

For example, in the summer, you have longer days, which results in more hours of sunlight. Plants often use the amount of light they receive during a day to determine the time of year. The duration of the light is just as important as how intense it is and will be measured in a unit of time, like hours. Duration of light : How many hours per day does the light hit the plant? It’s safe to assume that if something has a higher wattage, the intensity will be greater, as well.

You might also see the word “watts” used to describe the brightness–watts are a unit that measure the amount of energy required to power the light. a night light – the spot light has a higher intensity than the night light and will appear brighter. The more light that’s available, the more light your plants can use to make energy. You’ll see this measured in units of lumens. Intensity can range from very bright to very dim. When talking about light, there are three main factors that are normally measured: Light intensity: How bright is the light? Other plants won't like too much bright light, like the ZZ Plant, as they may prefer a spot with medium or low light. If you have a succulent, it’s likely going to need a lot of bright light. Instead, you need to consider each plant’s native light conditions, and mimic them as best you can indoors.Įach house plant has different light needs. So, what type of light is best for growing plants indoors? There's no absolute “best” light that works for every plant. Considering what light an indoor plant needs before situating it in your home is key. Too much light results in dried out and sunburnt leaves (yes leaves can get sunburnt!), while too little light will make a plant weak, pale in color and elongated. If a plant isn’t getting the right amount of light, it can fail to thrive. Indoors or out, plants derive their energy to live and grow from sunlight.

Are your house plants getting enough - or too much - light for their optimal growth and health? We’re here to shed some light and help you find out! Why Sunlight Matters for House Plants How much shade does a plant need? Where in the yard should you plant trees that need full sun?īut light requirements are just as important for indoor plants. When planting outdoors, sunlight is top of mind. Did you ever consider that the missing piece could be light? You water regularly, have a pot with good drainage and even fertilize, but your new house plant still isn't thriving.
