lack of light

What you’re seeing

Leggy stems stretching toward windows, wide gaps between leaves, pale or small new growth, slow or no flowering, soil staying wet longer than expected.

What it is

Insufficient light intensity or duration for the species. Plants use light to fuel growth; too little leads to weak, elongated, pale growth and delayed blooms.

Is action needed?

Yes—gentle, sustainable light upgrades make a big difference.

How to confirm

Orientation: North-facing rooms in winter or deep interior shelves are common low-light spots (reverse orientations in the Southern Hemisphere).
Shadow test: Hand casts a blurry, faint shadow all day = very low light.
Response: Growth improves after moving closer to bright windows or adding grow lights.

What to do

Move closer to bright, indirect light (east or bright north windows; a few feet back from south/west).
Supplement with a grow light 12–14 hours/day; position the fixture 8–18 in / 20–45 cm above foliage depending on output.
Rotate the pot weekly for even growth.
Water less often at low light—mix dries more slowly.
Support weak stems until stronger growth replaces them.

Prevention tips

Match species to the light you can provide; some truly require high light.
Clean windows and leaves; dust reduces available light.
Use reflective surfaces or light walls near plant shelves.

Light excess shows bleaching/scorch; light excess causes elongated, soft growth.
Nutrient deficiency can pale leaves even in good light—use a modest, regular feed program.