Light Requirements Explained: Low vs. Bright Indirect

“Bright indirect light” is the most confusing term in plant care. Let’s decode it.

The Hand Shadow Test

On a sunny day at noon, hold your hand 1 foot away from the spot where you want to put your plant. Look at the shadow.

• Sharp, defined shadow? High Light / Direct Sun.
• Fuzzy but distinct shadow? Bright Indirect Light.
• Faint, barely visible shadow? Low Light.

Light Categories

1. Direct Sun

Where: Right in front of a South or West window. Plants: Cacti, Succulents, Bird of Paradise. Risk: Can burn leaves of tropical plants (Monstera, Calathea).

2. Bright Indirect Light (The Goldilocks Zone)

Where:

• Near an East window.
• 3-5 feet back from a South/West window.
• Filtered by a sheer curtain. Plants: Monstera, Pothos, Philodendron, Fiddle Leaf Fig. Benefit: Encourages growth without burning.

3. Medium Light

Where: A North window, or further back in the room. Plants: Dracaena, Spider Plant.

4. Low Light

Where: Corners far from windows. Plants: ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant. Note: “Tolerates low light” means it will survive, not thrive. It will grow very slowly.