Brie Passano
When we bring plants into our homes, they often suffer from light issues.
The problem is usually not enough light.
But houseplants also can get too much light.
Credit:Brie Passano
Many populartropical houseplantshail from the understory of their native forest homes.
Full, direct sunshine may be too much light for them.
Here are a few signs of both too little and too much light and what to do about it.
Too Little Light
Problems with not enough light may take a while to show.
Normally, once you recognize the issue, it’s easy to fix by increasing light exposure.
Leggy Stems
While more commonwhen starting seeds, stretched out,leggy stemscan also be an issue with houseplants.
A thin, stretched appearance and small leaves are classic signs of too little light.
They’ll go into maintenance mode, saving what little energy they get by not putting out new growth.
Blooming is hard work that takes a lot of resources.
Leaning Over
This one is pretty easy to spot.
If a houseplant is leaning toward the window or other light source, it’s not getting enough light.
Becausevariegated leavescontain less chlorophyllsomething a plant that isn’t getting enough light can’t afford.
Fenestration, or the iconic holes inmonstera leaves, can also disappear due to a lack of light.
Too Much Light
While less common for houseplants, too much light can happen.
Plants need light, of course, but more isn’t always better.
Problems with excessive light are amplified by dry soil conditions.
Thesunburned leaves begin looking blotchy, pale, faded, or washed out.
If not corrected, the damaged areas can eventually look brown and brittle.
Houseplants set outside for the summercan also experience this issue, especially if they aren’t hardened off first.
But how, and how much?
Modern LED lights that mimic the sun work well and are inexpensive.
The key isplacing the light near enough to the plant.
A small grow light placed five feet above the plant probably won’t cut it.
Ultimately, a plant needs a cumulative amount of light per day to thrive.
Remember, excess light can do damage.
Give the plant more light an hour or two at a time.
When it perks up and looks healthy, you’ve reached the right amount.
