How Much Light Do Houseplants Need?

Most houseplants want bright, indirect light, meaning a well-lit spot without hours of harsh direct sun. Low-light plants tolerate dimmer rooms, and sun-lovers like succulents need several hours of direct light.

What do the light levels mean?

• Direct light: sun shining straight on the plant for hours, such as a south or west-facing window in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Bright indirect light: a bright room where the plant sits near a window but is not in the sun’s direct beam, or is shaded by a sheer curtain.
• Medium light: a few feet back from a bright window, or a spot near an east-facing window.
• Low light: far from windows or in a north-facing room. Fewer plants thrive here, but some tolerate it.

Does window direction matter?

Yes. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows are brightest, west-facing get strong afternoon sun, east-facing get gentler morning sun, and north-facing are the dimmest. In the Southern Hemisphere it is reversed, so a north-facing window is the bright one.

How can I check the light in my room?

A simple test is to hold your hand about a foot above the plant’s spot. A sharp, dark shadow suggests bright light, a soft blurry shadow suggests medium light, and a barely visible shadow suggests low light. Light meter apps on a phone can give a rough guide as well.

What are signs of too little light?

Leggy, stretched growth, small pale new leaves, leaning toward the window, and yellowing lower leaves. Growth may also slow noticeably.

What are signs of too much light?

Scorched, bleached, or brown papery patches, and leaves that curl or fade. Move the plant back or add a sheer curtain.

Which plants suit low light?

See best low-light plants for beginners. Also note that light drops in winter, so plants may need to move closer to a window then.

Related reading: How to care for houseplants in winter