APRIL 17, 2022

Where should you place your plants?


Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Plants: A Guide to Understanding Light

One of the most common conundrums for plant enthusiasts is figuring out the ideal spot for their green companions. It's a puzzle, isn't it? The terms "indirect," "direct," and "bright light" can be baffling. After all, light is light, right? Well, let's shed some light on this (pardon the pun) and simplify the process to ensure your plants do more than just survive—they thrive!

If you've ever doubted placing a plant in a desired spot because you feared it wouldn't get enough sun, you're not alone. But here's a revelation: most plants actually prefer to steer clear of direct sunlight. Surprised? It's true. While there are exceptions, a significant majority thrive in indirect light.

So, where should most of your plants reside? Based on the lighting diagram we shared, "medium" light and "bright indirect" light zones are ideal for the majority. Conversely, only a few select species flourish in "direct light" or "low light" conditions.

Let's get specific with some popular plant varieties:

• Aglaonema and Calathea find their bliss in medium to low light.
• Pink Bubbles, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera, and “String of” Plants bask in the glory of bright indirect light.
• Begonia, Ficus, Peperomia, Philodendron, Syngonium prefer the balanced embrace of medium light.

This guide should clarify the often misunderstood world of plant lighting. Remember, most plants dislike sunlight directly on their leaves and favor a spot slightly away from the window, especially to avoid the harsh afternoon sun.

A Final Thought: Don't rush to relocate your plants if they seem content. A happy plant has found its perfect spot. Typically, if a plant begins to struggle, the culprit is either lighting or watering issues—the latter being a topic for another day. However, it's worth noting that a plant's watering needs correlate with the brightness of its environment: the more light, the more frequent the watering.

Armed with this knowledge, you're well on your way to becoming a more confident plant parent. It's all about understanding the basics.

And if you're feeling inspired to expand your green family, why not explore our full range of plant options? At GiftTree NZ, we clearly label each plant's lighting requirements and offer ongoing, free advice to support your plant parenting journey. Consider us your pocket Plant Coach. Just click on the menu bar (top left) to discover something special for everyone.

Happy Planting!

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