Light Hustle Index
Light is make-or-break for houseplants. Some thrive in that full sun spotlight, others throw a fit if they get more than a glow. This isn’t about what looks good — it’s about survival. Here’s how we rank each plant’s hustle for sunlight, and which window they’ll dominate if given the chance.
What It Means:
Getting your plant’s lighting dialed is a battlefield. Too dark and it sulks. Too bright and it fries. This section breaks down the light game in plain terms — so you can stop guessing and start placing like a pro. No fluff. Just sunlight stats and hard-earned truth.
Cave Dweller:
Lives in the shadows like it owes someone money.
Can survive in low light — think offices, hallways, dungeons.
North-facing windows = low light. Good for Cave Dwellers. 6+ feet from a window is their comfort zone. They’ll sulk in direct sun.
Curtain Creeper:
Digs dappled light. Direct sun? Nah.
Keep it near a window, but not in the blast zone.
East-facing windows = gentle morning light. Perfect for Curtain Creepers. Park it 3–5 feet away from the window. That’s its happy place.
Bright Beast:
Needs light, but not too close to the flames.
Loves a sun-filled room, just not full exposure.
West-facing windows = stronger afternoon rays. Bright Beasts thrive here. Anywhere from 2–4 feet works, depending on intensity. Test and adjust.
Full Sun Psycho:
Wants max exposure. No shade, no mercy.
Throw it on a windowsill or outside — this plant craves direct rays.
South-facing windows (in the Northern Hemisphere) = all-day sun. Full Sun Psychos call this home. 0–2 feet or straight on the sill — that’s the sweet spot.
Ready to Level Up??
Our Light Hustle Index is built into every Plant King care guide — so you know what kind of light setup each plant actually needs. Find your plant’s light level, then match it with the right soil to keep your plant grounded.
