Are Your Plants Getting Enough Light?
Indoor plants can greatly improve the energy in your home and provide some much-needed decoration in any space. However, plants are much more than just décor, and they require a certain amount of TLC in order to thrive.
Every houseplant is different when it comes to light, water, and climate needs. Some plants need a lot of attentive care and should be taken on only by plant enthusiasts, while others make the perfect home additions for busy or forgetful folks.
Signs that Your Plant Is Light-Deficient
All plants need at least some form of light in order to stay healthy.
While some plants need to live on a windowsill and soak up several hours of uninterrupted light every day, others do fine with the small amount of indirect light that comes through a nearby window. There are also plants that thrive with artificial light alone.
Not sure if your plant is getting enough light? Here are a few ways it might be trying to let you know.
It Leans Toward the Light
When a plant isn’t getting the amount of light it needs, it will sense where the nearest light source is and lean toward it to try to get closer. This might mean that only the leaves turn toward the light, but the branches themselves could also start to move in the direction the light comes from.
New Leaves Are Small or Straggly
If your plant’s new leaf growth appears smaller than normal or new leaves spring up farther apartment, this could be a sure sign that your plant is lacking proper sunlight. Most plants need regular sun exposure to support new leaf and branch growth at a healthy rate.
Growth Stalls
If new leaf or branch growth has stalled entirely, it’s plain to see that something is wrong. That "something" could be lack of light. Light is the most important ingredient in photosynthesis, which is the process plants go through in order to create energy for new growth.
Soil Remains Moist
It may seem like a good thing that your plant’s soil stays moist for extended periods, but continually damp soil can also lead to root rot. If the soil remains moist for longer than normal after watering, it means your plant is having trouble drawing the water into its roots due to a lack of energy for photosynthesis. Lack of energy comes from a lack of light.
Best Indoor Light Sources
Direct sunlight through windows and doors will always be the most obvious choice when it comes to providing the best light source for your houseplants. But not every home has enough natural light sources to support plant life. There are other options available if natural light is lacking. For example, artificial lights designed to mimic sunlight can help support all kinds of indoor plant life with ease.
Your plant will let you know if it is lacking light. Pay attention to leaves, branches and soil, and take steps to brighten your interior space, if needed.
Ready to find your next favorite houseplant? Check out our varied inventory at Plants on Broadway.