Laidback Gardener Tip of the Day Light Needs of Plants

Pull Your Plants Back from the Window

 

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If you find it hot near a south-facing window on a sunny day, imagine your houseplants’ distress! Source: Claire Tourigny, from the book Les 1500 trucs du jardinier paresseux.

In spring, the light in front of a south- or west-facing window becomes more intense and abundant daily and also starts to extend beyond what our houseplants, which are tropical plants accustomed to no more than about 12 hours of daily sunshine, receive in their native lands. And behind a wall of glass, there isn’t much air circulation. Thus, heat can easily increase to a point where the plants are harmed.

With the return of spring, therefore, it’s wise to keep an eye any houseplants you place near sunny windows. When you notice any sign of distress, like leaves wilting, curling or turning pale on one side only, the one closest to the window, it’s time to react.

There are several ways of coping with this overly intense light and resulting heat. You can move them back from south- or west-facing windows or place them in rooms where the light is less intense. Or simply draw a sheer curtain between the plants and the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

A simple change that makes for happier houseplants!

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