Bright Indirect Light For Plants Explained. What Is Bright Indirect Light For Houseplants?

[@PeterMiskowicz]

THANK YOU. I’ve been rolling my eyes every time I see that phrase on plant care instructions because I’m like, “WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN???” This makes SO MUCH sense!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Who has been confused about the bright indirect light suggestion? What have you done in the past for houseplant lighting.

[@curiousandcreativewithwand8515]

I would say more baffled than confused - Thank YOU for straightening that out! I 'rescued' Ficus Lyrata (FLF) from sunburn at Lowe's , the plant's name is now Lowe. Anyway, I was at first cautious about him being directly infront of my window (west , as I only have 1 each of west & east facing windows). I did notice that as my plant doubled in size in 1 1/2 months - none of the new leaves were being sunburnt by the window ... it's great to have this confirmed by science! Thanks again @Ashley!

[@anmkhambraworshipsongs6470]

Hi I got the concept. But I have a question. How to create a bright indirect sunlight with grow lights ?

[@tommurphy4307]

um- how about growing african violets?

[@medusasbeautystash7463]

My husband was right and I'm not going to hear the end of it.🤦🏽‍♀️😅😂

[@IronMaidenLeigh]

Oh my god, this makes so much sense now. I knew it meant some filter on the light, but it makes perfect sense that windows already do that. It's the same reason transition lenses don't react indoors.

[@northwoodsbushcraft5598]

Very helpful. All my best growers are in front of my south window despite their info saying they are not meant for direct bright light. I was starting to suspect that more plants then ppl think can actually handle direct sunlight but what you said about that being for outdoors makes a lot of sense.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Sounds about right haha

[@ianpgonzaga]

The amount of direct light my indoors get would go against what so many youtubers say but i observe good growth so i keep them there. thank you for bringing back some science (i have a health science background) i.e. actual facts into the world of indoor planting. Love it! Keep it up! x

[@GardeningInCanada]

mine are right in the windows

[@stephaniej4069]

Love this! Finally someone explaining light, I was wondering how the windows would affect the light in a home. Thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

🥺 awe shucks thank you! Be sure to share. 🙂 helps the channel

[@IshmaelVargas]

This is insane. So much learning from this channel. Thank you. I'm binge watching your videos more than Netflix now.

[@GardeningInCanada]

HAHA uh oh. Be sure to take breaks

[@mssuzyq9015]

This makes a lot of sense. Indoor and outdoors are different environments so I’m always baffled when my instructions are bright indirect light……thank you for your scientific knowledge.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea absolutely! Let me know if you want any videos on particular

[@nickklassen6962]

I've learned to ignore a lot of common plant advice and just experiment with what works. I've heard keeping plants next to a vent is bad too, but rather mine grow happily right into the air flow, both a/c and heat. I hypothesize that the air circulation is more beneficial than a hinderance. Could you do a video on this? If possible.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea absolutely! It probably increases your water utilization

[@nickklassen6962]

That makes sense, I have a tendency to forget to water for weeks, then the following week I water a plant twice...cause I thought I missed it. 95% of my plants have accepted this schedule, one spiderplant doesn't like it but acts as the canary in the coal mine for watering the collection. Excited to see the videos to come.

[@alexee3447]

In my opinion, it's usually a safe bet to not place your houseplant right next to a heater/AC vent, but what you'll find is that there are a lot of hardy plants that can deal with the temperature and humidity fluctuations. And as you mentioned, air circulation can be beneficial for your plant. It really just depends on the type of plant you have and the parameters of the climate you've provided for your plant indoors.

[@xkorbekx]

General rule is acclimation. Your plants survive bc overall conditions are well. bringing a new plant home and plucking it near radiator and drafts may only exacerbate shock bc of quick change to environment. Regardless of what approach you take the worst approach is to not monitor your plant closely after a sudden change.

[@sherrykumar2883]

I have several Sansi lights in pendant lamps with shades hanging in front of mirrors throughout my house to help bring plants into the interior of my house where light from windows do not reach. The mirrors really help this process a lot.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s probably such a beautiful set up, LOVE pendant lamps

[@tommurphy4307]

also, they make peel n stick or mastic-ready mirror tiles so you can do a larger area or a whole wall more cheaply than plate-glass mirrors. very effective for moving light around in a darker home.

