Last updated: 1 June 2026
Free download: a 1-page guide to reading window light for your plants
The most common houseplant question after “how often do I water?” is “does this plant get enough light?” This 1-page guide covers what each window direction (N/E/S/W) actually gives your plants, the shadow test for measuring light without a meter, and matched plant lists per direction. Print it once, refer to it forever.
What is on the guide (1 page, printable):
- 4-direction window grid: North (low) / East (bright indirect, the sweet spot) / South (intense direct) / West (hot afternoon)
- Best plants matched to each direction (7 species per direction)
- The shadow test — no meter needed to estimate your actual light level
- Distance from window matters more than direction (charts the drop-off)
- Signs of too-much light (crispy patches, pale leaves) vs too-little light (leggy stretching, leaf drop)
Free to download, print, share. Especially useful when you move to a new place or rearrange your collection.
Northern Hemisphere only
The directional guidance is for the Northern Hemisphere. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, southern Africa, southern South America), invert: SOUTH window becomes the strongest direct sun, NORTH becomes the low-light direction.
What about no real windows? (grow lights)
If you live in a basement, internal apartment without a window, or want to grow specific species on a shelf away from natural light, a full-spectrum LED grow light bridges the gap. See our best grow lights for indoor plants guide.
Sources and methodology
The light-level guidance synthesizes extension sources from NC State, U of Maryland, U of Illinois on indoor light intensity, species-specific PPFD requirements, and the practical shadow-test approximation method. Full editorial methodology.
Related guides on Leafmend
- Houseplant light requirements (full guide) — what “bright indirect light” actually means
- Best grow lights for indoor plants — when window light is not enough
- Best plant stands — how to position plants for the right light
- Popular houseplants pillar — per-species light requirements
Other free downloads from Leafmend
- 30-Day Houseplant Care Calendar — daily and weekly routine
- Pet-Safe Plant Buyers Checklist — ASPCA-verified shopping list
- 5-Min Plant Diagnostic Flowchart — troubleshoot common problems
- Plant Propagation Cheat Sheet — water vs soil methods