WHERE DO I PLACE MY INDOOR PLANTS

We buy indoor plants because we love how they look, how they jazz up our decor, and how they purify the air. But once we get our favorite plants, we often wonder, "Where do I place them?"

Before you buy new plants, try thinking the other way around. First figure out where you want to place a plant, then go get one. The spot you choose is just as important as the type of plant you get.

Once you've picked the spot, the first thing to check is the type of light the space gets. There are plants for pretty much every lighting situation. Some love direct sunlight, others prefer bright but indirect light, and some do well with filtered or medium light. Light is probably the most crucial factor when placing a plant indoors. Always choose the brightest room in your house.

Keep in mind that most indoor plants sold commercially are tropical. This means they prefer rooms filled with bright natural light. Even if a plant label says low light, it’ll still be happier in a bright room with indirect natural light.

If your room only has one window and it’s not too bright, place the plant as close to the window as possible. Make sure it’s not in a spot where it can get burned by the sun, but where it can get the brightest indirect light.

Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of most indoor plants. It is best to place the plants in a spot that receives bright, indirect, natural light most of the day. Ideal places are a window with a sheer curtain, a patio with a screen, or other similar areas.

If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, consider adding grow lights. These lights mimic sunlight and can be used day and night or whenever needed.

Also, keep your plants away from fans, drafts, AC vents, heaters, and radiators, as these can dry out the air. Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees.