Looking to add more life to your home and improve its atmosphere? Adding plants to your living space can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance both the look and feel of your home. Not only do plants improve your home’s décor, but they also offer a range of health benefits. While they’re great for improving air quality and boosting humidity, they also thrive on natural light – and skylights are an excellent way to provide this light for your plants.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of growing plants under skylights, provide some skylight plant ideas, and answer the question “Is a skylight enough light for plants?”
Why Grow Plants Under Skylights?
Plants need the right kind of light to thrive, and natural sunlight is by far the best for them. Skylights offer a unique solution by allowing direct natural light into areas that may not have access to enough windows or sunlight otherwise. Here are a few key reasons why growing plants under skylights is a great choice:
- Enhanced Growth: Skylights provide consistent, natural light, essential for photosynthesis, which is how plants grow. This is especially important in rooms where traditional windows don’t provide enough light.
- Healthier Air: Plants increase oxygen levels, reduce indoor pollutants, and improve humidity—key benefits for your health. Placing them under skylights amplifies these effects.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Natural light brings out the vibrant colours in your plants, making them look even more beautiful. Skylights create an ideal environment for your greenery, elevating the entire look of the room.
Is a Skylight Enough Light for Plants?
One common question homeowners have is whether a skylight provides enough light for plants. The answer depends on a few factors:
- Light Intensity: Skylights bring in direct sunlight, which is perfect for most plants, but the intensity of light can vary depending on the time of day, the location of your skylight, and how much sunlight your home gets.
- Plant Type: Some plants, like succulents, cacti, and herbs, thrive with lots of direct sunlight, so a skylight is a great option. However, plants that need low light, such as ferns and snake plants, may be fine with indirect light or partial sunlight, which skylights can provide as well.
- Skylight Size and Placement: The larger the skylight and the more directly it’s positioned above your plants, the more sunlight they’ll receive. A well-placed skylight can offer consistent, high-quality light throughout the day.
Skylights Plant Ideas
Now that we know skylights are a great source of natural light, let’s look at some of the best plants for skylights. These plants are perfectly suited for areas that receive plenty of natural sunlight, making them ideal for growing under a skylight:
- Succulents: Plants like aloe vera, jade plants, and hens-and-chicks thrive under direct sunlight. They require minimal care, making them perfect for sunny areas.
- Cacti: Similar to succulents, cacti love the sun. They’re low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and do well in bright, sunny spots.
- Herbs: Basil, rosemary, and thyme need plenty of sunlight to grow healthy and strong. A skylight will provide them with the warmth and brightness they need for flourishing growth.
- Flowering Plants: Bougainvillea, geraniums, and petunias are great choices for a sunny location. Their vibrant colours will stand out beautifully when they receive ample natural light through a skylight.
- Tropical Plants: If you love lush greenery, consider palms, philodendrons, or monstera. These plants enjoy bright, indirect light and will thrive under the soft, consistent light from a skylight.
- Ferns: For a bit of texture and greenery, Boston ferns or bird’s nest ferns work well in areas with indirect light or partial shade, making them great candidates for skylight locations that don’t receive direct sunlight all day.
How Skylights Help Your Plants Thrive
In addition to providing essential natural light, skylights help maintain the right environment for plant health in a few other key ways:
- Regulate Temperature: Traditional windows can trap heat and make your indoor spaces uncomfortable. Skylights, especially those that are properly ventilated, allow heat to escape and help keep the room cool, ensuring your plants are in an ideal temperature range.
- Increase Humidity: Transpiration from plants adds moisture to the air, and with the added humidity from your skylight, plants will thrive in a more balanced atmosphere, especially in drier climates.
- Boost Mental Health and Productivity: The natural light that filters through a skylight doesn’t just benefit plants—it also has proven positive effects on your health, including reduced stress, increased productivity, and improved mood. A well-lit space filled with greenery can transform your living environment.
Considerations When Growing Plants Under Skylights
While skylights are excellent for plant growth, there are a few things to consider:
- Sun Exposure: Ensure that your plants are not exposed to too much direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. Consider using diffuser panels if your skylight lets in intense sunlight for extended periods.
- Plant Care: Regularly check your plants for signs of overexposure to light or heat. Keep an eye on watering schedules, as plants under skylights may dry out faster than in shaded areas.
- Maintenance: Keep your skylight clean and free from debris to ensure maximum light transmission to your plants. Over time, dust and dirt can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching your greenery.
Final Thoughts
Growing plants under skylights is a fantastic way to brighten your home and help your greenery thrive. With the right plant choices and a well-positioned skylight, you can create a lush, vibrant indoor garden that flourishes with natural light. Skylight plant ideas like succulents, cacti, and tropical plants can all thrive in this ideal environment, providing numerous health benefits for you and your home.
Interested in bringing more natural light into your space? Contact Solatube Australia to learn how our skylights can help you grow plants and improve your home’s lighting and energy efficiency.