If you are into growing houseplants, you have probably come across advice about direct and indirect sunlight. But you might not be sure exactly what these terms mean. In this post, we explain the difference between indirect and direct sunlight. Also, you will find out how sunlight impacts your interior colors!
Plants that need direct vs. indirect light
Plants need light to thrive, as it is the primary component of the photosynthesis process. Every plant has different light requirements to enhance the production of food. When the sun directly hits plants, we’re talking about direct light. It usually comes from a south or west-facing window. The unfiltered sunlight might be too harsh for some plants. However, it offers ideal conditions for cacti and other plants that naturally receive plenty of sunlight.
Indirect light refers to the sun that a plant receives when located in a shady area of a room that receives bright light. For example, a plant will receive indirect light when placed behind another plant. Or, the window shades might filter the light. In most cases, an indoor setting will provide indirect sunlight.
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. If the sunlight passes through blinds, curtains, or is reflected, it is regarded as indirect sunlight.
West- versus east-facing windows
West- and east-facing windows provide different amounts of sunlight. An east-facing window offers plenty of sunlight in the morning hours. However, it is weak. We can’t say the same when talking about the west-facing windows. The sun will cast light in the afternoon, hotter than east-facing windows. When deciding where to place your plants, you should be guided by their needs. If your plant requires moderate sunlight, it is better to put it in an east-facing window. West-facing windows can be pretty bright but also tend to be hotter.
Can sunlight change the way decor or paint looks?
Yes, sunlight will alter the way colors look in space. Whether it is decor or paint, don’t forget that color will behave differently in different light conditions. South-facing windows tend to bring warm light, accentuating the warm undertones in colors. On the other hand, east-facing windows will bring out the cooler undertones. This is important to note when using creamy whites and greige tones, as the light can impact their warmth. Also, a room that receives plenty of light will make the colors appear brighter.
Kristina is a home decor enthusiast that loves to share practical tips. With more than 5 years in the interior design content writing niche, she has lots to share. She is obsessed with Pinterest, looking for the most creative ideas for your inspiration. Hopefully, this will motivate you to create the home you always wanted.
Direct light generally refers to unfiltered sunlight; indoors this would be a large south or west facing window or skylight with no obstructions. Indirect light is light that is filtered by a shade, sheer curtains, or the leaves on a tree outside the window.
The light inside your house does not compare to the intensity of direct sunlight outdoors. Nonetheless, many indoor plants manage just fine with indirect sunlight. The indirect natural light that pours onto a windowsill can be more than enough to feed a growing plant.
The warmth of direct rays causes spring and then summer in that part of the globe. When the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth is leaning away from the sun, it receives more indirect sunlight. The cooling effects of more indirect sunlight cause autumn and winter.
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.
In general, the sunlight coming through a glass window is good for plants. A couple of things to watch for - if the plant leaves are resting against the glass, the sunlight may be hot enough there to burn the plant leaves. This doesn't actually hurt the plant, just makes a brown spot in the leaf that it hits.
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).
Notice the farther you are from the equator the Sun's rays are less direct and spread out over a larger area. This makes it colder. Notice the closer you are to the equator the Sun's rays are more direct and concentrated over a smaller area.This makes it hotter.
Indirect sunlight occurs when something in the path of light from the sun diffuses or filters the sunlight before it hits your plants. Examples include sheer curtains, a piece of furniture, a tree outside your window, or even another indoor plant placed in front to protect the lower-light plant.
During the summer solstice, the Sun shines most directly on the Tropic of Cancer, 23.5 degrees north of the equator, giving its most direct energy on Earth to the Northern Hemisphere.
Direct lighting is a type of lighting that is focused on a single area, often through the use of task-oriented lamps or spotlights. Indirect lighting, on the other hand, spreads out light over a larger area and is usually done by directing the light towards a reflective surface.
Excessive light is just as harmful as too little. When a plant gets too much direct light, the leaves become pale, turn brown, and die. Protect houseplants from excessive direct sunlight during the summer months by increasing their distance from the window or using a light shade, such as a sheer curtain.
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. East and west-facing windows provide some direct light up to 3 feet and indirect light up to 5 feet away.
Indirect sunlight occurs when something in the path of light from the sun diffuses or filters the sunlight before it hits your plants. Examples include sheer curtains, a piece of furniture, a tree outside your window, or even another indoor plant placed in front to protect the lower-light plant.
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.
Direct sunlight reaches the Earth's surface when there is no cloud cover between the sun and the Earth, while cloud cover causes indirect sunlight to reach the surface. In gardening, sunlight falling directly on the plant is direct sunlight, while indirect sunlight refers to shaded areas.
Fluorescent lights are by far the most economical and easy choice for houseplants. They come in tubes or compact bulbs (CFL) that screw into regular lamp sockets, and they're cool enough to put close to plant foliage.
Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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