Follow these tips to know how to care for your plants if they are not getting the sunlight they need.
9 tips to fix your houseplants’ sunlight deficiency.
Leggy Growth
Sunlight is necessary for plant growth. Watch the leaves to determine if they are growing more spread out. Leaves grow away from each other and have thin stems when they are not getting enough sunlight.
Moving it to the Light’s Source
Some plants naturally grow towards the light, instead of away from it. This is because they don’t get enough sunlight, and find the nearest light source. If a plant doesn’t not have any light to go towards, it will base its growth on any available light source until finally reaching its goal.
To ensure that your plant gets enough light, you should rotate it once in a while. This is good for its individual leaves as well!
Brown Tips & Leaves
Brown tips on leaves could have a few causes: the plant may not be receiving enough light, or it may be getting too much water with too much fertilizer.
To solve this problem, increase the intensity of light and water only when soil is dry.
Smaller Leaves
If your plant is having problems with leaves, it might need more light. Make adjustments by trimming branches, pruning any leaves blocking sun exposure, or repotting in to a larger pot so that there aren’t as many roots cramped together. You should also check for any damage or pests.
Pause on Growth
If you are giving a houseplant too little sunlight, then they might not be thriving. This is often the case if it has been months since they were last put into direct sunlight.
This plant needs at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight every day for healthy growth.
Dull Foliage
A plant with variegated leaves, has foliage that changes colour when exposed to the right light. Nonvariegated plants only have good looking and bright foliage if the light is just right.
If your plants are dull and lack luster, the best thing to do is to increase the amount of light in their environment.
Soil Stays Wet for Long
The most important aspect of growing plants is making sure they get enough sunlight and air. If the soil stays moist for 3-5 days, then this indicates a shortage of both light and moisture in the plant’s current position.
Plants need light and air circulation in order to photosynthesize. When there is a lack of enough light, root rot may begin because the plant is not getting water from it’s leaves to evaporate. Root rot can lead to further problems such as the plant’s growth or even death.
Faded Colors
Plants with faded colors are not getting enough sun. Variegated plants are more susceptible to fading and lose their vividness when left in direct light all day long.
Mushy Foliage
If your leaves feel squishy or soft, it means that the plant is not getting enough sun and may need to be moved to a sunnier location.
How to help your plant grow with the right amount of light
- You can help your houseplant make up for the lack of sunlight by moving it to a place that gets more light, depending on what type of plant it is.
- Use south-facing windowsills or balconies to their fullest.
- Grow lights help your plants grow efficiently and can also provide supplemental light for your plants to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.