Light & location for houseplants: where is the best place for a plant?

The right spot is often more important than having a green thumb. If the light and location are right, your plant will grow better, its leaves will stay fuller, and you'll have less hassle with watering or yellow leaves. This simple guide will help you recognize light in your home and quickly choose the best spot.

← Back to: Caring for plants

First this: direct sunlight vs. indirect light

• direct sunlight: the sun really hits the leaves (e.g. a sunny window)
• indirect light: the room is bright, but the sun does not hit the plant directly
• half shade: less light, often a little further from the window
• shade: little daylight (but almost never “no light”)

quick light test (always works)

Place your hand between the window and the spot where you want your plant to be during the day:

• sharp shadow: lots of (direct) light
• soft shade: bright indirect light
• almost no shade: little light

spot 1: by the window (lots of light)

This spot is ideal for plants that need plenty of light. Be careful with the bright midday sun in summer, as some plants can burn.

• Best tip: place the plant right next to the window or behind a light curtain for "soft" light.
• water: soil dries faster → check more often

spot 2: 1–3 meters from the window (indirect light)

This is the sweet spot for most houseplants. You get enough light for growth, without the stress of bright sunlight.

• Best tip: turn your plant a quarter turn every now and then for even growth.
• water: average, check for dryness (see also watering-houseplants )

spot 3: dark corner (little light)

A dark corner is fine, but choose strong plants and expect slower growth. Avoid placing your plant in a truly gloomy corner.

• Best tip: place the plant a little closer to the window than you think.
• water: less often, because the soil dries out more slowly

Want a carefree start? Check out our easy houseplants or green houseplants .

location factors that are often forgotten

heating & draft

A plant next to a heater dries out faster. Drafts (near doors/windows) can cause stress and leaf loss.

bathroom (high humidity)

A bathroom with natural light is perfect for plants that love humidity. Without a window, it's usually too dark.

kitchen (temperature and changes)

Heat and changes are fine, as long as the plant gets enough light and is not in a hot air stream.

signs that your plant is not getting enough light

• long, limp growth ("stretching")
• smaller new leaves
• leaves that become duller or fall off more quickly

Then move the plant step by step towards the window (not suddenly from dark to full sun).

signs that your plant is getting too much (direct) sun

• pale spots or brown "burn marks"
• leaf that curls while the soil is not extremely dry

Then place the plant out of the sun or behind a light curtain.

the simple place formula (without hesitation)

• lots of light spot: 0–1 meter from the window
• indirect light spot: 1–3 meters from the window
• Low light spot: 3+ meters from the window (only for strong plants)

Need more care? Go back to plant care and choose a different route.