Let’s consider lighting. After watering, incorrect lighting is the second biggest cause of plant demise. So, when you consider your indoor plant design, you need to place your houseplants in the proper lighting. This issue is a little more difficult to discuss in general terms because every plant type has its own lighting needs. Let’s try.
First let’s start with the direction of your light. Do the windows in your office or home face the south, west, east or north? When considering your indoor plant’s maintenance needs, start with which way the windows face. The direction order listed above (south, west, east north) is the order of the most sun to the least sun. Second, consider how far from the windows the plants will be facing.
Plants that like the most light (south facing window) are generally plants that will grow outside in the full or partial sun. When reviewing the plants on our plant photo page choose a plant near the bottom of the page. If you have a west facing window many plants near the bottom will work if located closer to the window, as you move away from the window start choosing plants that are higher up on the plant photo page. There is some flexibility here that’s why a hard and fast rule cannot be applied but I think the idea is clear. If you have a north facing window choose plants from the top of the plant photo page, if you have a south facing window choose nearer the bottom of the photo page, etc.
Here in Southern California especially near the beach, some indoor plants can be grown outdoors especially in cities like Newport Beach, San Clemente, inland as far as Irvine and Tustin still have moderate enough days to allow indoor palms like Kentia and Fishtail to grow outside in the full sun. So adapt your indoor plant design based on lighting requirements and know that some plants will thrive in a window with direct sun
Interior plant design/service companies should be able to advise you and place indoor plants in appropriate places for long term houseplant care and enjoyment. If you would like some advice visit our contact page.