What are the different levels of light called?
Generally, plants require either sunlight, bright light, medium light or low light. Unfortunately, these terms aren't always used. Looking through a few sources you will find light levels called shady, filtered, intense, indirect, or reflected. To make it even more confusing, the definitions of each light level can vary quite a bit.

Why does the information vary so much?
Everyone who writes a book or sells plants has their favored terms for light levels and definitions for each. More exact information is available, based on a measurement called foot-candles. Since few people have access to a light meter, we rely on descriptions. Keep in mind that all light descriptions are based on the amount of light available in the summer.

Just what is considered Sunlight?
Plants that need at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight and bright light the rest of the day are classified as sun plants.

What is bright light?
This term describes the most light available without any direct sun. Large north facing windows and areas several feet away from a sunny window are bright light, as are areas where the sunlight is diffused by a sheer curtain.

What is medium light?
Areas with lots of artificial lights on all day or an area several feet away from a sunless window would be termed medium light.

What is low light?
If an area is light enough that you could read comfortably, but isn't much brighter, that is considered low light.

Often information seems so drastically different on how much light a plant needs. Why?
Some sources will classify a plant according to what is ideal, while others classify them according to a minimum or a range. Geographic location affects the light too.

Should I rely on the information on the tag?
While tags are usually written to be used everywhere in the country, they are a good source of information. Start out by providing the amount of light recommended on the tag and watch the plant for signs that it needs either more or less light.

What are the signs of a plant needing more or less light?
When a plant receives too much light, it will usually develop areas that look burned or bleached on the leaves, especially on the sunniest side. If a plant is receiving too little light, it will lean toward the light source, growth will be lanky and pale.

My light seems to vary so much throughout the year. Should I move my plants when it changes?
In Minnesota, the amount of light coming in a south exposure in December is only a small fraction of the June light in that same location. If you can move your plants to take advantage of the changing light levels, it will help keep them healthy.

Do I need special plant light bulbs or can I use ordinary lights?
There are plant lights available in several styles of bulbs, but they aren't always needed. Unless you are growing blooming plants indoors, regular incandescent or fluorescent bulbs will provide enough of the light spectrum to support leaf growth. To bloom, plants will need the light spectrum provided by warm fluorescent or grow lights.

How close should I put my plants to the artificial lights?
When you are using fluorescent lights, it is safe to place the plants within a few inches of the bulbs, but with incandescent lights, you will need to stay at least a foot away because of the heat produced by the bulb. Moving plants a few inches closer to the light source can make a huge difference in the quality of the growth produced.

Other than adding artificial lights, is there anything I can do that will increase the light?
Be sure to open the curtains or blinds every day. If possible, paint the walls a light, reflective color (gloss white is best). Avoid crowding that might shade other plants.

How long does the light need to be available?
The lower the amount of light available, the longer a plant will need to be exposed to it to gather enough energy. For instance, a low light plant would need to be exposed to 10-12 hours of low light to gather what it needs. Move that same low light plant into a medium light area and 5-6 hours would be sufficient. Keep in mind, however, that you cannot take that to the extreme and keep a sun plant in 24 hour low light or place a low light plant in the sun for an hour.

Are there any plants I can try in a very low light situation?
One of the easiest ways to find out what does best under the darkest conditions is to take a walk through the shopping malls. Usually you will find examples of pothos, Chinese evergreens and peace lilies that have been there for a long time.

Plants for Sunlight

• Citrus
• Cacti
• Succulents
• Weeping Fig
• Aloe
• Hibiscus
• Croton
• Bougainvillea

Plants for Bright Light

• Cyclamen
• African Violets
• Palms
• Poinsettia
• Wandering Jew
• Azalea
• Spring Bulbs
• Aralia
• Spider Plants
• Christmas Cactus

Plants for Medium Light

• Scheffleras
• Ferns
• Ivies
• Dieffenbachia
• Dracaena
• Grape Ivy
• Fancy Leaf Begonias
• Peperomia
• Norfolk Island Pine
• Pothos

Plants for Low Light

• Chinese Evergreen
• Peace Lily
• Cast Iron Plant
• Calathea
• Prayer Plant
• Button Fern
• Creeping Fig
• Pothos
• Philodendron Vine