Welcome to part three in our four-part series on lighting for houseplants. Catch up on Part One and Two!
Medium Light: The Perfect Balance
Imagine a shady spot under a lush tree canopy, bathed in filtered sunlight. That's the ideal environment for medium-light plants. It's brighter than low light but not as intense as direct sun exposure. Many houseplants come from these kinds of settings.
Finding the Right Spot
West and east-facing windows typically provide the best source of medium light. Avoid placing your plant directly on the windowsill. Instead, position it a few feet back where sunlight comes in but is diffused.
Plant Picks for Medium-Light Champions
- Calathea: These beauties feature stunning patterned leaves and prefer a bright, indirect spot without harsh sun.
- Snake Plant: A low-maintenance favourite, the Snake Plant thrives in medium light and can tolerate lower light conditions too.
- ZZ Plant: Another superstar for beginners, the ZZ Plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerates a wide range of light levels, including medium light.
- Chinese Evergreen: With its vibrant foliage, the Chinese Evergreen prefers medium light and enjoys slightly higher humidity levels.
- Spider Plant: This easy-to-care-for plant produces cascading spiderettes and does well in medium light.
4 Tips for Medium Light Plant Care
- Light Monitoring: Not all rooms are created equal. Observe how much light your plant receives throughout the day.
- Leaf Watch: Yellowing or scorched leaves could indicate too much light. Move your plant further from the window if needed.
- Rotation is Key: Just like us, plants don't want to be sunburnt on one side only. Give your plant a quarter turn every time you water it to encourage even growth.
- Water Wisely: Medium-light plants may need watering more often than low-light varieties, but avoid overwatering. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Pro-Tip: add a squirt of Grow the next time you water to encourage new leaves!
By understanding medium light and these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident houseplant pro!