Essentials⏱ 6 min read
Understanding Light
Decode direct, indirect, and low light. Find the right window for every plant and understand why direction matters more than distance.
Light Is Food
Plants convert light into energy through photosynthesis. Without adequate light, even perfect watering won't save a struggling plant.
Types of Light
Bright direct light — Unfiltered sunlight for 4+ hours. Ideal for cacti, succulents, herbs.
Bright indirect light — Near a window but shielded from direct rays. Most tropicals love this: pothos, monstera, fiddle leaf fig.
Medium light — A few feet from a bright window. Peace lilies, ZZ plants.
Low light — Away from windows. Very few plants thrive here.
Window Orientation
| Direction | Light Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| South | Brightest | Cacti, succulents |
| West | Bright afternoon | Most tropicals |
| East | Gentle morning | Ferns, orchids |
| North | Lowest light | ZZ plant, cast iron |
Reading Your Plant
Too much light: Bleached leaves, crispy patches.
Too little light: Leggy stems, small leaves, yellowing.
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