Light

Light and your favourite houseplant

Falling head over heels in love with a plant is easily done. It is tempting to purchase a plant based purely on its handsomeness, then proudly walk it home and position it in a spot that needs cheering. However, I recommend picking a plant based on your light levels.

Contemplate the position you have in mind for a plant; is it sunny or shady? Direct sunlight can cause sunburn and singed leaves; most plants need bright but indirect light, so should be positioned a few feet away from a south-facing window. 

If your plant is looking a little limp, pale and shedding leaves it may need more light. Plants getting too much sun will have soil that is baked dry and their leaves may be crisp.

Do your homework, search online for, ‘plants that like a north facing, bathroom window’ for example. Figure out which direction your windows face using a compass and learn what will thrive there, then make a shortlist of suitable plants. From this list, you can make a decision based on what you find most aesthetically pleasing.

Rotate plants monthly to stop them becoming lopsided as they will grow towards the light.

I’ve included examples below of easy-to-grow shade lovers.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Rhino Grass (Sansevieria Deserti)
Snake Plant Or Mother-In-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Ruffles (Anthurium Plowmanii)

And now for the sun worshippers
Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii)
Haworthia (Haworthia Sp.)