Plant Light Guide

How to Choose the Right Plant for Your Space’s Lighting

plant light guide

 

Choosing a plant can be intimidating.

Especially when you read the phrases Bright, Medium & Low Light and think... “Wait, so what’s the difference?”

Don’t worry. It’s easier than you think.


 

These are the 3 main factors that determine lighting:

  • how far the spot is from a window
  • which direction that window is facing
  • what’s in front of the window (i.e. is there direct or partial light coming in?)
Determine Light

 

Keeping those in mind, let’s figure out what kind of lighting your plant will need. And remember: You should always pick a spot first, then choose a plant that works best there.

It’s a common mistake to do this in the opposite order and that’s when you end up with a plant in the wrong kind of lighting. (If you want help choosing a good spot, see our Home Plant Guide or our Office Plant Guide.) 

 


How to Know Your Light Level


Use the quick-start chart below to see which is best for the spot you’ve chosen.

 


THE 12 O’CLOCK LIGHT TEST


 

What’s outside your building can also affect the light your plant will get, so here’s an easy test to make sure you’ve got it right.

At noon — when the sun is brightest — stand in the spot where you want your plant to live. Look down at your shadow, and if it’s a...

  • Strong, well-defined shadow, then you’re swimming in Bright Light.
  • Weak shadow but you can still make out the silhouette, you’re working with Medium Light.
  • Faint shadow without much definition, it’s a Low Light spot.

And that’s it! 

Now that you know what light you have, all that’s left is finding the plant you want.

We deliver beautiful potted plants  in planters with sub-irrigation system anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Jersey City, Hoboken & Edgewater.

If you have any questions about plants, planters, plant care or delivery, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

My City Plants is an online indoor plant shop - design studio located in New York. We specialize in indoor plants potted in stylish self-watering planters and helping homes and businesses to look and feel more peaceful, stylish and comfortable. 


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