Growing plants indoors isn’t always as easy as it seems regarding getting the balance of light just right for them. When there is not enough light or too much light, your plant will evidence it with pronounced changes in its appearance. To make sure your plants stay healthy and happy, Tulsa’s top florist, Mary Murray’s Flowers, has provided a guide for what to look for to determine if your plant is getting sufficient light.

Clues Your Plants Gives It Needs More (or Less) Light

Leggy

A plant with elongated and thin stems with a scarce amount of leaves is referred to as “leggy.” As the plant stretches for more light, its leaves become more spread apart on skinny stems which is not as nice a look as full, lush plants, and is a sign the plant is not getting enough light.

Small Leaves

A sign of not enough sun is when your plant produces leaves smaller than average. If you look at the new growth on your plant and it’s clear the leaves are smaller than the older, healthier leaves, then move your plant to a better-lit area.

Leaning

Plants will do what they need to for survival and turning towards the light to get enough food is one of the signs the plant is stressed. This could also lead to the plant looking lopsided or one-sided. To ensure the entire plant gets plenty of sun, place it in an indirect bright light area and give it a quarter-turn every time you water it.

Abnormal Leaf Color

Leaves are supposed to be rich green color, but without proper light, they will turn pale green, yellow, and then finally drop off. For plants with variegated leaves, instead of being colorful, they will revert to an all green color in order to absorb enough sunlight as possible.

Slowed or No Growth

Plant growth should be evident, especially during the spring and summer months. If your plant appears to be growing very slowly or not at all, try moving it to a sunnier spot. In its quest for survival, a plant will conserve what little energy it does get by not growing. As light is food for plants, plenty of light equals plenty of robust and lush growth.

Getting the Light Right

If you recognize any of the above signs in one or more of your plants, just placing them as close to a bright window as possible may not be the right move. Only sun-worshipping plants such as palms, cacti, and succulents should be direct sunlight. For most other indoor plants, indirect bright light works best. Finding the best lighting for your plants may requiring moving them around to different places in your home and observing the results.

If you don’t have the floor space to get your plant proper lighting, then try elevating it with a hanging planter. Or, purchase and grow light and keep your plant where it is. Grow lights will make sure your plants are provided with plenty of light no matter their location.