Lighting for Indoor House Plants

Window coverings and roof overhangs block sunlight.

Light provides plants with energy for growth, and proper lighting is critical to houseplant health. Without sufficient light, plants can't photosynthesize and will fall into decline. Lighting needs vary for houseplants, which require high, medium or low light.

Window Light

Plants must sit within 10 feet of a window to receive outdoor light. South-facing windows offer direct sunlight most of the day and are ideal for high-light plants. East- and west-facing windows deliver medium light and are good locations for most houseplants. North-facing windows project low light but provide the correct amount of light for certain plants such as African violets. Large windows let in more light than small ones.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights provide medium light to houseplants. Using a combination of cool- and warm-white fluorescent bulbs works best, as cool-white bulbs produce more blue light and warm-white bulbs produce more red. Houseplants require both types of light for optimum growth. Situate fluorescent lighting so that it is within 3 to 4 inches from the top of the plants.

Grow Lights

Grow lights emit red and blue light, yet they discharge less light than standard fluorescent bulbs and are relatively expensive, according to Iowa State University Extension.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Lighting Indoor Houseplants
• Iowa State University Extension: Indoor Lighting for Houseplants
• Reiman Gardens-Iowa State University: Lighting & Houseplants

Resources

• University of Vermont Extension: Low Light Houseplants