Which plant for which window? A light guide for Indian homes
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"Bright indirect light" appears on almost every plant label. Here is what it means in a typical Indian flat.
Low light
A north-facing room, a corridor, or a spot more than 2–3 metres from a window. You can read comfortably, but there is no sun on the floor.
Plants that cope: snake plant, ZZ plant, money plant, peace lily, aglaonema.
Bright indirect light
Close to an east- or north-facing window, or set back from a south- or west-facing one behind a sheer curtain. The room feels bright all day, but sun does not fall directly on the leaves for long.
Plants that thrive: monstera, rubber plant, fiddle leaf fig, areca palm, syngonium, spider plant.
Direct sun
A balcony, terrace or window ledge that gets at least 4–6 hours of sun.
Plants that love it: hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine (mogra), marigold, tulsi, aloe vera, cacti and succulents.
Quick tips
- Rotate indoor plants a quarter turn each week so they grow evenly.
- Move sun-loving plants into the sun gradually over a week; sudden full sun can scorch leaves.
- In peak summer, even sun-lovers on a west-facing balcony appreciate a little afternoon shade.