What Is Indirect Light? Grow Plants In Partial Or Filtered Light

Gardeners are often confused about what indirect light and indirect sunlight mean when situating a plant. A little filtering makes all the difference.

Large fern in white pot sits on floor near window, bathed in indirect light
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We know light is essential to plant health but what is indirect light? Learning how much or how little light a plant needs to grow its best is important. Optimal light is important for the regulation of each plant’s vital processes, such as the production of chlorophyll and the conversion of carbon dioxide. Sun is good for plants, but maintaining appropriate levels of light helps increase vigor and can even promote bloom.

Though many plants do require full-sun conditions, it’s good to understand what indirect sunlight means for plants who need it.

What is Indirect Light For a Plant?

Indirect light is often listed as a requirement for plants, but what does indirect light mean? The term “indirect sunlight” is most commonly used to describe low light conditions or those that have been filtered in some way. Filtering can occur naturally outdoors when there are nearby trees or structures. When houseplants are situated near bright windows, filtering can occur based on the direction the windows face, curtains, other plants, or other elements that can shadow or filter the direct sunlight.

Vining houseplant in hanging basket in front of window in indirect light

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How To Tell If You Have Indirect Light

Many plants adapt well to indirect lighting. It’s a good idea to measure the amount of light they receive since it’s important to their long-term growth and overall health. Understanding direct light vs. indirect light can be tricky, but most gardeners can determine how much plants receive through observation, making a sun map, and/or using a light meter to measure indoor light.

Indoors, indirect light is most abundant near east-facing windows. This type of lighting can also be plentiful throughout rooms that point to the west or south. Duration and proximity both play a role in the quality of light received by plants, with those closer to the source receiving the stronger light.

Vining plant sits in indirect light atop wood shelving unit with decor

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Which Houseplants Thrive With Indirect Light

Most houseplants prefer indirect light. This is especially true of those that grow best in partially shaded habitats within their native range. Though some species do require higher levels of light than others, indirect exposure is essential for many plants to avoid damage. Indoor shade plants that receive too much light or are exposed to direct sun are much more likely to develop complications from overexposure, such as leaf scald or sun scorch.

Boosting Light Sources for Other Plants

Wire metal rack full of plants with artificial grow light above them, tabby cat laying next to indoor garden setup

(Image credit: Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images)

Low levels of light within the average home can make it extremely challenging to keep houseplants healthy and happy. This is especially true when plants are positioned near north-facing windows or interior rooms. Houseplant growers find success with supplemental lighting in the form of grow lights. Newer setups, composed of LED lights, are most common and can efficiently meet the needs of most plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Indirect Sunlight Look Like?

Indirect light refers to light that’s been filtered or dispersed in some way. Outdoors, this is commonly light that has been reflected or dappled by other growth. Indirect light indoors can occur when the sun shines through curtains or fills the interior of a room with ambient light.

What Does Indirect Light Mean For Houseplants?

Indirect light is preferred by most houseplants since direct sunlight can injure some species. Many adapted to lower light conditions indoors as they mimic cultural conditions in their native habitat.

Tonya Barnett
Writer

Tonya Barnett has been gardening for 13 years. Flowers are her passion. She has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, which she regularly chronicles on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers.