To understand my ideal indoor light, you must first know my origins. In my natural habitat, I am a plant of the forest floor and craggy cliffs. I thrive in the dappled, filtered sunlight that shines through the canopy of taller trees. This means I am genetically adapted to bright, but indirect light. My leaves are designed to photosynthesize efficiently in these conditions. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially the intense afternoon sun, is alien and damaging to me. It will scorch my beautiful leaves, causing them to turn brown, crisp, and unsightly.
The single best light for me indoors is a consistent source of bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, as it provides the gentle morning sun that I can tolerate. A north-facing window can also be excellent, offering consistent brightness throughout the day without the risk of scorching. If the only available window is south or west-facing, please place me several feet away from the glass or use a sheer curtain to filter the intense direct rays. This simulated "forest canopy" effect provides the light intensity I need without the harmful consequences.
While I am often touted as a low-light plant, this is a misconception. "Tolerating" low light is not the same as "thriving" in it. If you place me in a deep, dark corner, I will survive for a time, but I will express my displeasure clearly. My growth will become leggy and sparse, with long stretches of stem between leaves as I desperately stretch toward any available light source. My vibrant variegated varieties, like 'Glacier' or 'Goldchild', will lose their beautiful contrasting colors and revert to mostly green leaves. Without adequate light, my photosynthetic processes slow, weakening me and making me far more susceptible to pests like spider mites.
For rooms with no natural light sources, such as offices or bathrooms, you can still keep me healthy with artificial lighting. I do very well under full-spectrum fluorescent or LED grow lights. These bulbs are designed to mimic the sun's natural spectrum, providing me with the blue and red wavelengths crucial for photosynthesis. Position the light source about a foot above my foliage and keep it on for approximately 12-14 hours per day to simulate a natural day cycle. This artificial sun will allow me to maintain dense growth and rich leaf coloration.
I will always communicate whether my light conditions are suitable. Please observe my leaves. Lush, vibrant, and closely spaced growth is a sign of perfect lighting. If my leaves are small and pale, I likely need more light. As mentioned, brown, scorched spots mean I am getting too much direct sun, and long, bare stems indicate I am stretching desperately for more light. Adjust my position accordingly based on this feedback, and I will reward you with vigorous and beautiful growth.
