Talk about light for indoor plants and ornamental plants You’ve probably heard a dozen times about “direct” and “indirect” light for houseplants. Every blog mentions it, but what exactly is it? How many types are there? This article will help you understand light better and map out your houseplant placement accordingly.
1. What is direct light?
Direct sunlight is sunlight that shines directly on the leaves of a plant without being obstructed by curtains, walls, or any other obstructions. This is the strongest light a plant can receive indoors, similar to outdoor light.
Examples of direct indoor lighting:
- The plant is placed right next to the window without any obstruction.
- Balcony or indoor space with large glass doors that let in direct sunlight.
2. What is bright indirect light?
Indirect light is sunlight that does not shine directly on the plant but is diffused, reflected, or blocked by an object such as a curtain, frosted glass, wall, or furniture. This is the most common type of light and is ideal for many types of indoor plants.
Bright Indirect Light: Indirect light but still strong enough, suitable for plants that need medium to high light.
4. Medium indirect light
Medium light occurs a few feet from the window, when the light intensity gradually fades. Thin curtains will filter the light and this is also considered medium light. Plants that thrive in medium light include Pothos, Ferns, Snake Plants, and Money Plants.
5. What is Low light?
Low Indirect Light: Very weak light, only suitable for plants that can tolerate darkness well, such as snake plants or money trees. Areas with weak light, far from doors and windows, do not receive light sources all day.
Although houseplants almost always grow better in bright light, some plants can tolerate low light: Snake Plant, Money Plant,…
Light source location and intensity
The intensity and duration of light depends on location, direction, elevation and the outside environment. If your window is facing south it will receive more light North. If there are large trees around your house, the light intensity will be reduced.
Light exposure time
The duration of light is just as important as its intensity and is measured in units of time, such as hours. Plants often use the amount of light they receive during the day to determine the time of year.
The average amount of light a plant needs each day is about 12-16 hours and 8 hours of darkness.
For example, in the summer, you have longer days, which means more hours of sunlight. In the eyes of a plant, this is a sign that it is starting to fruit or flower. Plants also need time to rest and recover, just like we need sleep.
Quality of light
Light quality is more of a concern when growing plants with artificial light than natural light. Generally, sunlight is best for plant growth, but artificial lighting can improve the quality of light that plants receive, improving plant growth.
When artificial light is needed to supplement natural light, the spectrum is important. For example, red, far-red, and blue wavelengths are most important for plant growth. All three wavelengths must be provided for healthy plants.
The harmful effects of lack of light
Houseplants can become spindly or “leggy” as they stretch out to get more light. When placed in a location with light coming from one direction, they can grow skinny.
Reference
Lighting for Indoor Plants | University of Maryland Extension (UME)
House Plant Care 101: Light | Fast Growing Trees
Houseplant Sunlight Guide | Plant Addicts
