One of the questions I get asked most, is "where do I put my plants?" Sometimes, it's just hard to find their happy place - am I right?  I mean, what exactly is indirect/direct/bright light anyway? Like, isn't "light" just "light?!" In this blog I want to en"light"en you (sorry, I couldn’t resist). 

I want to make it easy for you to place your plants, and not just to survive, but to actually thrive! Are you still with me?  Good. I’ve added a picture above that shows different light in a room. Now where exactly in the picture, do you think the majority of plants like to hang? You may be surprised.  If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me "I don't think I can have a plant where I want it, as it doesn't get sun," I'd be shouting the kids to disneyland! Listen carefully...MOST plants, DON'T like direct sun. I hear you saying, "are you sure?," yep I’m sure. There are always exceptions to the rule, but on the whole, the majority of plants prefer indirect light.

So, looking at the picture above, most plants would be happy to hang in the "medium" light and "bright indirect" light shown in the diagram. On the flip side, it is the minority of plants, that prefer "direct light" and "low light." Let me help you with a few popular plant varieties, by explaining where they would thrive the most - cause we wanna keep them happy, am I right?

Aglaonema and Calathea - these will be their happiest in the medium or low light areas of this  diagram.

Pink bubbles, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera and “String of” plants - these will be their happiest in the bright indirect light areas of this diagram.

Begonia, Ficus, Peperomia, Philodendron, Syngonium - these will be their happiest in the medium light areas of this diagram.

Hopefully that’s cleared things up for you? If not, let me simplify it further. MOST plants, DON’T like sun on their leaves and prefer to sit back from a window. Afternoon sun is particularly harsh and makes them unhappy very quickly.

One parting comment I will say however, is not to go moving all your plants after reading this article, especially if they’re happy! If they’re happy, you’ve found the right spot! If plants stop thriving, it’s usually down to one of two main reasons - lighting or watering needs. Watering is another blog for another day! But what I can tell you, is that watering needs are dictated by light. So the brighter the room/plant spot, the more frequent it will require watering. 

Hope this helps you be a more confident Plant parent. It really is easy when you know how.

If you’re feeling more confident and in the mood to shop all things plants, why not check out our full range while you’re here? We make each plants lighting requirements super clear. We also offer you free ongoing advice whenever you need it. We are your Plant Coach in your pocket! Click on our menu bar (top left), there’s something for everyone. 

Chontelle x