Finding the right balance of light to ensure your plants are healthy and thriving can sometimes be tricky. Your plant has ways of telling you, though, by developing marked changes in its appearance. Before it gets too drastic, though,  want you to look for the below signs which identifies either too much to too little light is making its way to your plant.

Clues Your Plants Give You About Its Light Source

Leggy

Light is food for plants and when they do not get enough then their stems grow skinny and sparse, also known as “leggy.” Light-deprived stems also have extended spaces between each leaf. The expanse between leaves is known as the internodal space and large internodes indicate the plant is not getting adequate light.

Small Leaves

Smaller than usual leaves is another sign the plant is probably not receiving satisfactory amounts of light. Compare new growth to old growth to determine if there is a noticeable difference in size.

Leaning

When a plant is reaching and stretching towards a light source, it creates a lopsided shape. Relocate the plant to a sunnier location and turn it once a week to ensure all leaves get enough sun.

Abnormal Leaf Color

Pale green leaves or yellow leaves that have dropped off are signs of light deficiency. The green color of a plant’s leaves is what helps it absorb light via photosynthesis. A lack of proper light make the green color fade. Also, it will turn variegated leaves back to green in the plant’s effort to absorb more light.

Slowed Growth or No Growth

If your plant’s growth appears stunted,   move it to a sunnier place. Light is the lifeforce of plants giving it the energy to grow and thrive. No new growth or noticeably slowed growth, indicates a light problem.

Getting the Light Right

Observing the above signs in your plant does not mean the resolution is as simple as relocating your plant to the sunniest place in your home. Doing so may result in your plant receiving too much light. The area encompassing a window getting direct sunlight is surprisingly warm and may be too much for your plant to handle. Only sun-loving plant species like cacti, palms, and succulents should be placed in direct light for most of the day. For other plants, medium to indirect bright light is most desirable.

It may take a little trial and error to get the lighting just so, but know that your plant will let you know if it’s happy and healthy or not. All you have to do is pay attention to it.