This article was written by Dianabasi for Ekondo.
Do you remember when we learnt about Photosynthesis back then in primary school? If you do, you’re smart. I appreciate that.
Anyway, as a quick refresher, photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and oxygen to make their food so that they can have energy, keep growing, and not die.
Therefore, before ordering your lovely plants from Ekondo and starting your journey to becoming an awesome plant parent, we recommend that you first learn how to give plants the necessary amount of light they need for survival.
Why do plants need light?
Like we already mentioned above, plants need light for energy. Just like other living things, this energy is what gives them the strength to grow and flourish. Without proper lighting your plants may:
- Lose their color (chlorophyll) and go from green to pale green to yellow and eventually white.
- Become long and very thin.
- Begin to drop their leaves.
- Get sunburnt if the light is too much.
What are the types of light?
We all live in different settings. Some people live in spaces with bright light and lots of windows, while others may live in places with a lot less light. To make it easier, we group light into two categories: Direct Light and Indirect Light.
Direct Light
This type of light literally touches the place you want to keep your plant. An easy way to tell is by putting your hand in between the window and your plant (or any object) during the hottest time of the day. If you can feel the sun’s rays directly on your skin, it’s direct light.
Indirect Light
This is reflected light — bright light even though no direct sunlight hits anything in that space. Most houseplants prefer indirect light, which is why they’re great for indoors. Indirect light can be divided into two extra categories:
- High Indirect Light: Bright and warm but not scorching.
- Low Indirect Light: Mild brightness and temperature.
With these brief descriptions, you can figure out what kind of plant to get or how to care for the one(s) you already have. Remember, plants are alive and they’ll be happier in an environment they enjoy.
Where should I keep my plants for the best light?
One of the most useful hacks is knowing what direction your window faces — North, South, East, or West. Open a compass app and check.
- North Facing Windows: Rarely get strong light — maybe an hour or two in morning/late afternoon. Choose low indirect light plants and place them close to the window to soak up what’s available.
- South Facing Windows: Lots of sunlight, especially late morning and early afternoon. Sun-loving plants do well close to the window. High indirect light plants can stay nearby, but shield them from direct rays to prevent scorch.
- East Facing Windows: First rays of gentle morning sun; softer by afternoon. Both high and low indirect light plants love this spot.
- West Facing Windows: Strong afternoon sun till evening. Great for direct light plants and high indirect light plants.
N/B: If your space has more than one window, use the guide above to decide which window to place each plant near.
Where should I keep my plants if I have artificial lights?
Sunlight is ideal, but if your space has little to no direct or indirect sunlight you can still nurture plants with artificial lights (LEDs, grow lights, etc.). The placement logic is similar:
If your bulb is directly over the plant, that’s Direct Light. Apply the same window-direction tips to adjust distance and intensity. And if you’re unsure, reach out to us — we’ll help you figure it out together.
Final thoughts
Knowing the right ways to take care of your plants is necessary for their survival. Now that you understand light types and can assess your space, choose the right plant from our Ekondo collection and watch it thrive.
