner of a room. Put it on a coffee table or a windowsill. It’ll thank you for it!
“Medium light plants” require a little bit of Goldilocks treatment when it comes to plant care. Medium-light is often paired with terms like “partial shade” or “indirect light”. In essence, this term refers to a bright room but away from a spot in direct sunlight.
Most plants will survive in medium-light. A plant that is in “bright indirect light” would usually be in a brighter room (South, East, or West-facing window) in the corner of a room. You might place this plant on a coffee table, on a plant stand, or next to a sofa or armchair.
“Low light” plants are sometimes called shade-loving plants”. These plants prefer a low light level and, usually, thrive in cooler, more humid, conditions. It goes without saying, low-light plants will prefer a darker room. So, a bathroom or room with a North-facing window will usually suffice.
Low-light plants are often prone to scorched leaves. So, don’t place a low-light plant in a place where this could happen. Otherwise, you may need to prune any affected leaves off.
How do we replicate a plant's natural light intensity in our homes?
Making sure our house plants receive enough light intensity when indoors is quite simple. Throughout the day, different rooms in a house or office will receive varying levels of natural light. By placing your plant in the correct room with a sufficient light source, all you need to worry about is watering and fertilising your house plants.
The natural sunlight levels of a room depend upon the placement of the window. Romos with a South-facing window get the most light throughout the day. Rooms with East or West-facing windows receive less light than a South-facing window, but more than a room with a North-Facing window. So, bear this in mind!
Generally speaking, rooms that receive more sunlight are also warmer throughout the year. So, if you have a succulent or palm that loves high light intensity and a warmer climate, then a South-facing window is ideal. Rooms that are carpeted and have curtains will often be more insulated than tiled/wooden floors. This means there will be less temperature fluctuation.
How much light does my room get?
It’s important to know how much natural light you get in your room throughout the day. Generally, a South-facing window will benefit from the most natural light throughout the day. Whereas facing North gives you a shaded retreat whilst to the East or West pops you in the middle of the spectrum.
Always consider neighbouring trees or tall buildings as these can cast shadows on your room along with living in flats that are at basement or penthouse level. This can also directly affect the amount of light your house plants will get over the day.
One of the best ways to measure light intensity is using a light tester. This measures indoor light conditions in your room, helping you make the right decision when it comes to making sure your plant receives enough light. At Oxy-Plants, we sell a light and soil combi tester. Be sure to add one of these to your basket so you never make the simplest of plant care gaffs!
Another quick tip to get a feel for the natural light in your rooms, is to turn off your lights and open your ‘maps’ app on your phone. Your phone will show you which direction is north in relation to your window – it’s that simple!
If it turns out you have plants that love direct sunlight, but you live in a dark home, then it might be wise to invest in some artificial light products (LED grow lamps) to keep those plants alive. Other than that, investing in some (Almost) Ukillable plants such as the cast iron plant may be a wiser choice.
Choosing your plant
To make it easy we have grouped our plants based on their need for natural light, so you can choose your plant according to where they will live.
Not Fussy
This bunch is happy whatever the weather.
Indirect Sunlight
I’d like a window view but not too bright please.
Most Light
Show me the big guy in the sky…but don’t let me burn!
