Wondering what exactly qualifies as “low light” for your house plants? Essentially, it’s an area where direct sunlight doesn’t reach them, such as several feet away from a window.

In low light conditions, plants receive less energy, affecting their growth. While some plants can survive in low light, they won’t thrive. To help your plants in low light: 1. Choose plants known for low-light tolerance. 2. Consider supplementing with artificial light. 3. Rotate your plants periodically for even light exposure.

“Low light” means no direct sunlight will reach your plant. It is probably a few feet away from your light source (sunny window) or any space where it can see outside but cannot see the sky. Low light means less energy and less food. Some plants can survive in low light conditions but they will not thrive.

Can Aglaonema survive in low light?

Aglaonema, also known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular houseplant that can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Here’s a complete guide to Aglaonema sunlight requirements: Low Light Aglaonema can tolerate low light conditions, making it an excellent plant for areas with low to medium light levels.

Can a ZZ plant handle low light?

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is our top choice for low light conditions. While it probably would die if you closed it in a closet (so don’t do that), it handles the lowest light conditions pretty well. The ZZ is also extremely easy to care for.

Can ponytail palms survive in low light?

It tolerates low light, but truly thrives in a bright spot (within 3 to 4 feet of a large, unobstructed east- or west-facing window is ideal). It can be supplemented – or grow entirely – under artificial lights, as well.

Can a ZZ plant grow in very low light?


ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) The ZZ Plant is ideal for darker spots in your home. ZZ Plants will be completely fine in extremely low levels of light. Or even rooms with no light at all as they will accept fluorescent lighting as a substitute for natural daylight.

Do Swiss cheese plants do well in low light?

Give it light, but not too much. In its native environment, Swiss cheese plant grows beneath the canopy of large, tall tropical trees. So, it prefers indirect sunlight, or sunlight filtered by a sheer curtain. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but no more than a few hours per day.

Can a ZZ plant live with no light?

Yes, your ZZ plant can survive in low light conditions, but it’s not ideal for their growth. Under low light conditions, they grow slowly, and there is a possibility that their leaves will start to sag.

Can houseplants survive without natural light?

Most plants need some light in order to grow, but shade-loving plants can easily get by with indirect light, or even artificial light from regular light bulbs.

How long do plants take to recover from light stress?

How Long Does It Take a Plant to Recover from Light Stress? Provided that you catch the issue early, by following the steps listed above cannabis plants can recover from light stress in about one to two weeks.

Can a Philodendron survive in low light?

Heartleaf philodendron Not only can it tolerate low light, it can survive in low humidity as well. And, Halleck says, “you’ll find it’s also pretty resilient and forgiving when it comes to forgetful watering.”

How do you know if indoor plants are low light?

A lack of sufficient light causes the plant to grow long spaces on stems between the leaf nodes (the point where a leaf grows out from the stem). Plants without sufficient light may also drop their leaves, especially older leaves.

Do grow lights count as direct sunlight?


The short answer is no. Grow lights are not direct sunlight, but they serve as a suitable alternative for plants when natural sunlight is scarce. While they provide the necessary light spectrum and intensity for photosynthesis, grow lights cannot replicate the full range of benefits that natural sunlight offers.

What is the difference between a grow light and a SAD lamp?

Sad Lights: Typically designed to mimic natural daylight with a focus on white or blue light to positively impact human well-being. Grow Lights: Tailored to provide a specific spectrum of light optimized for plant photosynthesis, including red and blue wavelengths.

How do I know if my ZZ plant needs more light?

How much sunlight does a ZZ Plant need? Though it can tolerate lower indirect light, the ZZ thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It will be happy with a minimum of six hours per day and can tolerate up to 12 during the warmer months.

Are spider plants good for dark rooms?

Spider Plant Spider plants prefer bright light, but they will tolerate low light levels. The strapping arching leaves look great in hanging baskets.

Which Pothos needs the least light?

Pothos will tolerate low to high light, although golden and variegated varieties will revert to green in very low light conditions, so jade pothos are best for true low light situations.

In conclusion, understanding what is considered low light for house plants is crucial for their health and growth. By knowing the light requirements of your plants, you can provide them with the proper conditions to thrive. Remember that low light doesn’t mean no light, so finding the right balance is key. Consider factors like the direction of your windows, the presence of obstructions, and the intensity of natural light to determine the best placement for your indoor plants. With a little bit of research and observation, you can create a suitable environment for your low-light-loving houseplants to flourish.