Light Guide for House Plants and Rare Plants in Australia
Both houseplants and rare plants in Australia hail from diverse habitats—rainforests, deserts, and everything in between.
Their light needs are a product of these habitats and the closer we can replicate them in our home the happier our plants will be.
So when nurturing indoor plants, understanding the types of natural light they require is a great step forward in making sure you have the right plant for the right spot for optimal growth.
There are three primary categories of natural indoor light:
1. Direct Light: Direct light refers to a scenario where the plant receives uninterrupted sunlight for the majority of the day. To determine if your plant is in direct light, take a moment to observe it from its location. If, when looking out the window from the plant's perspective, you find yourself squinting due to the intense sunlight, you're dealing with direct light exposure. Many plants thrive in such conditions, as it replicates the environment of their wild ancestors.
Plants suited for direct light: Citrus, Jade, Croton, Bird of Paradise, Herbs, Aloe, Succulents, Cacti, and Jasmine flourish when placed directly in front of sun-drenched windows.
2. Bright Indirect Light: "Bright indirect light" is a common guideline for many indoor plants. It entails providing a bright and consistent level of light without exposing the plant to direct sunlight. Think of this as the type of light found in areas where the plant can see a window and the outdoor light but never stares directly at the sun. Plants originating from tropical regions, where tall trees and foliage offer partial protection from harsh sunlight, typically prefer bright indirect light. They may not thrive in the intense heat of direct sun rays.
Plants suitable for bright indirect light: Most indoor plants fall into this category, including Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Tree, Umbrella Tree, Dracaena, Philodendron, Pothos, and Calathea.
3. Low Light: Low light conditions occur when a plant can only glimpse a small portion of the sky or has no access to direct sunlight at all. Additionally, any location more than approximately 7 feet away from a window can be considered low light. While most plants may not thrive in such conditions, some are known to tolerate them.
Plants that tolerate low light: Cast Iron, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Silver Chinese Evergreens with grey or green foliage, and certain Pothos varieties can manage in low light settings.
To put this into context.
The Geographical Window – For Australian Houseplants and Rare Plants
- North-Facing Windows: These are the sun-drenched spots. Plants placed here will receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. It's perfect for those sun-loving plants like succulents or desert species.
- South-Facing Windows: Offer cooler, indirect light. This direction is ideal for plants that prefer a more muted light, such as ferns or certain orchids.
- East-Facing Windows: They capture the morning sun, providing bright but not overly harsh light. Ideal for plants that enjoy a moderate amount of sunlight, like pothos or philodendrons.
- West-Facing Windows: The afternoon sun can be quite strong, especially in the warmer months. Plants that can handle a bit of direct sun, but perhaps not the intensity of a north-facing window, might be happiest here.
Understanding these categories of natural indoor light will help you select the right spot for your plants, ensuring they receive the light conditions necessary for their well-being and growth.
Happy Gardening!