Most plants requiring either part sun or part shade do well in filtered light for most of the day, or direct sun during the morning or afternoon. Keep in mind that several hours of afternoon sun are more intense and create more heat than morning sun.
Intensity matters
Sunlight reaches its highest intensity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Morning sun is the least intense. A few hours of morning sun isn't as intense as a few hours of mid-day and afternoon sun, realizing the hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves of some plants, even those of certain sun-loving varieties.
Full sun: Plants that require at least six hours each day of direct sunlight. Part sun/part shade: These terms usually mean the same thing, referring to plants that should receive three to six hours of sun per day, preferably in the morning or evening.
Any amount of sun greater than six hours is considered full sun.
When it comes to growing plants indoors, gardeners are typically fighting for enough light or more consistent light. It's important to know that natural sunlight coming through a window is not as strong as sunlight outside, and the intensity of the light drops rapidly the further the plant is moved from the window.
While east-facing and west-facing windows are your next best locations, plant growth will be noticeably diminished without the full sun of a south-facing window. We recommend supplementing the natural light from a east- or west-facing window with a grow light.
An east- or west-facing window provides enough light for most indoor plants. Keep those that need brighter light within two feet of the window. Move them to a south-facing window in winter if needed.
“Full sun” definitely means at least six hours per day, but some plants such as vegetables really need eight to ten hours per day. “Partial sun” or “partial shade” means that the plant needs 3-6 hours of direct sun per day.
If the soil feels dry three or four inches below the surface, water. A common rule of thumb is that most plants need the equivalent of one inch of rainfall a week, on average—enough to soak into the soil about six inches. However, in hot weather, plants may need more.
Full sun – Plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Part sun – Plants thrive with between 3 and 6 hours of direct sun per day. Part shade – Plants require between 3 and 6 hours of sun per day, but need protection from intense mid-day sun. Full shade – Plants require less than 3 hours of direct sun per day.
Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.
Plants should be watered after 6 p.m. and before sunset, giving any damp leaves a chance to dry. Early morning as the sun rises also works well, keeping the spores in check.
The best time to water is early in the morning when it's still cool, which preps the plants for a hot day, but that's not always easy to accomplish with a busy schedule. The second-best time is late in the afternoon or early evening.
1. Watering Plants At Night Isn't Needed: Although the idea has been around for years, most plants don't need extra care by watering them at night. There are a few exceptions, but 99% of your plants, indoors and out should only be watered during the day.
Watering right before sunrise is ideal, so set up a timer. You'll avoid the heat of the day and prevent evaporation. Early watering also allows plants to dry off well before nightfall, when fungal diseases take root. Avoid spraying plant foliage during watering since it makes them more prone to disease.
Finally, not all light is created equal. Morning sun is tends to be superior to afternoon sun because it will dry dew from leaves of the plant, which reduces disease, and it is cooler. Most plants, even those that tolerate full sun, will appreciate even momentary respite from the afternoon sun.
Water Young Plants and Flowers Daily Until Established
While mature plants can get by for longer stretches without being watered, you need to avoid dehydrating any of the newbies. Most young varieties call for daily watering (skip rainy days) until roots are developed, which happens around the two week mark.
When a plant is first becoming overwatered, leaves turn yellow. If soil doesn't have a chance to dry out before you water again, leaves start to wilt. When overwatering is the problem, wilted leaves are soft and limp. (If too little water is the issue, wilted leaves are dry and crispy.)
Most plants shut down during extreme heat, so if it is over 100 degrees, it may be best to wait to water even if your plant is stressed. Throw a damp sheet over it, or mist it lightly to bring the temperature down.
Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Cover up: When you are out, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible.
“Every single human, just as soon as possible after waking up, should go outside and get at least 15 minutes of direct natural light.
Dr. Hattar Recommends 10–15 Min. of Early-Morning Light Exposure If It's Sunny, 30+ Min. If Cloudy.
South-facing windows provide the most light: direct sunlight within 2 to 3 feet of the window; bright, indirect sunlight up to 5 feet from the window; and semi-shade up to 8 feet away from the window. East and west-facing windows provide some direct light up to 3 feet and indirect light up to 5 feet away.
Bright Direct
Some plants can't seem to get enough sunlight, and these are the ones that will appreciate bright, direct light. In order to thrive indoors, they will need to be placed near a sunny window. Other plants will find direct light much too harsh, and when exposed to it, their health will suffer.
Clean plants' leaves with a damp cloth.
Support each leaf by placing one hand gently underneath, and wipe down the top of the leaf with your other hand, moving away from the stem. Then repeat on the underside of the leaf, which is where common houseplant pests usually like to hide.