So you have decided that it's time to upgrade your space with some interior plant design, only you don't know what plants will thrive in your specific space. The number one thing to consider when you select a new plant friend is their light requirement. And we know it can feel a little confusing at first, but don’t fret! Read on for a beginner's guide to help you understand what plants thrive in what lighting and why.
Low/Medium Light Plants:
- The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) --- The sansevieria is one of the most durable plants you can grow at home. They have an incredibly tough nature which makes them very easy to care for.
Snake plants can grow in shady corners and low lights. These versatile plants can tolerate lower light conditions, unlike most plants. However, their growth rate can be a little slower in these low-light areas. Snake plants ideally grow in medium light. They prefer natural light, making indirect sunlight ideal for growing them. The two best spots for growing a snake plant are near an east-facing window or the corner or center of a room that doesn't receive direct light.
-
ZZ Plant --- ZZ plants are native to tropical regions of Africa that experience both wet and dry periods, leading to wildly fluctuating growing conditions. This makes them very forgiving houseplants! ZZ plants grow best in lots of indirect light, direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, and thrive under the fluorescent lights of offices and commercial buildings. ZZ plants can be grown outside in areas with filtered light and well-draining soil. The morning sun is fine, but plants need protection from the hot afternoon rays.
High Light Plants:
.png)
- The Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) --- Getting the light right is the most important factor for a healthy Fiddle Leaf. Fiddle Leaf Fig trees need bright light. The plant prefers full, direct sun for most of the day, but it does fine in bright indirect light as well. You have to be careful that you don’t expose your Fiddle Leaf Fig to direct sun straight away, otherwise, your Ficus Lyrata may get sunburned. The plant needs some time to get acclimated to full, direct sun for most of the day. Also, you must remember that the more light a Fiddle Leaf gets, the more water the Fiddle Leaf Fig will require and the more frequent watering.
- Croton --- Since crotons are native to warmer areas, most Crotons thrive in warm, sunny climates and they need a lot of light. The rule of thumb to determine how much sunlight your croton needs is this: the more colorful the leaves, the more sunlight it needs. If you notice that the leaves lose their color and they start to turn green, it means it doesn't get enough light. If you notice that the specific colors in the leaves start to fade, it could be a sign that your Croton is getting too much sunlight and needs to be moved to a darker place.
- Monstera --- Monsteras are unique, easygoing houseplants whose leaves are covered with dramatic hole formations. Monsteras are vining plants and love to trail over the pot or climb along a stake or trellis. Your Monstera can grow just about anywhere in your home! While it can tolerate low light, it grows much faster and becomes much more dramatic with indirect, bright light. In order for your monstera to thrive avoid strong, direct sunlight and make sure it has plenty of indirect, bright light.