The importance of the right plant in the right light

Just like us, our leafy companions need the right environment to thrive. We wouldn't feel our best living in extreme darkness or under a relentless sun, and the same holds true for our indoor plants. One of the most crucial environmental factors for plant health and vitality is light.

Think of light as food for plants. It fuels the incredible process of photosynthesis, where water and carbon dioxide are transformed into the energy and oxygen that not only sustain them but also incidentally, help keep our indoor air clean.

At Ambius, we understand the importance of light, and that's why our expert Interior Plantscape Consultants make it their mission to take the guesswork out of the equation. We believe that placing the right plant in the right light is the cornerstone of a thriving indoor jungle.

Understanding the light level: what your plants really need

Different plant species have different light requirements, and understanding these is important in order for your plants to thrive. To simplify this, we categorise our Ambius plant range into their respective light level categories;

• Low light (250 - 400 LUX): These plants are the troopers of the dimmer indoor and corners. They can tolerate less intense light and are often ideal for areas further away from windows or in rooms with limited natural light. Think of plants like Spathiphyllum species ’Petite’ Peace Lily and Spathiphyllum wallisii ‘Sensation’. 

• Medium light (400 - 1500 LUX): This is the sweet spot for a wide variety of popular indoor plants. They thrive in bright, indirect light, such as that found near or close to a window or near a light source. Examples include Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ Happy Plant, Zamioculcus zamiifolia, Zanzibar Gem or ZZ plant, Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate’and similar. 

• High light (1500 - 2000 LUX): These light-loving beauties crave bright light for several hours a day, often best suited for window areas (though you might need to protect them from intense midday sun, especially during the hot Sydney summer!). Consider plants like Ficus Lyrata Fiddle Leaf Fig, Strelitzia nicolai Birds of Paradise, Dypsis lutescens Golden Cane and similar.

Why getting it right matters: beyond just survival

Placing a plant in the wrong light conditions can lead to a host of problems, hindering its growth and overall health.

• Insufficient light: Plants deprived of enough light may exhibit leggy growth (stretching towards the light source), pale or yellowing leaves or stunted growth. They become weak and more susceptible to pests and diseases.

• Excessive light: On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown, crispy patches. Plants might also look washed out or develop bleached spots.

The Ambius advantage: tailored greenery for your space

Our Interior plantscape consultants understand the unique light conditions of Australian offices as well as the plant light requirements.. We don't just drop off plants; we conduct a thorough assessment of your indoor environment. This includes carefully measuring the light levels in different areas of your space using LUX meters.

Based on this, we'll recommend the suitable plants that will not only survive but truly flourish in the available light. This ensures your chosen greenery gets the best possible start, setting the stage for long-term health and thriving plants. 

Impact of light on the plant colour

Beyond growth and overall health, the amount of light an indoor plant receives can significantly impact its colouration. Plants thriving in their ideal light conditions often exhibit richer, more vibrant foliage. For example, plants needing bright, indirect light will typically display their characteristic deep greens, or variegations most vividly when properly illuminated. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to paler, less intense colours, sometimes even causing normally vibrant foliage to appear washed out or a lighter shade of green. In some variegated varieties, a lack of adequate light can even cause the non-green parts of the leaves to diminish or disappear entirely as the plant prioritises chlorophyll production for photosynthesis. Conversely, while generally beneficial, excessively intense direct light can sometimes cause leaf scorch or browning, altering the intended colour. Observing your plant's colour is another valuable clue in understanding if it's receiving the optimal amount of light for its specific needs.

More than just aesthetics: the wellbeing benefits of healthy indoor plants

Beyond their visual appeal, thriving indoor plants contribute significantly to our health and wellbeing, as highlighted by the incredible results delivered by Ambius and UTS research study. When plants are in their optimal light conditions, they are better equipped to:

Improve indoor air quality: through a process of photosynthesis indoor plants are a natural filtration system, capable of absorbing toxins and VOCs from the indoor air and releasing oxygen. However only a healthy plant can remove indoor toxins and VOCs that in turn creates cleaner indoor air. 

Improve health and wellbeing: as these nasties are removed from the indoor air, your people and business benefits. From reduced sick leave related absenteeism, to improved focus and concentration, promoting creativity and more. In addition to that studies have shown that the presence of plants can also have a calming effect, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of well-being.