Tuesday Tips: Understanding Light Requirements for Different Houseplants

Let’s set the scene: you bring home a gorgeous new plant, give it a cozy corner by the TV, and wait for it to flourish. But instead of lush new growth, you get yellowing leaves, sad droops, or, worst of all... nothing. It’s not you. It’s not even your watering. It might just be the light.

Because here’s the not-so-secret truth: sunlight is plant fuel — but not all houseplants run on the same wattage. Some crave the spotlight. Others thrive in the shadows. And many live somewhere in between.

Today on Tuesday Tips, we’re diving deep into how light really works for your indoor jungle. We’re talking east vs. west windows, decoding plant body language, and helping you create a home that makes every plant feel like it’s basking in its own personal sunrise.

The Light Stuff: What Every Plant Parent Needs to Know

Before you move your entire living room around (again), it helps to know how light levels are categorized. We’ll keep it simple — no science degree required.

• Low Light: This is that cozy corner far from any window, or a room with sheer curtains drawn all day. You can read a book in there, but it’s dim. Plants in this zone are basically introverts — they like it calm, cool, and not too bright.

• Medium Light: Bright but indirect light. Think near an east-facing window or just outside of direct sunbeams from the west. Your plant is getting plenty of light, but not sunburned.

• Bright Light (a.k.a. Full Sun): Near a south-facing window or right in a strong afternoon sunbeam. This is intense, direct sunshine for several hours a day — great for sunbathers but overwhelming for shade-lovers.

In short: lighting isn’t about location — it’s about observation. And like any good friendship, it takes time, attention, and a little bit of moving things around until it just clicks.