Ask yourself some questions before going houseplant shopping. Where am I going to put the plant? What kind of light will it have? Do my windows face north, south, east or west? Is it going to be near a heat register? Are there drapes or mini-blinds on the window? How much time do I want to spend on the plant? Does the plant have blooms? Will the plant fit in the space I am considering? By asking yourself these questions you will probably save yourself time, frustration and expense.

Plants shrivel and die without insufficient light. They need light to photosynthesize, which is the basic building block of plants. Their leaves manufacture the plant’s food and energy by absorbing light over the thin surface area. On the other hand, plants need periods of darkness in order to rest.  Artificial light can be used to substitute for natural sunlight. However, care must be taken when choosing and maintaining artificial light, and some (regular household) bulbs can be too hot and actually burn the foliage of the plant. Most plants should be placed at least 6-12 inches from the light source. It’s also a good idea to rotate plants for more even light distribution whether you use natural or artificial light. ‘Grow lights’ are your best bet if considering artificial light.

Think of it as a ‘shady spot’ inside your house. You get some light, but no direct light. This is usually a north window. It could also be a room with east, west or south exposure as long as the plant is away from the windows; more toward the interior of the room. This still means the plant will have to be exposed to some light. Low light does not mean no light!

Medium light means as much light as possible without any direct sunlight. Inside the home this is usually an eastern exposure. A sheer curtain can help lessen the light in a west or south window, making it appropriate for a medium light plant. Always remember the light is far more intense in the summer than in the winter, so conditions may need to be adjusted to match the season.