How much sunlight does a indoor plant need?

Light is one of the key ingredients for houseplants to grow well. But not every plant needs the same amount of light. Each species has its own preferences. For example, a Banana plant thrives best in direct sunlight, just like in its natural habitat. A Monstera prefers a spot with bright, indirect light, while a Dracaena is happiest in partial shade.

With so many different plants and lighting needs, it’s important to understand what your houseplant really requires. What kind of light is available in your home? And does it suit your plant? Let’s help you figure it out.

In most cases, your plant will make it obvious when it’s not in the right spot. The leaves often give the first clues.

Too much light: You might notice scorched patches on the leaves. They often turn yellow at first, and in some cases even brown around the edges.

Too little light: The plant might start to droop in an attempt to reach more light. Some plants, like the Alocasia Zebrina, even grow longer stems so the leaves can stretch towards the sun. Growth can also slow down when there’s not enough light, as the plant simply doesn’t get enough energy.

Direct sunlight is unfiltered light shining straight through a window. Sun-loving plants need at least 5 hours of it each day to grow well. They do best near a south-facing window where the most sunlight comes in. Smaller plants can even go right on the windowsill.

Indirect sunlight is, as the name suggests, filtered light. These plants need up to 5 hours of sun a day, and they grow best at least 3 metres away from a window.

Partial shade is also filtered light, but plants here get no more than 3 to 4 hours of sun per day. In the wild, these plants often grow beneath larger plants or trees, so they tend to be smaller in size.

Shade-loving plants still need some light, but it should be filtered and no more than 2 hours per day. They’re perfect for darker corners, behind furniture, or next to a cupboard.

Avoid moving plants from a sunny spot straight into shade (or the other way around), as sudden changes can damage the leaves.

Crisp, clear outline – your plant is in direct sunlight.

You can see the shape but the edges are blurry. If so, your plant gets indirect sunlight.

You can see a shadow but no clear shape. Your plant is in (partial) shade.

If your plant isn’t in the right light, you can move it. Just do it gradually to avoid stressing the plant. Some, like the Ficus, can drop leaves when moved suddenly. Shift it bit by bit – a few metres each day – until it reaches its ideal spot.

Short answer: it can’t. Plants need light for photosynthesis – the process where they turn light into energy and nutrients. Without it, they’ll weaken and eventually die.

If there’s not much natural light in your home, you can use artificial grow lights, such as LEDs, to give your plants what they need.