[@user-kd7qp7ul9j]

Thank you. Im a new plant enthusiast and ive been looking for this explanation for a long time. Im still struggling but things are bit clearer now!!! Thanks again for the informative video

[@CC-dy3xb]

Omgosh! Best explanation of bright indirect sunlight!!! Also love explanation on uva and uvb light in relation to internal sunblock. Makes complete sense for hardening plants and why I just browned my newly purchased freesia plant. Thank you!!!!! 🌸

[@kwakusampong3621]

You are so good at what you do. I love your scientific explanation of light in this video. Reminds me so much of college days.

[@GardeningInCanada]

haha yes!

[@waterkress4770]

Yes! 🙌🏼 So much this! There are so many people that wonder what is wrong with their plant after placing it so far from a window for fear of “burning” it. I suspect what is happening with those who claim their plants have burned are just insufficiently watering in proportion to the amount of light they are providing. Perhaps you could do a video on humidity next? I see many people thinking that they need to buy an expensive humidifier and run it continuously, when all they really need is to water adequately…

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes! Not needed at sll

[@erinjoy5625]

Really !? Cause I'm a new plant mom, and I just got a dragon scale and I was convinced I needed to get a humidifier asap. So untill then I'm just placing little tiny cups of water beside it ..... Is this ok to do then, without a humidifier???

[@waterkress4770]

@@erinjoy5625 If you get a hygrometer (an inexpensive device that measures humidity) you’ll find that placing cups of water near plants does zero to increase the humidity in your room. Honestly, plants will adapt over time. If you’re comfortable with the temperature and humidity in your room, your plants will be just fine.

[@erinjoy5625]

@@waterkress4770 I really DnT thunk I have good humidity in my house to be honest. So I'll deffinitly have to get a humidifier then. I was really hoping the cups of water at least helped a bit, but I supose that was wishful thinking lol. Thnx for the tip !!

[@tommurphy4307]

some plants need more UV light than others.

[@hopecreature]

Thanks for being scientific about this! There is too much misinformation out there about houseplants. I do want to say for anyone watching this which I don't think was covered in the video too much - please slowly transition your plants to more light if they have not been right in a window! They will absolutely burn if they are not used to that much light, even if it is still being diffused through your window, it is still more light than they are used to and you can end up with a pretty rough looking plant. I do think it also matters how intense the sun is where you live, what time of year it is, and which way your window is facing directionally. Most houseplants are commercially grown for their flexibility and resiliency, but I do think the point of this video is well taken that you can harden off houseplants to be directly in sun from your windows if you choose. Keep in mind they will be much more thirsty and you will find yourself having to water more often. I purposely keep my houseplants a few feet away from a window, and never in a south facing window, to cut down on how often I need to water.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes very good point. I did a video on hardening off and have a blog post about it. So if anyone needs any more information then definitely reach out

[@jayla007]

I wish I could give this a dozen thumbs up. Mystery solved!!! I always put my plants close to my window bc they did better…but always wondered what this amorphous concept of “bright indirect light” meant in a household environment. PS: I rarely sign into Google b/c it is evil - you are 1 of 2 channels I will log in specifically to thumbs up. (And then log out again). 😉

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahah love it!

[@kelseymarcoux5490]

This makes SO MUCH SENSE! ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️

[@phf3238]

In Maine I completely agree. Also, Sansi grow lights for plants that don’t fit on windowsills.

[@petrawey]

So true!!! I work in a plant shop in Maine! I'm always telling people, bright, indirect light does not apply to us! All our houseplants want to be in front of a window, some can handle a north facing window but most need some direct sun to thrive. I feel like most plant "experts" are in California or Florida or some other hot, sunny climate so those of us in the north need to take that advice with a big grain of salt

[@GardeningInCanada]

It’s so true! I’m designed a plant sensors to help people understand this .

[@tommurphy4307]

nonsense- what works here also works there- the trick is to know what mother nature is throwing at you

[@soumyajeetmitra6958]

Thank you! Really thank you very much.. This is going to be life changing advice for us and for plants..

[@GardeningInCanada]

You are so welcome!

[@cmleite]

Finally, actual information

[@HuskyStories]

Thank you finally some good advice on light 🙌 🙏 ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

🎉🥺 yay! Glad it was helpful be sure to share

[@felixfelix6499]

My word! You are my ideal woman! HA! Smart, unafraid of bed hair, and an excellent speaker and teacher. Bravo!!!... my only concern is I am not in Canada, but northern California. PS I love the mirror idea.

