Understanding Light Levels (Low, Medium, Bright)
Light terminology causes significant confusion in plant care. Terms like 'bright indirect' or 'low light' mean different things to different people. The Plant Nursery defines light levels based on measurable criteria that help match plants to actual spaces.
What Is Bright Light?
Bright light locations receive direct sun for at least part of the day or very strong indirect light all day. This includes south-facing windows (in the Southern Hemisphere) and areas within 1-2 meters of unobstructed east or west windows. Plants in bright light cast sharp shadows and can often tolerate some direct sun. Most flowering plants, succulents, and cacti require bright light to thrive.
What Is Medium Light?
Medium light locations receive bright indirect light but not direct sun. This includes areas 2-3 meters from bright windows, north-facing windows with good sky visibility, or spaces near east/west windows with sheer curtains. Most common houseplants (pothos, philodendron, snake plants, dracaena) perform well in medium light. Plants in medium light cast soft, diffused shadows.
What Is Low Light?
Low light locations receive minimal natural light from distant windows or north-facing windows with obstructions. These spaces are typically 3-5 meters from windows. Low light does not mean no light - plants still need some natural light to survive. Only a select group of plants (cast iron plant, ZZ plant, pothos, snake plant) can tolerate these conditions. Plants in low light cast no visible shadows.
Assessing Your Space
To assess light levels, observe shadows at midday on a clear day. Sharp, well-defined shadows indicate bright light. Soft, visible shadows indicate medium light. No shadows indicate low light. Also consider seasonal changes - north-facing windows provide less light in winter when the sun angle is lower. Light intensity drops dramatically with distance from windows, so proximity matters more than window size.
Artificial Light as Supplement
Standard household lighting does not provide sufficient intensity for most plant growth. Grow lights designed for plants can supplement natural light in low-light areas. LED grow lights placed 30-50 cm above plants and used for 12-14 hours per day can support plant growth where natural light is insufficient. This extends plant placement options significantly.
Light and Other Care Factors
Light levels affect watering needs. Plants in brighter light use water faster and may need more frequent watering. Lower light reduces water consumption, meaning longer intervals between waterings. Fertilizer needs also decrease in lower light because photosynthesis occurs more slowly. Match all aspects of care to available light for best results.
Practical Tips
- •Use the shadow test at midday on a clear day to assess light accurately
- •Rotate plants weekly if light comes from one direction to encourage even growth
- •Move plants closer to windows in winter when sun angle lowers
- •Clean windows regularly to maximize light transmission
- •Consider sheer curtains for plants that need bright indirect light near sunny windows
From The Plant Nursery
When customers describe their space as having 'bright indirect light,' we ask them to describe shadows and measure distance from windows. This conversation reveals actual light conditions and prevents mismatched plant selections.