One of the first things to consider when picking out a new houseplant is the available light and quality of that light in your space. While some plants may tolerate low light conditions, more light usually promotes quicker growth, dense foliage and even flowering (if your plant can flower).
There are 4 classifications of light that we utilize for the majority of our houseplants: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light and Low Light. Let’s begin by detailing what each classification means, starting with the lowest amount of light.
Low Light
Low Light is typical with North-facing windows, rooms with only one small window, rooms with half walls, corners, or areas where no natural light hits. There are a few plants that can tolerate low light areas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will thrive there. In their native growing environments, these plants are “understory plants” meaning they grow underneath the branches of larger plants. In environments with less light, plants grow more slowly and use less water.
Low light houseplants we recommend are Snake Plants (Sansevieria), ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas), and Pothos. These plants all tend to be good for beginners as well, as they are overall more forgiving.
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Snake Plants (Sansevieria)
ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas)
Medium Light
Generally Medium Light comes from either east or west facing windows, or a larger distance from a direct source of light. Many plants are able to grow with this amount of light, but since they would not be in direct sunlight, these plants will not dry out as quickly. Avoid overwatering by feeling the soil. Be careful about placement to avoid too much sun, which can cause sun burn or sun poisoning on the leaves of these plants.
Medium light houseplants we recommend are Calatheas, Dracaenas, and Palms. These plants aren’t too picky about light requirements, but need more than those categorized as low-light.
Dracaena Lemon Lime
Calathea Medallion
Bright Indirect Light
Bright Indirect Light is the most used when describing house plant needs. It’s not a spot that is directly in the sun, but it is a space that receives steady and bright light. These can be spots right next to a window, near north- and east-facing windows or shaded south- and west-facing ones, as well as a few feet back from unshaded south- or west-facing windows.
Bright indirect light houseplants we recommend are Monsteras, Ficus, and Peperomia. These plants love light, but direct sunlight can burn their leaves. Because they need more light, they also need more water.
Monstera Deliciosa
Ficus Elastica Burgundy
Bright Direct Light
Bright direct light is for sun-loving plants. It is the most intense light that indoor spaces receive and will expose plants directly to the sun's rays. This light comes in through west or southern-facing windows or can be created with grow lights. High-light areas can be warm, making plants dry out faster.
Most common houseplants don’t love direct sunlight, but a few that can take the heat are Birds of Paradise, Cacti and Succulents.
