Toronto
Master Gardener Factsheet 
Toronto Master Gardeners are trained volunteers dedicated to providing horticultural information to the public.
For answers to horticultural questions contact the Toronto Master Gardeners' Info Line at the Toronto Botanical Garden (416) 397-1345 (Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m and Sat., Sun. and Holidays noon to 3 p.m.) or our web site.
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Toronto Botanical Garden is a volunteer-based, charitable organization whose purpose is to inspire passion, respect and understanding of gardening, horticulture, the natural landscape and a healthy environment.
777 Lawrence Avenue East
Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
Tel. 416-397-1340
Fax. 416-397-1354
www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Lighting Guidelines for Houseplants
Plants depend first and foremost on light, rather than water and fertilizer for their survival. Give a plant the correct lighting conditions and it may continue to thrive, even if some of the other growing factors are not perfect. Location, therefore, is fundamental to successfully growing houseplants. This fact sheet provides introductory information about light requirements of plants.
Remember that the distance of the plant from the window greatly affects the intensity of light that the plant receives. A south-facing window gets the most sun and provides the most options for plants:
In winter plants do well near a south-facing window because the sunlight is weaker than in other seasons and there are less daylight hours. Beware, however, of leaf burn and spider mite. In summer, plants that require less light can be placed back from the window. In summer, many plants that like a south window will do well outside in a partly shaded area of the garden.
Suggested plants on or close to a south-facing window
A west-facing window receives full sun in the afternoon and bright light in the morning. Afternoon sunlight (particularly in summer) has the potential to cause considerable heat in the room. Some plants may not react well to heat. High room temperature can stress plants, making them more susceptible to disease and pests.
The following plants like some direct sunlight and may be placed on or close to a west-facing window but may need protection from hot summer sun - beware of leaf burn.
An east-facing window receives full sun in the morning, then bright light all day (i.e. good intense light without direct sun). Most plants will grow here, although sun-loving plants will prefer more direct sun.
A north-facing window receives no direct sun with only light to medium intensity. Place plants right in front of the windowpane. Light levels drop off very quickly in a north-facing window, as you move away from the window. Some plants that tolerate relatively weak light:
The Toronto Botanical Garden Weston Family Library is an excellent source for horticultural information.
Factsheets are produced by the Toronto Master Gardeners in association with the Toronto Botanical Garden. They provide introductory information about a broad range of horticultural topics and are intended for personal use and study purposes. Should your gardening group or organization wish to use multiple copies we ask that you inform the Toronto Botanical Garden at info@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
Date revised: April 19, 2006
