Light Changes

If you’re unsure of what a solstice or equinox is, a solstice (we have a Summer & Winter solstice) is when the sun meets the point on the horizon and stops and reverses in direction, resulting in a change in length of night and day. It is when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator. An equinox, is when the sun crosses and stays exactly above the celestial equator indicating that the hours of each night is of equal length.

The importance of understanding these solstices or equinoxes is that they change the relative hours of day and night. When daylight hours change it can certainly impact our plants response to growth. The duration and intensity of light increase during the Spring are more favorable for plant growth and their metabolic activity will start to speed up to promote more growth!

For city dwellers, if you live higher up, say, on the 22nd floor, you receive MUCH brighter light than a 1st or 3rd floor window would since your angle to the sun will be much closer and you’ll most likely have no obstructions. Be sure to consider window size, and obstructions indoors and outdoors that could be blocking your plants view of the sky.

• Exposure - Understanding what exposure you have can tell you a lot about what kind of light is coming in so you can see if it’s too strong for some of your plants. Most smart devices allow you to download a compass app on your phone that you can point toward your window to see if it points N, S, E, or W.

1. For North windows, you never have to worry about the light being too strong.
2. East & West are great for most houseplants that prefer med-bright indirect light. Morning direct sun from East isn’t strong enough to scorch, nor when the direct sun sets in the West window.
3. South will get longer hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon so any plants that were moved closer to a South window during the Winter months might need to be pulled back, or you can just draw a sheer curtain when the sun makes its way into that window!

• Direct/Indirect Light - Direct light is if your plant can actually see the sun from its view to the sky. Direct sunlight rises in the East, hits noon in the South, and sets in the West. Indirect light is just ambient light being emitted from the sky but the plant can’t actually see the sun. It’s not possible for indirect light to be too strong for plants, therefore you mainly want to be mindful of direct sunlight for those who can’t tolerate it, especially in a South window!
• Plants Needs - Understanding each plants light requirements after understanding the other points can best help you know the best place to put your plants in the home. You’ll also want to rotate your plants for equal sun exposure when they start to stretch towards the light source.

Symptoms to look out for: If a plant is not receiving enough light usually they will start to defoliate, new leaves could come up deformed or smaller than older growth. If your plant is getting too much light you’ll usually notice chlorosis, sunburn like browning or white patches, or the soil drying out way too fast.