Philodendron Light Requirements: The Complete Guide

Philodendrons are lush and dramatic houseplants from the rainforests of Central and South America. These botanical beauties are renowned for their vibrant, tropical foliage, which comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Philodendron plants don’t require much attention and are popular among beginner indoor gardeners and seasoned plant lovers alike. Still, knowing what’s best for your Philodendron, especially its light needs, is the key to growing a thriving and healthy plant.
So, how much light do Philodendrons need, and of what type?
Keep reading to find out the answer, along with helpful tips on how to prevent and resolve light-related issues..
About Philodendron

A Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) is the second-largest member of the Araceae family and is loved for its beautiful foliage. The name of this plant derives from the Greek words “philo” and “dendron,” which mean love and tree, respectively. In many cultures, thus, the plant is regarded as a “Tree of Love.”
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, Philodendrons thrive in warm, humid environments. They grow well indoors or in USDA hardy zones 9–11 if kept outside. Just water them consistently, grow them in well-draining soil, and provide them with sufficient light and temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. This way your Philodendron plants will be happy and flourishing.
These plants come in many varieties, from vining types that climb or trail to self-headers with a distinct upright growth habit. In addition, many Philodendrons boast variegated foliage with colorful patterns.
If you’re unsure which Philodendron is for you, try the Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' (Philodendron hybrid) for its bright orange new leaves that turn green as they mature. If you’re fond of heart-shaped leaves with green and yellow variegation, Philodendron 'Brazil' (Philodendron hederaceum) is another good choice.
The Brazilian Sweetheart Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is a climbing variety, which features dark green, glossy leaves. Lastly, elevate your interior with the Philodendron 'Pink Princess' (Philodendron erubescens), popular for its leaf variegation in shades of bubblegum.
How Much Sunlight Does a Philodendron Need?

Do Philodendrons need a lot of light? Yes, Philodendrons need at least 5-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily for healthy growth. While these air-purifying beauties can tolerate low-light conditions for short periods, lack of bright sunlight may slow down growth and cause other leaf problems. If you live in a region where sunlight is limited, consider low-light Philodendrons like Heartleaf Philodendron and Philodendron Brasil.
Philodendron Light Requirements: Problems & Fixes
A Philodendron plant needs the right amount of light to stay healthy. Too little or too much sunlight can cause its leaves to droop, yellow, brown, and curl. Sufficient lighting facilitates photosynthesis, which promotes healthy growth. Just like other indoor plants, such as Wandering Jew and Air plants, which have similar light needs, Philodendron can suffer from sunlight-related issues.
Can a Philodendron Be in Full Sun?
Do Philodendrons like direct sunlight? No, Philodendrons don’t like direct sunlight. The harmful rays of the hot afternoon sun and direct sunlight exposure can cause their leaves to develop brown edges, wilt, lose color, and eventually fall off. Hence, don’t keep your Philodendron in full sun for long! Instead, move your plant back at least a few feet away from the window (if it’s west or south-facing) or use blinds to filter the light.
How to Tell If Philodendron Is Getting Too Much Sun?
You can tell if your Philodendron is getting too much sun by looking for any of the following signs:
- Yellowing
- Crisp, brown edges
- Bleaching or fading color
- Curling
- Burnt spots on the leaves
- Drooping
How Do You Treat a Philodendron With Too Much Sun?
Move your Philodendron plant to a spot with gentle, indirect light. A window with a curtain works best. Trim any leaves with brown edges to help redirect the plant’s energy to the healthy ones. Give the plant a little water if the soil feels dry. Then, just let it rest under the shade. With some care, your Philodendron will recover from the sunburn and look happy again.
Can a Philodendron Grow in Low Light?

Can a Philodendron survive in low light? Yes, it can. Philodendrons are low-maintenance plants that can tolerate medium to low sunlight. They grow more slowly in low-light conditions but can still stay healthy. Just place them near a window with soft, indirect light. Avoid dark corners with no light at all, as that can harm the plant.
Philodendron Low Light: Signs of Problems
A Philodendron exposed to low light will show the following symptoms:
- Leggy growth
- Smaller leaves
- Tilting towards the available light
- Reduced color intensity of the leaves
- Slow or no growth
- Underexposure to Light: How to Perk Up a Philodendron?
If your Philodendron looks weak or droopy, you can help it recover by providing it with more light. Move it closer to a bright East- or South-facing window with indirect sunlight. Don’t put it in direct sun, as that can burn the leaves. You can also use a grow light if your room is dark, especially in the cooler months. With better light, your plant will slowly regain its strength and vitality.
Philodendron Light Requirements: FAQs
Q: Where is the best place to put a Philodendron?
A: The best place to put a Philodendron is near a bright window where it gets indirect sunlight. Don’t expose it to direct light, as this can hurt the plant’s foliage. Any spot with filtered light, such as behind a curtain or a few feet away from a sunny window, is just perfect. Keep your Philodendron away from cold drafts and heaters to help it grow well.
Q: Can Philodendron get sunburned?
A: Yes, Philodendron can get sunburned if it gets too much direct sunlight. The leaves may turn yellow or brown. To avoid this, keep it in a bright spot but with dappled sun. Soft, indirect light is best. If you see burnt leaves, trim them with sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears and move the plant to a shadier place.
Q: Can Philodendron grow in a dark room?
A: While a low-light Philodendron can live in a dimly lit location, it should never be kept in a dark room where it won’t grow. Some natural or artificial grow light is needed for it to stay healthy. Without enough light, the leaves may turn yellow or fall off.
Q: How to revive droopy Philodendron?
A: If your Philodendron is droopy, don’t worry. Check if it needs water by inspecting the top layer of the soil.. If it’s dry, give it a good drink. If it’s too wet, let it dry out before watering your plant again.. Also, move your Philodendron to a spot with good light exposure. With the right care, the leaves will perk up again.
Q: Do Philodendrons do well in shade?
A: Yes, Philodendrons can do well in the shade. They don’t need strong sunlight to be happy. In fact, they like soft, filtered light or partial shade. Just make sure the room isn’t too dark. If grown outdoors, ensure other plants don’t block its access to light.
Conclusion
Here you go. Philodendrons grow best in bright, indirect light, which encourages healthy leaf development. They can also live in low light for short periods; too little light for longer can slow their growth. Some Philodendron varieties actually do well in low-light conditions.
Too much sun, on the other hand, can burn your green companion’s leaves. Hence, it’s important to find the right spot with dappled light. Use curtains or move the plant near a window to help it stay healthy. With just a little care and the right light, your Philodendron will grow strong, vibrant, and beautiful.
Grow your Philodendron with Calatheas, Pothos plants, and Ferns, which are great companion varieties.