Understanding Window Directions & The Inverse Square Law
Human eyes adapt effortlessly to dim indoor spaces, deceiving us into thinking a corner 8 feet from a window is "bright." In reality, light intensity plummets exponentially as distance increases according to the **inverse-square law**.
Houseplant Light Categories & Foot-Candle Benchmarks
| Category | Foot-Candles (FC) | Lux Range | Ideal Plant Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Light | 50 – 150 FC | 500 – 1,600 Lux | Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Cast Iron Plant |
| Medium Light | 150 – 400 FC | 1,600 – 4,300 Lux | Pothos, Philodendron, Calathea, Boston Fern |
| Bright Indirect | 400 – 1,200 FC | 4,300 – 13,000 Lux | Monstera Deliciosa, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Hoya |
| Direct Sunlight | 1,200+ FC | 13,000+ Lux | Olive Tree, Bird of Paradise, Desert Cacti |
Related Botanical Utilities:
- 💡 Using artificial LED lights? Grow Light & DLI Calculator
- 🔍 Match plants to your lighting: Houseplant Finder & Matchmaker
- 📖 Read our blooming guide: How to Get Hoyas to Bloom with Proper Lighting