The single most important thing to consider first is light. How many windows does your room have? Is there a lot of light, or are you endlessly putting on a side lamp? Whip out the compass app on your phone and point it towards the best natural light source in the room - if your space faces north, you’ll have less light than if it faces south. Be aware that you’ll need to keep the watering can close at hand if you place your plants near drafts, radiators or air conditioning units as these will more quickly dry your plants out.
The same applies to your outdoor space, too: if you’ve got an exposed balcony you’ll need different plants to if you have a sheltered back courtyard. Consider that plants thrive in endless changing environments all over the world - there is a plant that is perfect for your space. Once you’ve done these things, you can work out if you need plants that are happiest in shade (good for dimly lit rooms), happiest in direct sunlight (perfect for bright rooms with hot, sunny windowsills) and happy in both light and shade.
- Plants that are ‘happiest in direct sunlight’ will enjoy a spot that – when the weather’s good – receives at least three hours of direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm.
- Plants that we term ‘happy in sun and shade’ are better off not receiving more than three hours of direct afternoon sunlight. These plants tend to thrive in a site that’s exposed to cooler morning or early evening light.
- Plants that are ‘happiest in shade’ are for those tricky spots that receive no direct sunlight. At best the site will benefit from some indirect light in the morning or evening. But bear in mind that even shade-loving plants enjoy a little light every day so do your best to indulge yours.
The good news is that there’s an option whatever your circumstances.
Got a dark space? No plant can tolerate being permanently without light, but as long as you rotate plants around a darker room and keep them close to the best natural light source you have, you’ve got plenty of options.
It’s a myth that all plants love sunlight - just as we can get sunstroke and sunburn when it’s too hot, plants can suffer too. There are, however, some varieties which just can’tget enough of a good thing. These are ideal for an exposed windowsill or bright room.
Most of the time, however, you’ll probably want to put plants in spaces that are neither too bright nor too dingy. This is good news: there’s a wealth of varieties available on Patch that are pretty chill in either shade or sun.
Let's meet some plants that could be the one for you
How about Bertie, the Boston Fern? (below). In the wild, she thrives in humid forests and swamps, so will be seriously at home in your bathroom, where she’ll get a misting every time you shower and will put up with low light. There’s more information on how best to look after her down at the bottom of her product page.
If you fancy something a little more structural for your dark space, then Juliette, a Calathea (below), will do nicely. She’s the perfect plant to add a little colour to your room, thanks to her dark red leaves, and as long as you keep her soil moist, she’ll fascinate you with unfurling new growth.
If you’ve got a bright, sunny balcony, then get involved with Esther, the Festuca Glauca. Don’t be deceived by her funky look, Esther is seriously hardcore and can put up with direct light and wind. Hell, she thrives on both.
Inside, meanwhile, that luminous corner may be crying out for company with Joseph, the Codiaeum. He will reward a spot of bright, indirect light with gorgeous multicoloured leaves.
Phil, the Philodendron (below), is remarkably tolerant of most things, really. While he likes to be able to see the sky, he’ll manage in lower light, too.
Phil’s mate, Big Ken the Kentia Palm (below), is a great shout if you want a reliable, beautiful space-filler that won’t demand too much from you. He’s happy in most corners. Just make sure he’s away from any cold draughts.
This article was written by our good friend, Alice Vincent (aka @noughticulture). For more practical advice on how to become a plant-pro check out her book How to Grow Stuff. It’s a simple, straightforward and no-fuss guide to gardening for beginners and those who have already learned to love plants.