[@GardeningInCanada]

It all applies that same across the board. Science is science regardless of country

[@felixfelix6499]

@@GardeningInCanada Agreed. I was just thinking maybe you in Canada get less intense sun in your window than I do. My plants get scorched if I am not careful to move or shade them when the sun is most direct and burning.

[@unfilthy]

@@GardeningInCanadaThe effect of a window on UVA and UVB may apply the same across the board (I don't know if different places around the world tend to use different glass for their windows, for instance, or whether the properties of the glass are meaningfully different), but things like the angle of the sun, the hours of sun per day, and even weather conditions are variables that do also affect the sunlight that indoor plants receive. Science works the same in the North Pole as it does near the Equator, which is useful, as it also explains the differences in radiance between them.

[@soozpark9010]

Just found your channel and I appreciate the Canadian perspective for those of us growing with our shifting seasonal temperatures.

[@pongop]

This is super helpful! It makes sense now. Thank you.

[@GardeningInCanada]

glad to hear!

[@dixiechick6652]

🙏 thank you. My plants that were inside in the summer by a window stay there all winter with grow lights added. I never understood bright indirect light. That is confusing

[@GardeningInCanada]

It’s SO confusing 😢

[@carlyscott123]

Thank you! If I have grown indoor plants under high quality, grow lights, so they have developed that “sunscreen” protective layer, do I still have to hurting them off when transplanting them to the outdoors?

[@milkweed7678]

A south facing window or kind of have worked great for growing tomatoes for spring but have to move plants during the day. Morning light, mid-day light then evening light positions. Have to put in different windows sometimes. Kind of like what you just said.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea exactly that’s perfect

[@prettynpearls1]

I now realize I kinda burnt my fiddlehead fig. How can I repair it? The education card that came with my plant says high light. Is this what you mean when you say indoor direct sunlight via the window?

[@Hxnd]

This is a longshot but I'm starting some Japanese Maple cuttings and struggling to find an answer regarding where to place them outside. My google-fu has brought me here. Does full shade outside count as indirect light even if there isn't a soft shadow being cast from the plant? Does morning direct sun count as diffused as well?

[@GardeningInCanada]

It definitely can. But it may not be enough

[@simonluloff9721]

great video! glad I found this channel

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hello and welcome 🙏

[@gildakoenig5546]

Love it!! Thank you.

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️

[@zgoat4127]

Very Very Cool info I really enjoyed this thank you so much

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed

[@rhailichampaigne6001]

Could you do a video on grow light specifications and how to read different manufacturers “specs”

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea absolutely

[@susandraluck25]

We only have west facing windows in our apartment and we live in South Florida, USA. Direct light is intense mainly in something so what do you suggest?

[@stevesussex8116]

I have big Georgian windows, full of plants 😊 grow really well, but ! Half of them have white net curtains on them, does any one know if the plants grow the same from behind them ? Light meter no real difference ! A question I can't find an answer to !!! Thanks anyone.. ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

If it’s intense enough it would all work out the same

[@DavidMFChapman]

I agree that window glass filters out UVB, but window glass does not diffuse light. I think what you are saying is that filtered sunlight (indoors) has a different quality than indirect/diffused light (outdoors). To compensate for the lower proportion of UVB indoors, place your plants in direct sunlight next to a window.

[@daniellelewis3118]

True because I put mine right in front of the window and it made my plants die because it was too bright and hot for them

[@GardeningInCanada]

You definitely need to gauge your environment!

[@jennastephens805]

Do single pane windows diffuse the light as well or is it just double pane? I have single pane windows that get direct morning sun x

[@shalininemo6869]

I wonder if it's different for folks living on or near the equator (the bright indirect light thing). The sunlight I get even with a North facing house has bleached my spider plant that's in front of a window. I moved it in front of my sheer curtain and it healed immediately.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Very true!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Could be a number of factors sun intensity, even the windows age. Trial and error are key

[@hopecreature]

Definitely, I live in Los Angeles and the sun gets extremely intense here. Most folks will burn many of their houseplants here if they put them right next to a south facing window, especially in summertime.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That I most definitely believe

[@Szu-Ping]

Great information!!! Thanks.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Woohoo 🎉

[@iCore3]

Love this video, great information! Question: wouldn't it depend on the plant? Or would this apply to all houseplants? Thanks!

