Are you having trouble with your house plants? Even your most low maintenance plants won't thrive if they aren't given the proper lighting exposure.

This video by West Elm inspired us to learn about which house plant is best for each area of a house. This video will show you exactly which plant belongs in lots of light, bright lights, indirect light, and low lights.



According to Better Homes and Gardens, there are general rules to follow in regards to lighting, but each of these rules has exceptions. For example, flowering plants need more light than foliage plants. Most plants with thick, fleshy leaves need little light, yet cacti and succulents thrive in bright light. Some plants flower according to how long light is present each day, rather than how intense it is. Christmas cactus, chrysanthemum, kalanchoe, and poinsettia are examples of plants that need short days (long nights) to flower properly. 

The build and location of your house might determine which plants are best for your environment. To determine the intensity of the light on a given spot in your home, place an object there and check the shadow. The more intense the light, the more defined the shadow. Generally, a south exposure is the brightest. East and west windows can be bright, but usually not as bright as south windows. North windows generally are the dimmest. Light varies considerably by time of year.

Light also varies by what's nearby. It can reflect off light-colored buildings or snow, or be blocked by trees, shades, and awnings. Light intensity drops dramatically as you move from the source. Plants near a window receive far more light than ones several feet away, even though the room may be flooded with light.


Posted by West + Main Homes on
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