If your houseplant isn’t looking as healthy as you’d like, the issue might be with the light it’s getting—or not getting. Light is one of the most important factors in plant care, and it can be tricky to get just right. Too little light can cause your plant to struggle, while too much can lead to its leaves burning up. Luckily, there are some clear signs that can tell you if your plant is receiving the wrong type or amount of light.
Pay attention to how your plant is behaving. If it’s stretching toward a window, turning yellow, or dropping leaves, it might be a sign that it’s not getting the right amount of sunlight. Once you know what to look for, adjusting its location or light exposure can help your plant thrive. A little tweak in its light environment could be all it needs to start looking its best again.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often indicate your plant isn’t receiving adequate light. This sign is particularly common in plants like pothos and philodendrons. When these plants are deprived of light, their leaves lose their vibrant green color.
To fix this, reposition your plant closer to a natural light source. Ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight for a substantial part of the day.
If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light, which can mimic the sun’s rays and provide much-needed energy for photosynthesis.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth refers to plants stretching toward a light source, resulting in long, spindly stems. This is a common issue for succulents and herbs.
The plant is essentially reaching out for light, indicating it’s not getting enough where it is placed.
Reposition it to receive more direct sunlight if possible. Trimming the elongated stems encourages bushier growth. Using a reflective surface can also direct more light to the plant.
Slow Growth
If your plant’s growth has slowed, it might be struggling with low light levels. Plants like ferns and peace lilies exhibit this behavior when light is insufficient.
Ensure they are placed in areas with moderate to bright light to encourage growth.
Consider using full-spectrum grow lights to simulate natural light conditions. Monitoring soil moisture is crucial, as overwatering can worsen growth issues.
Leaf Drop
Sudden leaf drop can alarm plant owners, often signaling a lighting problem. Ficus and crotons are prone to this when moved to dim locations. Without light, photosynthesis is inhibited, leading to leaf shedding.
Move your plant to a sunnier spot gradually.
Introduce more natural light slowly to prevent shock. If natural sunlight is insufficient, artificial lighting options can stabilize leaf retention.
Browning Edges
Brown edges on leaves may indicate your plant is receiving inadequate light, coupled with low humidity. This is often seen in calatheas and ferns.
Increase light exposure by moving the plant closer to a window. Ensure humidity levels are adequate by misting regularly.
A humidifier can also improve overall plant health, preventing browning.
No Flowering
When flowering plants refuse to bloom, inadequate lighting is often the culprit. Orchids and African violets need bright, indirect sunlight to flower.
Position them in a well-lit area, avoiding harsh direct sun.
Regularly rotate the plant to ensure all sides receive equal light. Supplemental grow lights can enhance flowering potential if natural light is limited.
Pale Leaves
Pale or washed-out leaves suggest your plant is not getting enough light. Chlorophyll production decreases in low light, affecting color.
Move plants like spider plants and palms to brighter areas to restore their green hue.
Monitor for overwatering, as it can compound the issue. Gradually increasing light exposure helps in recovering leaf color.
Moldy Soil
Mold growth on soil indicates excess moisture and insufficient light. This is common in snake plants and ZZ plants.
To resolve, improve air circulation and move the plant to a more illuminated spot. Reduce watering frequency, allowing soil to dry between watering.
Consider repotting with fresh soil if mold persists, ensuring better drainage and light exposure.
Curling Leaves
Curling leaves can signal low light levels and stress. Plants like rubber trees and pothos often show this symptom.
Adjust the plant’s position to capture more indirect light, which can alleviate stress.
Maintain consistent watering practices to prevent dehydration. Providing a stable environment with appropriate lighting and humidity levels can restore leaf health effectively.