[@GardeningInCanada]

It will vary between plants just slightly forsure

[@akashareinee]

Is it good to put bright indirect sunlight plants in direct sunlight for a small amount of time?

[@GardeningInCanada]

nothing wrong with that. just wan to avoid sunburn so not too long

[@zuedilzarsona6798]

Hi, can you pls tell me about the north, east, west, south facing windows? Does it really matter? I only have windows facing south and north 😢. Thanks.

[@theariesknowing4812]

How do we build uvb lights over time on indoor plants? Cracking a window or sitting them outside for 30 mins to an hr in the summer ?

[@kandydkayjayne4569]

Omg thank you

[@gracedubaj1661]

I'm always careful with direct sunlight. None of my indoor plants are exposed to it. Better be careful and watch what they need, you can always rotate them and research . Thank you for very informative video 😊

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes, then definitely be careful!

[@gorkskoal9315]

THANK YOU!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

You're welcome!

[@Plantdog]

Love this vid!

[@dreamlovermimi9458]

How do i harden my houseplants ? I keep them ( dumbcane, aloe, snake plant ) outdoors in Full Shade all day everyday! My light meter says shade is usually 500-800 lumens of sunlight. Anything over 2000 L. Will burn them and dry them up

[@GardeningInCanada]

You want to harden them for going outside? Or just bright light indoors?

[@dreamlovermimi9458]

@@GardeningInCanada for outdoors! Even the darkest shade outdoors is stronger than the brightest window indoors . Ur video is true! South windows block 40-50% of sunlight . My light meter said 900 Lumens indoors next to that window and was 2000 Lumens outdoors

[@zeep6195]

Hi! I'm curious about this, specially since I have a few haworthia plants that are kinda sensitive to too much and too little light. My haworthias are placed near a window, but I believe they're still not getting enough light (kinda hard to explain but the window's not glass, that's why not enough light is passing through). And I think direct light (as in direct sunlight) is not recommended on haworthias. Do you think supplementing them with growlights will do?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes absolutely it will

[@nugcraft5831]

I use these techniques with cannabis. By using controlled periods of uvb you can cause a systematic induced response within the plant. I've also heard about mirrors being able to absorb some photons as well as an eggshell paint. Do you know why that would be? Seems like it would be the other way around. Great episode thanks

[@zgoat4127]

Hey shweeeeeeet I thought I was the only cannabis grower who enjoyed this channel

[@zgoat4127]

@@kingjames4886 No I didnt know she had one

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes! Great application!

[@GardeningInCanada]

😂❤️ unite!

[@GardeningInCanada]

True story there is a ton of growers

[@harrymetcalf9512]

This is really interesting but is this all there is to it? I’m asking because I sunburned peperomia obtusifolia when I put it directly on a west facing window (the window never gets opened) which surprised me since it likes light. But my diner plate Fabian aralia with its thin leaves was put on the same window on the same day and decided to explode with growth and Fabian is one of those that does ok in low light

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you move a plant from a shaded area directly into full sun you will have burning regardless of the window being opened or not. You do need to harden them off before making the transition.

[@Gackt-sb7mq]

What about plants that would do better near a north facing window. Don’t mean that they could survive but that they thrive in conditions that a north facing window gives.

[@Jenny-bc5kz]

Yes !!!

[@Eagerphill]

I have done a HUGE deep dive on window glass for vitamin D(I want a sunroom I can make vitamin D in, in the spring/late fall). I found standard float glass(basically every standard window ever) blocks almost all UV light including UVA, Some UVA does get through but not enough to really concern yourself with. Anything with a coating with block even more and a lot of far red and infrared(heat) light too which can further impede house plant growth and even a lot of cell function for mammals too! Now "most" higher quality glass has better transparency so most pyrex products, Starfire glass(often used in aquariums) or even some borosilicate glass IS UV permeable however you'll never see these in a window unless you have built said window.

[@weareparamore1597]

Is the intensity the same on northern and equatorial countries?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Very similar from what I know. But obviously there can be slight differences based on average cloud cover etc

[@dreamlovermimi9458]

A simple sticker saying “ indoor “ - outdoor “ would realllyyyyy be great!!!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes!

