Where to put a plant for indirect sunlight?

Author: Lambert Treutel  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

To achieve bright indirect light, it's best to move the plant about 1 to 2 feet away from the window. An east-facing window is ideal for plants that need bright indirect light, as is a west-facing window (so long as the plant is not in the immediate path of the sun's hot afternoon rays).

Where should I put a plant that needs indirect sunlight?

Probably the closest to indirect sunlight outside would be a shaded porch or patio, somewhere protected at all times from direct sunlight. An area on the north side of a structure would also probably be protected from direct sunlight all day, but it could well have a higher light level than a patio or porch.

What qualifies as indirect sunlight?

Indirect light is light that is filtered by a shade, sheer curtains, or the leaves on a tree outside the window. It can also refer to light that is reflected off a nearby surface (a light colored wall, for example).

What direction is best for indirect sunlight?

Bright indirect light plants can usually handle direct sun rays in west or east windows as thats morning or evening sun, but won't like being so close to a south window that sun beams hit it.

How far from the window is indirect sunlight?

Household light varies in intensity, depending on the season and the exposure. 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.

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What window is best for indirect sunlight?

Plants that need bright, indirect light do well in east-facing windows. West Facing Window (afternoon sun, hot and bright) - Western windows will receive more indirect light in the early morning and early afternoon.

Is sitting in the shade indirect sunlight?

Don't forget – indirect UV reflected off surfaces means UV can still enter the shade from the sides. That is why it is a good idea to use other forms of sun protection even when in the shade. UV is still active on cool and cloudy days.

Is sunlight through a window ok for plants?

If you have larger windows, you can place plants farther away and they will still receive plenty of light, while the smaller windows will only provide a limited range of sunlight. If you can, it's best to place plants directly in the window, especially if there are obstructions or no more than 2-3 feet away.

How do you create bright indirect light for plants?

Take advantage of eastern light.

The easiest way to get indirect light is to place your plant in a window where it will get the lightest amount of sunshine.

Should plants face east or west?

Plants with bright/indirect sunlight needs will do best 4-5 feet from a window facing East or West. Any place where the sun hits for several hours. For plants that prefer a partially shaded climate, it would be best to have these on a East-facing window.

How can I increase my indirect sunlight?

How To Get Natural Light Into A Room Without Windows January 25, 2022 – Posted in: General Info, Home Lighting, Tutorials
  1. 1) Use mirrors strategically.
  2. 2) Hang linens for effect.
  3. 3) Apply reflective paint colors to walls.
  4. 4) Utilize indirect lighting from LED bulbs.
  5. 5) Use glowing furniture.
  6. 6) Make your own window.

Is indirect sunlight still good for plants?

Plants that prefer medium light can have either some direct sunlight in the morning or indirect sunlight in the afternoon. "Their preference though is indirect light," says Langelo. "Plants by an east or west window can be set back from the window and do well. North windows with no direct sun are also a good option."

Do any houseplants like direct sunlight?

High-light houseplants require direct or indirect sun exposure for most of the day (6+ hours). Some of these include: Fiddle Leaf Fig. Most varieties of palm trees.

How do I know if my plant is getting indirect sunlight?

If you see a crisp, well-defined shadow, that means you're working with direct light. When the shadow is defined but a bit fuzzy and not so crystal-clear, that means you have bright, indirect light.

What is an example of indirect sunlight?

What Is Indirect Sunlight? Indirect light is sunlight that either passes through a medium—a window shade or the leaves of a tree—or reflects off another surface before reaching a plant. Most indoor settings only provide indirect light.

What direction should indoor plants face?

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.

How to position a grow light for indirect light?

Take the following steps to use grow lights and create bright indirect light with grow lights:
  1. Look for full-spectrum grow lights that mimic natural sunlight, offering a blend of red, blue, and white light.
  2. Position your grow lights 12-24 inches above your plants, ensuring even coverage.

Is indirect sunlight through a window?

Does light through a window count as direct or indirect? 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.

What is the indirect lighting method?

The technique of indirect lighting (sometimes called uplighting) uses one or more fixtures to aim light onto the ceiling and upper walls, which act as reflectors and distribute the light evenly throughout the room. Indirect lighting is a form of ambient lighting. Indirect lighting minimizes shadows and reflected glare.

What counts as direct sunlight for plants?

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.

What is the best window to put plants in?

East and west-facing windows provide something in between. For plants that need lots of light, south-facing is ideal. In the case of shade-loving plants, it is good to place the plant farther away from the window or move it to a place where other objects will hit the light first and have a filtering effect.

Is morning or afternoon sun better for houseplants?

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.

How bad is indirect sunlight?

Indirect sun exposure is when something is partially protecting you from the sun, like a window. If you're not wearing adequate sunscreen, these exposures add up and lead to lasting sun damage.

How many hours of sun is part shade?

What is Part Shade? Part shade is also defined as four to six hours of direct sun per day, but most of that should come in the morning hours when the sun's rays are less intense.

Can I get vitamin D through a window?

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.

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