Light conditions are everything

It was an epiphany for me when I realized how important light conditions were for my plants. It’s essential to select plants based on the light available in your home. In order to succeed and for your plants to be able to thrive, you have to establish how much light your home gets. Do your windows face north, south, east or west?

The plants in my partner’s loft apartment in the Grünerløkka district of Oslo are absolutely flourishing. They get light from above through the skylights, just like in a forest where plants grow beneath tall trees. Maybe they do so well here because the light from above reminds them of their original habitat somewhere in the Amazonian jungle? In my own apartment in the St. Hanshaugen district all the windows are east-facing, with moderate sunlight. (See more on light conditions.)

Plants that cope with little light

• Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
• Emerald palm (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
• Fishbone cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Swiss cheese plant/Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Plants that need light

• Cacti (several species)
• Calamondin (citrus x microcarpa)
• Elephant’s foot (Beaucarnea recurvata)
• Succulents (several species)
• Umbrella plant (Schefflera)
• Spineless yucca (Yucca elephantipes)

Most smart phones have a compass that you can use to find out which direction your home faces.

FACT

Even the darkest corner outdoors is lighter than the lightest corner indoors. Whereas outdoor light floods in from all directions, Indoor light comes from just one point – your window. South-facing windows provide the most light.