Direct sunlight refers to sunlight in which the path of light from the sun to the plant is a straight line. For example, most windowsills provide direct sunlight. You can also create direct light with LED grow lights if your home doesn't get enough direct sunlight to support your plant collection.
Some plants thrive when they receive direct sunlight for all or most of the day. Others grow best when they receive some direct sunlight for part of the day—on covered patios or in east-facing windows or west-facing windows.
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.
Direct sunlight is an uninterrupted path of light from the sun directly to the plant. Direct sunlight, or bright light, means south or southwest-facing windows, and east or west-facing windows, up to 10' away. Direct sunlight is also very intense.
The light that passes through a window is considered indirect, as the rays will be diffused and won't have the same intensity. However, it depends on the window. If your window is south facing and there are no obstructions, it can be considered direct light.
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.
Virtually all commercial and automobile glass blocks UVB rays. As a result, you will not be able to increase your vitamin D levels by sitting in front of a sunny window, though much of the UVA radiation will penetrate the glass and may be harmful.
In most cases, plants receiving no outdoor light should be lit from 16 to 18 hours each day. If some additional light is received, 12 to 14 hours each day may be adequate. Lights should be used at the same time that plants receive window light.
Many of our houseplants originate from tropical regions where the tree canopy constantly filters sunlight. However, some plants, especially those native to South Africa and Australia, need a lot of sunshine to thrive indoors.
So can you burn through windows? A double glazed window will block the majority of the sun's UV rays, but not all of them. Glass blocks the most harmful rays which usually cause sunburn, so it is very unlikely that you'll get burnt from sitting in your conservatory for a couple of hours.
All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light, oxygen and water into carbohydrates (energy). Plants require this energy in order to grow, bloom and produce seed. Without adequate light, carbohydrates cannot be manufactured, the energy reserves are depleted and plants die.
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.
What Color Light is Best for Plant Growth? Violet-blue light in the 400 – 520 nanometer range encourages chlorophyll absorption, photosynthesis, and growth. Red light in the 610 – 720 spectrum range promotes flowering and budding.
Sun-loving plants do best either on window sills, hanging in a window, or on the floor directly in the path of the sunlight. It's okay if the amount of light changes throughout the day. As long as they receive between four and six hours of light a day, they should flourish just fine.
The skylight not only brightens the space for the people using it, but now plants can live there under the skylight's ample sunlight. Consider a Sun Tunnel for small bathrooms or hallways that don't typically have access to windows.
Full sun plants don't necessarily need all-day sunlight, but they generally need at least six hours. Afternoon sun tends to be stronger than morning sun, so if you know you can only offer a plant six hours of sun exposure, plant it in a spot that gets most of its sunlight in the afternoon.
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.
With seven to eight hours you can grow fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and beans. Without enough sun you're guaranteed to be disappointed, with tomato plants 8 feet high with only a few small tomatoes.
Yes, you can still get mood-lifting, immunity-boosting vitamin D on a cloudy day. Full-spectrum sun is still happening behind that gray, cloud cover and the ultraviolet needed to trigger the synthesis of vitamin D is still evident.
If you have dark skin, for example if you're of south Asian, African or African Caribbean origin, you will need longer in the sun. You need to have some skin exposed, for example, your forearms, hands and lower legs. But you can still make vitamin D even if you sit in the shade.
Sunlight is the best way to increase your Vitamin D levels naturally. Due to this reason, Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as "Sunshine Vitamin." To get the best out of it, you should spend atleast 15 to 20 minutes under the sun. Make sure the sunlight touches your skin for the designated amount of time.