We all love having houseplants in the home as they freshen things up, provide a cozy environment, and possess air-purifying qualities. They’re good for us! So, we need to make sure we’re good to them. Like us, plants require food and water to survive, and they get their food from the sun’s rays. Through photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into sugars, which feeds itself. To keep your plant healthy and robust, it must be placed in an area of your home that receives plenty of light. If you’re not sure it’s getting adequate light, continue reading for signs of distress your plants may be exhibiting. Then, peruse the plant section of Welke’s House of Roses to see more great plants in your home.
Signs Your Plant Lacks Proper Lighting
Leggy
Plants with long, skinny stems are referred to as being “leggy” and is a sure sign of insufficient light. Plants should be full and lush looking, but leggy plants with large gaps between the leaves are skinny and unhealthy looking. Improve the light so the plant can become lush again.

Small Leaves
Lack of light means a plant isn’t getting enough energy to grow its leaves to its proper size. In order to conserve what little energy it is getting, a plant will grow smaller leaves. Compare new growth to older growth to determine if there is a stark contrast in size.
Leaning
A lopsided or leaning plant is a sure sign that the entire plant is not getting adequate sunlight. Plants will grow and stretch to received adequate light which could result in a 1-sided plant. To avoid, give your plant a quarter turn every time you water it to ensure the entire plant is getting good lighting.

Abnormal Leaf Color
Pale green or yellow leaves that begin to drop off are symptoms of poor lighting. Without proper lighting, chlorophyll, which gives a leaf its green color, can’t carry out the photosynthesis process which keeps leaves green and healthy. Also, if your plant has variegated coloring, in an effort to absorb as much light as possible, the colored leaves will revert to all green.
Slowed Growth
During the spring and summer plants should show a significant amount of growth. If yours does not, then it could signal inadequate lighting. No new growth of stunted growth are signs that a plant is not receiving enough energy from light to grow lush and big.
Getting the Light Right

As it is possible for a plant to receive too much light also, resulting in scorched tips or “burnt” patches on the leaves, getting the lighting right for a plant may be tricky. Only sun-worshipping plants should be in direct lighting for 6 or more hours a day. These would be cacti, succulents, and palm plants. Otherwise, indirect bright light works best for most other plants. Just realize that every foot away from a window that a plant is moved to is exponentially decreased light for the plant. You may not see it, but the plant will.
Try out different sunny places in your home and if you’re unable to move your plant to a better lit spot, then get a grow light, which will allow you to place your plant anywhere. Grow lights will ensure your plant gets enough light to remain healthy and happy.