Sunshine, Your Plants, & You
Our plants should contribute to our vibe, not change it! Some homes feature spots with brilliantly bright light all day long, while others only have a few hours of direct light in the morning or evening. It's hard to control how much light your home gets, especially when we're hunting down a good NYC apartment. Luckily, not all plants need a full day of sunshine! From Eastern windows with plenty of morning exposure, to spaces that stay bright all day, to apartments lucky enough to face the Western sunsets, there is a unique plant that will thrive in your unique space. We just need to find the right one!
Let the Sun Shine
Not all plants can handle hours of sun at once, but the good news is you'll have no problem with native desert plants like succulents, cacti, and yucca canes. Surprisingly, some indoor trees like the Cinnamon plant and the Banana plant can also handle the bright sunshine.
The key to enjoying direct full sunlight without burning your plants' foliage (and your skin!) is all in the timing. Morning light – from 6am - 11:30am – is bright, full of nutrients, and won't destroy your foliage. The bright sunlight we get in the afternoon (12 - 3pm) is too harsh for almost any plant that isn't a cactus or succulent. If you notice your greenery is fading, or if the growth is becoming leggy, you've given the plant too much sun. Add a translucent curtain to your window or move the plant a little to mitigate the amount of direct sunshine. Plants that live in a full sun spot need more water than others, so be conscious of that when you're figuring out your plant care plan!
Just a Kiss of Sun
Some of us plants and people prefer to enjoy the sun from the cool of the shade. Medium indirect light is the best light to give most houseplants, as it's not too harsh but is strong enough to offer some value to our plants.
This kind of light is what you'd find in most rooms with at least two windows: bright enough to comfortably read a book, but not so bright that you feel the need to squint. This kind of sunlight comes through windows facing any direction, but it is stronger through east- and west-facing windows. Most plants are happy in medium light, but the plants that really love it are those native to the jungle and the rainforest. Calatheas, Monsteras, Rubber trees, and ferns will thrive. To encourage even growth and avoid leaning, rotate your plants every so often to give the foliage even amount of light. Kick back and relax with your favorite book and enjoy your personal jungle vibes!
All About the Shade
Shade can bring about some interesting characters! Shady spots mean less light, maybe only a few hours of direct light in the evening. The foliage that thrives in the shade is traditionally darker, as lighter greens and variegations call for more sun.
Walk around a thick forest and look around the floor and on the trees – these are the kinds of plants that love a darker environment. These plants are climbers like Pothos or Pilea plants and have thicker leaves and blooms like the Monstera peru and the Peace lily. They prefer moist, (but not soggy!) soil and love to intermingle with other plants as they hide in the shade or help block their neighbors from getting too much sun. These plants do well in bright-ish hallways, kitchens, and bedrooms – away from direct light but still able to appreciate the sunshine.
This category of houseplant is also the one with the most air purifying plants. Some of these plants grow huge and fan-like leaves or some of the foliage might grow in close clumps or in a stacked pattern. This kind of folaige forces the air through the leaves, filtering it and removing toxins that we might have otherwise been breathing!
We're here to grow with you!
No matter what experience level Plant Parent we consider ourselves to be, we can all use a little help sometimes. We know you love your plants and just want the best for them! If you want to triple check and make sure that you are doing the right thing, or if you just have a general plant question, send a photo and your comments or questions to info@dahingplants.com. Our Plant Experts are always ready to help!