Moving Indoor Plants When They Are Not Getting Enough Sunlight
If the leaves are turning yellow or the stems are stretching long to one side, it is very likely a sign of insufficient light. Before checking water or fertilizer, first ask, "How much light is this pot getting right now?" In many cases, simply moving the plant can make it look noticeably healthier within two weeks.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Main context in brief |
| Supplies and cost | The biggest advantage of this hobby is that it costs almost nothing |
| Check the light level in your home | Quick checklist |
| Getting started | If the shadow is blurry, the plant is not getting enough light |
| After moving the plant | When you change a plant's location, temperature and airflow change along with the light |
Supplies and Cost
The biggest advantage of this hobby is that it costs almost nothing. You are not buying a new plant; you are changing the location of a plant you already have.
- Free light meter app for measuring light (smartphone): 0 won
- Plant saucer or small ladder-style plant stand: 0-20,000 won
- LED grow light if your home truly lacks light: 20,000-50,000 won
If your home gets natural light, the cost is 0 won. If it faces north or is on a low floor with almost no light, you may only need to add a grow light. Difficulty level: two out of five stars. You just need to know how much light each type of plant requires.
Check the Light Level in Your Home
| Location | Brightness impression | Suitable plants |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1m of a south-facing window | Clear hand shadow | Succulents, herbs, rubber plant |
| East- or west-facing windowsill | Soft shadow | Pothos, monstera |
| 2-3m from a window | Bright enough to read | Snake plant, peace lily |
| Windowless corner | Dim | Grow light required |
Getting Started
- During the day, open your palm where the pot sits and check how sharp the shadow is. If the shadow is blurry, the plant is not getting enough light.
- Search the plant name and check whether it needs strong light, medium light, or low light.
- Move it to a spot one level brighter than its current location, usually closer to a window.
- Sudden strong direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so move the plant a little closer to the window over several days.
- Once a week, rotate the pot by one-quarter turn so all leaves receive light evenly.
- After 2 weeks, check the color of new leaves and the direction of the stems. If the plant is still stretching, move it to a spot one level brighter.
After Moving the Plant
When you change a plant's location, temperature and airflow change along with the light. Avoid places where air from an air conditioner or heater blows directly onto the leaves, as this can dry them out. For a while after moving the plant, keep the watering amount the same and watch the soil condition.