Understanding Light Needs: Where to Place Your Plants

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🌿 Why Light Matters More Than You Think

Ever wondered why your plant’s leaves droop even when you water on time? Or why that new fiddle leaf fig just won’t thrive despite your love?

The secret often lies in light.

At plantpause, we always say: Light is food. Water is just the drink.
Without the right light, your plant simply can’t photosynthesise enough to grow healthy and strong.

☀️ Types of Light Explained (Simply)

Here’s an easy breakdown to understand your home’s light:

  1. Direct Light

    • Bright sunlight hitting leaves directly

    • Best for cacti, succulents, sun-loving herbs (rosemary, thyme)

  2. Bright Indirect Light

    • Bright but filtered through curtains or bounced off walls

    • Ideal for monsteras, pothos, peace lilies, rubber plants

  3. Medium/Filtered Light

    • Few feet away from a window, enough ambient light to read

    • Great for ZZ plants, snake plants, philodendrons

  4. Low Light

    • Rooms with no windows or only artificial light

    • Works for pothos, snake plants, peace lilies (but growth will slow down)

🌱 How to Check Light Without Gadgets

✅ Shadow Test
Place your hand between the plant and window:

  • Sharp shadow → Direct light

  • Soft blurry shadow → Bright indirect

  • Faint shadow or none → Low light

✅ Observe Plant Behaviour

  • Leggy growth or reaching → Needs more light

  • Scorched, bleached leaves → Too much direct sun

  • Smaller new leaves → Insufficient light

🪴 Where to Place Your Plants

🔆 South/West Facing Windows

  • Most sunlight; ideal for sun-loving plants

🌤️ East Facing Windows

  • Morning gentle sun, good for most houseplants

🌥️ North Facing Windows

  • Softest light, suits low-light tolerant plants

🌸 Tips to Adjust Light Exposure

  1. Rotate plants weekly for even growth

  2. Use sheer curtains to filter harsh midday sun

  3. Move plants closer to windows in winter

  4. Clean windows and leaves regularly for maximum light absorption

  5. Consider grow lights if your space lacks natural light

💡 Final Thought

Choosing the right spot for your plant isn’t just décor — it’s survival.
Observe, adjust, and listen to your green friend’s silent signals.

Because at plantpause, we believe your plants aren’t just surviving in your home — they’re thriving with you.

With light & love,
Team: @plantpause 

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