Window Orientation Light Levels on lighting
What's Happening
Window orientation determines both light intensity and duration. South-facing windows (northern hemisphere) receive the most intense, consistent direct light—1,000+ foot-candles at the glass, dropping 50% every 3-5 feet. East windows provide bright morning light (250-1,000 fc) that's gentler and ideal for most tropical houseplants. West windows deliver intense afternoon heat (500-1,000+ fc) that can scorch sensitive plants. North windows offer the lowest, most consistent indirect light (<400 fc), suitable only for low-light tolerant species like ZZ plants or Snake plants.
How to Fix It
- 1
South window: Place cacti/succulents directly on sill (1,000+ fc); move tropicals 3-5 feet back or use sheer curtains
- 2
East window: Ideal for most houseplants—position 1-3 feet from glass for 250-800 fc bright indirect
- 3
West window: Filter afternoon sun with sheer curtains; avoid placing sensitive plants like Calatheas directly on sill
- 4
North window: Limit to ZZ plants, Snake plants, Pothos, Peace lilies; supplement with grow lights if growth stalls
How to Prevent It
Match plant light requirements to window exposure. Use sheer curtains to diffuse direct south/west light. Supplement low-light areas with grow lights. Rotate plants quarterly for even growth.