Light is the sunshine to a plant's success story, but too much or too little can land you in a leafy nightmare. Ever stumbled upon terms like "bright indirect light" while picking out your next green companion? These light descriptions are the key to unlocking your plant's natural habitat and its ideal living conditions.
Welcome to part two in our four-part series on lighting for houseplants. Catch up on Part One: Direct Lighting here!
What Is Bright Indirect Light?
Imagine a rainforest floor dappled with sunlight filtering through the leaves of towering trees. That's the essence of bright indirect light! It's vibrant but gentle, perfect for plants that don't crave direct sun exposure. Most houseplants hail from these kinds of environments.
Finding the Perfect Spot with Bright Indirect Light
In the United States, east facing windows offer the best source of bright indirect light, but not right on the window sill. Think a few feet away, where sunlight streams in but gets diffused.
Plants That Flourish in Bright Indirect Light
- Calathea: These stunners boast gorgeous patterned leaves and prefer a bright spot without the harsh sun.
- Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): This popular pick thrives in bright indirect light, with its iconic, split leaves adding a touch of the tropics.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: Make a bold statement with this beauty's large, glossy leaves. Bright indirect light is ideal, but it can tolerate some morning sun.
- Philodendron: This versatile family has many varieties that flourish in bright indirect light.
- Peace Lily: Known for its air-purifying properties and elegant white flowers, the Peace Lily prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions too.
4 Tips for Bright Indirect Light Plant Care
- Light Check: Not all rooms are created equal. Keep an eye on how much light your plant gets throughout the day.
- Sunburnt Leaves? This might be a sign of too much direct sun. Move your plant further away from the window.
- Rotate for Even Growth: Just like us, plants don't like to be suned on one side only. Give your plant a quarter turn every time you water it.
- Watering Wisely: Plants in bright indirect light might need more frequent watering than shade lovers, but don't drown them! Always check the soil moisture before watering.
By understanding bright indirect light and these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a houseplant pro!
