It’s all well and good knowing our plants inside and out when it comes to watering, fertilizing, and overall routine care. But light? Light is more than just fertilizer or water; it’s something we can’t pour from a watering can.
Plants need light to photosynthesize and convert it into energy, sugars, enzymes, and chlorophyll. A fun fact? They release excess energy as oxygen. The better energized your plants are, the better the air quality in your space.
We’ve found quick and simple ways to give your plants the light they need. Because, regardless of the season, it’s always imperative that they’re able to photosynthesize properly.
A Magic Mirror
Okay, maybe not fairytale magical, but definitely magical for your plants, and aesthetically pleasing too.
Mirrors are a great way to increase light in a room. They work with any window orientation, but you’ll get the most impact near south-facing windows in the Northern Hemisphere, where light is brightest and most consistent.
While any light-coloured surface can help reflect light, mirrors have the added benefit of opening up your space and making it feel bigger and brighter.
Shelves for Windows
You heard that right, shelves on windows.
The brightest part of any home will always be right at the window, where light filters through. Yes, this can increase the risk of sunburn for sensitive plants, but for hardier, light-hungry varieties, such as succulents, for example, it can be a game-changer.
We highly recommend this for east-facing windows. Morning sunlight is significantly less harsh due to atmospheric filtering and lower ambient temperatures. Your plants get their glow without the scorch. Morning light, a little shelf moment, honestly immaculate vibes.
Placement Is Key
We said simple, and this one really is. You’d be surprised how much difference a new spot can make for a light-deficient plant.
Take alocasias, for example. These gorgeous but light-needy plants will literally angle their leaves toward the light like they’re reaching for it. Sometimes, that’s your hint.
Here’s a quick guide for the Northern Hemisphere,
- South-facing, brightest and most consistent, fiddle leaf figs, birds of paradise, monstera deliciosa, rubber plants, string of pearls.
- East-facing, soft morning sun, peace lilies, calatheas, pilea peperomioides, Boston ferns, orchids.
- West-facing, strong afternoon sun, snake plants, jade plants, aloe vera, croton.
- North-facing, lowest light, ZZ plants, cast iron plants, Chinese evergreens, pothos.
A small shift in placement can completely change how a plant performs.
Grow Lights for Easy Days
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a grow light to supplement natural light, most houseplants aren’t native to where they’re currently living.
Monstera’s are tropical plants. In the wild, they grow in jungles and climb toward the treetops to reach consistent, warm light year-round; that’s how they develop those iconic fenestrations.
If your home doesn’t naturally provide that, you can recreate it. Our Instant Sun Grow Bulb can be placed in a hanging pendant or desk lamp with an E27 fitting, which is the most common lamp fitting. Or, if you want something even easier, the Instant Sun Grow Lamp is a simple stake, pop it in, switch it on, and glow.
We hope this quick guide helps you and your plants thrive.
If you’ve tried any of these set-ups, or have a clever one we didn’t mention, send it through to us at hello@wethewild.co. We love seeing your plant spaces come to life. 🌿