[@darcypotterpotter6214]

i use my south-facing windows iv built shelves and have grow lights that are on timers to come on and oof set to give me light before the sun is up and after its down

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s an awesome set up! Well done

[@Breyerluvr4eva]

A mirror! Genius!

[@cmleite]

I've moved my plants from my west facing windows to the balcony outside here in Seattle (August) and my monstera, who hasn't been putting out a new leaf in 3 weeks, immediately did within the first few days of sunbathing on indirect, afternoon sun at our balcony. So did my Hilo Beauty, which was stretching out reaching for light even tho I placed it right by the window. But the edges of the leaves are also burning even tho I've placed it under our glass balcony table :(

[@fearless2214]

Is happy frog soil a good brand. I placed my bamboo in miricle grow why i did that smh.

[@GardeningInCanada]

It is yea. It’s pretty expensive too when you get into the pH balanced stuff

[@QuirkyLemon]

The part I don't get is moving them away from the window in the summer. Is winter sun bright direct (as we know it bright indirect) and summer sun is bright direct? And if window light is bright, direct, how does that apply to NEW windows? Gah, not sure I am making sense! I have a south facing window that get full fun all day; I also have a south facing window that's covered by a porch and gets sun half day. The uncovered window is where I have my sun-loving plants and plants I want to sun stress; other covered one is where I have a lot of my hoya (that I don't want to sun stress). I would class one as direct and one as indirect bright. Sigh, maybe I didn't get it!

[@kimmanning4989]

Her point is , if you moved your “indirect light” plants into to “ direct “ sun area they will do better and grow more.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Winter time sunlight is less intense and usually has fewer active hours therefore placing plants in direct sunlight with yield better results. But once summer time rolls around the days are longer snd more intense.

[@GardeningInCanada]

True! Very true

[@GardeningInCanada]

110% they will like wild fire

[@kandydkayjayne4569]

Does this apply to calatheas?

[@GardeningInCanada]

They need a decent amount of light yes

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️❤️

[@b_lumenkraft]

Fun fact: Every LED grow light is diffused in ways. For example, there are lenses to manipulate the radiation angle and materials the light has to go through in order to broaden the wavelength. So by this definition, every LED light is a bright indirect light.

[@hckyeah]

how would you apply this to plants like calathea? i’m not sure how far they should be from my windows considering they are rainforest floor plants. this will also be my first winter with ficus plants-tineke, ruby, and audrey. i am considering grow lights since i live in ontario and each plant has only grown 1-2 small leaves in september with low variegation. but i’ve never bought grow lights before, any recs?

[@GardeningInCanada]

For houseplants you can almost go with anything they don’t need very intense lighting

[@otisschroeder9790]

🤯

[@GardeningInCanada]

:)

[@zgoat4127]

Ashley you are the shiznit lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

🥺 aweee thanks!

[@copperlight]

What? Herbs don’t do well on a windowsill? No wonder they never work for long. 🤯

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea! Typically they don’t. Some people might have really good direct sunlight in their window and maybe okay.

[@sadgecat588]

So why do my succulents get majorly sunburnt in my window lol

[@DavidMFChapman]

I don’t see how a mirror would help unless the mirror itself is directly illuminated by sunlight filtered by the window.

[@GardeningInCanada]

i find that the plants dont get as lopsided.

[@DavidMFChapman]

@@GardeningInCanada I suppose it’s a step up from a wall, it’s like there’s another room in the other side with ambient light.

[@endor8witch]

i always hated these terms and how they lasted so long in the community and industry. even worse is "partial sun/shade" like what?

[@dandeleona4760]

Full sun window is terrible for orchids. They do better off to one side of a window ... bright, but not direct

[@CaptainBearddd]

WARNING - DO NOT PUT MIRROR IN VIEW OF SUNLIGHT IF YOU LIVE IN HOT AREA! This is extremely common for house fires!

[@aluineniass1267]

Très intéressant je peux avoir votre adresse mail svp ??

[@PrebenNilsen-su7wd]

Gizmo kaka

[@kourtneys.plant.korner765]

My sun gets plugged into an electrical socket

[@zgoat4127]

I hope its not the same for your husband Lmaooo just playing lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahaha you are the plant person with the most lights hands down

[@Patricia-b8u]

This video would be better if it shows examples or photos of those areas called bright indirect light instead of watching her face all the 9 minutes 🙄

[@HzFvr]

Thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Anytime! Glad you enjoyed