A plant that has been growing in shade is not ready for full sun. Any big jump in brightness should happen in steps, giving the plant time to adjust. This gradual adjustment is called acclimatisation.
Iowa State University's advice for moving houseplants outdoors is a good model. Start in a fully shaded spot outside, then introduce more light over 10 to 14 days, using shade cloth if needed. Never move a houseplant straight from indoors into full sun. The same idea applies inside: move a plant from a dim corner to a sunny window over a week or two, not in one go.
The reverse move needs patience too. When a plant goes from bright conditions to dimmer ones, such as from a balcony back indoors, it often drops some leaves. New foliage grows to replace them, and most plants gradually adjust.
Watch closely for the first few weeks after any move. Pale or scorched patches mean you went too fast: step back to the previous spot and slow down. Unit 5 returns to this idea for new plants brought home from the shop.
Key points
- Change light levels in steps over 10–14 days.
- Never move a plant straight from indoors into full sun.
- Some leaf drop after moving to dimmer light is normal.
Try this
If you plan to move a plant somewhere brighter, write a two-week plan: which spot for the first few days, which next, and when it reaches its final place.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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