What Is the Right Sunlight Level for Your Plant? Find out Awesome Facts Here! (2021)

It is not possible for only one answer to be given to this question.  Depending on the type of plant, how much light it requires will differ.  

Getting the right type of light will also affect your plant’s survival, because if it does not receive it, it will most likely die.


What is Indirect and Direct Light?

You may wonder if this is the proper kind of light for gardening if you’re new to it.  In the case of indirect light, you will often see the word bright as the first word after indirect light.  Additionally, there is something called middle ground lighting.


Direct Light

It is a simple concept; the plant receives direct, unimpeded sunlight.  Unobstructed access is the key here.When you think about it, you will realize how many things get in the way of direct sunlight.  Any object above the plant could be a house, a branch, or anything else.


Indirect Light

A plant in this environment is in an environment that is filled with light, but not directly exposed to the sun’s rays.  Since the sun is refracted through or reflected off other objects in the area before it hits the plant, the area is still light.  As an example, sunlight shines through a curtain on a plant.


Bright Indirect Light

The plants cast blurry, indistinct shadows in this case, and the light from indirect light is the same.  The light looks like the light from 800-2000 candles.


Middle

 Lighting is not always black and white, as there are times when plants are placed in an area that receives indirect light as well as direct light.  You may be able to light your plant from this area, but it depends on how much light your plant needs.


Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Plant

As plants grow, they convert the light they receive from the sun into energy.  The process is called photosynthesis.  Plants that need full sun must be grown outside since they require many hours of direct sunlight.  In general, indoor plants can tolerate indirect sunlight.  A sufficient amount of indirect sunlight comes through the window to nourish the growing plant.

The importance of sunlight for the health of your indoor plants cannot be overstated.  There is never as much sunlight coming through the window as if they were outside.  Due to space constraints, it is not always possible to keep a plant close to a window.  As a precaution, you have to move them away if there is a chance of a cold draft killing them.  When you move the plant away from the window, the intensity of the sunlight falling on it drops rapidly.  Even a move of two or three feet can reduce the intensity by more than 50%.  When placing plants in a room, you need to keep in mind the type of plant and the type of light it requires.

  • North-facing windows provide the least amount of light.
  • A south-facing window gives you the most light.
  • East-facing windows receive a lot of early morning sun.
  • The west-facing windows receive a lot of afternoon and evening sun. During the summer, this can be very strong.

Direct Sunlight Plants

Generally speaking, this refers to sunlight that is unfiltered.  These plants can be grown indoors under certain conditions with direct light.  Floor-to-ceiling glass windows would be one setting.  You can place these plants in or near a south-facing window the northern hemisphere.  For the southern hemisphere, you would need a room facing north.  The plants will grow and thrive best if they receive direct sunlight for part of the day.  Plants like these could be in a room with a west-facing or east-facing window or on a covered patio.

  • Succulents
  • Geraniums
  • Begonia
  • Madagascar palms
  • Aloe Vera
  • Hibiscus
  • Most focus species including Fiddle Leaf Figs
  • Spider plant

Indirect Sunlight Plants

In most indoor garden settings, only indirect sunlight is provided.  From the subtle indirect light coming in from north-facing windows to the bright indirect light coming in from east-facing windows.  Indicate in the plant care instructions that they should be exposed only to indirect light.  For plants that require indirect light, you will need to shield them from the sun’s harshest rays.  Put them between a few inches and a few feet away from a window.  You can hang sheer curtains to block out more light.  

Every plant needs sunlight, even those that claim low light.  Also, you can use those special indoor lights that provide ultraviolet light and heat to your plants.  When you can, you should let them have some natural light so they can receive the nourishment they need from the sun.

  • Most ferns
  • African Violets
  • Rubber plants
  • Palms like bamboo palms
  • Most Orchids
  • Prayer Plants
  • English Ivy
  • Monstera
  • Snake plants
  • Philodendrons
  • Peace Lillies

More Related Articles for You!

https://allthingsgardener.com/snake-plant-light-requirements/
https://allthingsgardener.com/perfect-hours-of-light-snake-plant-need/
https://allthingsgardener.com/snake-plant-best-light-requirements-2021/

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