Living Light

Winter is an ideal time to give your houseplants a thorough inspection, checking for pests, diseases, and any other problems that prevent them from looking their best. Lackluster leaves and a scarcity of blooms could be a sign that the growing conditions are not optimum.

Don't underestimate the value of the right amount of light for plants. Although a plant may not show the effect of too little light right away, in time it will deteriorate.

Plants are often classified as needing low, medium, or high light. As a guide, figure low light to be that from a north window, medium from an east or west window, and high from a south window. Another way to judge exposure is by the shadow cast by the plant. If it is barely discernible, the light is low; when the shadow is present but indistinct, light is medium; when the shadow is sharp, the light is bright. Choose plant types according to the light conditions you can give them.

It is also possible to give too much light to a plant, resulting in compacted growth and burned foliage. If this happens, move the plant farther from the window or put a sheer curtain on the window.

Windowsill plants tend to lean toward the source of light. To keep houseplants shapely, give their pots a quarter turn every time you water.