It happened to me: my living room is full of light all day long, because it faces south and has large windows. I had the impression that any plant could live there comfortably, even in the corners farthest from the windows, but the truth is that the light there was insufficient for some species, something I had to learn painfully.
The plant specialist Alvaro Pedrera (@ypikue on Instagram) warns, rightly, that “a room with a lot of light can be a trap», so if you have a room or a room with a lot of light and you think you have the placement of indoor plants figured out, this is of interest to you, because it may not be as easy as you think.
A bright living room is not like a terrace
«Your living room may have lots of light, white walls and large windowsbut be careful, what seems like a lot of light for a plant to you may not be enough and therein lies the trap,” adds Pedrera.
And what a person’s eye perceives as a great abundance of light does not always translate intointensity necessary for a plant to develop well.
According to Pedrera, the confusion occurs because “when there is a lot of light it’s easy to trust and end up putting the plant in a corner several meters from the window or behind a sofa, a shelf or any obstruction.”
It is true that the more light that enters the space, the more room you have to move plants away from the windows, but there are limits. How do you know where there is enough light? You will notice it in that plants lose color, They grow more slowly and appear weak.
How to place plants according to the light in your living room
Once you are aware of the risk of the “trap” of apparent light, the practical question is: where to put each plant to make the most of what your living room offers?
Not all species have the same needs, so the vigorous development of the plant or its languishing may depend on the location. Here are some recommendations according to intensity and proximity of light:
1. Near the window: for plants that love intense light
iStock Photo.Marina Troynich
Plants that require a lot of light should be placed as close as possible to the natural light source, always avoiding direct sun, if the species does not tolerate it. About 50 centimeters to one meter from the window is usually the appropriate distance.
- Ficus fiddle leaf (Ficus lyrata): appreciates bright, constant light. Far from the window it loses leaves easily.
- Cactus and succulents (echeveria, aloe, haworthia): the closer to the light, the better. Otherwise they stretch and lose shape.
- Monstera Delicious: Although it tolerates some shade, its growth is much more robust and its leaves larger if it receives a good dose of indirect light near the window.
2. Intermediate zones: for species that accept medium light
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Between 1.5 and 3 meters from the window, in areas that are still bright, but not as intense, more tolerant species can be located.
- Poto (Epipremnum aureum): it is one of the most adaptable plants to different light conditions. Its foliage remains green and with clear variegations in areas with good medium light.
- Calathea: Prefers filtered light, never direct sun. Placing it in an intermediate place helps it preserve the beautiful color contrasts in its leaves.
- Philodendronscandens: grows well in spaces with moderate light and adds a tropical air.
- Dracena marginata: needs clarity, but does not tolerate direct rays.
3. Far corners: for species resistant to low light
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Beyond three meters from the window, or in areas with dim light, it is advisable to opt for plants especially adapted to shade.
- Sansevieria (mother-in-law’s tongue): one of the most resistant. It survives in very little light, although it will grow more slowly.
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia («ZZ plant»): tolerates deep shade and requires little care.
- Aspidistra elatior (iron plant): as its name indicates, it is tough and persistent even in unfavorable conditions.
- Boston Fern: can adapt to shady corners as long as the ambient humidity is sufficient.