Plant Light Guide
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Most houseplants prefer bright indirect light (within 1-2 m / 3-6 ft of a window). Succulents and herbs prefer strong light, while ferns and calatheas prefer weak light.
Select your plant type and current location to get a recommended light level, suggested placement, target lux, and whether your current spot is a good fit (for reference).
Select plant & location
Recommended light
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| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended light level | |
| Target light (estimate) | |
| Suggested placement | |
| Current location fit | |
| Care tip |
The lux values are reference estimates based on general gardening data. Even in the same spot, light intensity changes a lot with season, weather, and window size - so also watch your plant's leaf condition (leggy growth, fading variegation, scorched leaves).
How to use
- Select plant type - choose the type closest to your plant from the list.
- Select current location - choose where your pot sits (south-facing window, north-facing, deep indoors, etc.).
- View the result - see the recommended light level, suitable placement, target lux, and whether your current spot is a good fit.
Recommended light by plant
Light level is the intensity and amount of light a plant uses for photosynthesis. It's usually divided into full sun, bright indirect, part shade, and low light. The table below summarizes recommended light, approximate lux, and best placement by plant type.
| Plant type | Recommended light | Target lux (estimate) | Best placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Succulents & cacti | Direct to strong light | 20,000-50,000 lux | South-facing window |
| Herbs | Strong light (5-6 hrs/day) | 15,000-40,000 lux | South / east-west window |
| Foliage plants | Bright indirect light | 10,000-20,000 lux | East-west / south (curtain) |
| Pothos & philodendron | Bright to medium indirect | 5,000-15,000 lux | North to east-west window |
| Flowering plants | Bright light (for blooming) | 12,000-25,000 lux | East-west / south (curtain) |
| Orchids & phalaenopsis | Bright indirect light | 8,000-20,000 lux | East / north window |
| Calathea & maranta | Weak to medium indirect | 3,000-10,000 lux | North / bright indoors |
| Ferns & maidenhair | Weak indirect light (shade) | 2,000-8,000 lux | North / deep indoors |
| Snake plant & sansevieria | Low-light tolerant (brighter is better) | 2,000-15,000 lux | Almost anywhere |
For reference, direct outdoor sun on a clear day is about 100,000 lux, bright indirect light by a window is 10,000-20,000 lux, and deep inside an ordinary living room is around 100-500 lux. If light is lacking, a grow light can supplement it. Watering is affected by light, so use the watering calculator as well.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much light do indoor plants need?
It varies by plant. Succulents and herbs prefer strong light close to direct sun (5-6+ hours a day), foliage plants prefer bright indirect light, and shade-loving plants such as ferns and calatheas prefer weak indirect light. Most houseplants do well in bright indirect light within 1-2 m (3-6 ft) of a window.
What are the signs of too little light?
Stems grow thin and leggy with wider gaps between leaves, new leaves become smaller, and variegation fades. Leaves may also lean sharply toward the light. When this happens, move the plant somewhere brighter or add a grow light as a supplement.
Is direct sunlight always good?
No. Succulents, cacti, and some herbs love direct sun, but foliage and shade-loving plants can scorch in harsh midsummer sun and develop brown spots. For plants that don't prefer strong light, bright indirect light filtered through a sheer curtain is safer.
How much does window direction change the light?
In the Northern Hemisphere a south-facing window is brightest with the longest light, east-facing gives soft morning sun, west-facing gives strong afternoon sun, and north-facing gives the weakest indirect light. Even in the same room, light drops sharply as you move away from the window, so keep light-loving plants near it.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25