Look for insects, mites and signs of disease. Plant Environment Light Light is an important component for plant growth since it is the energy source for photosynthesis. Light often determines whether the plant will actively grow or simply survive. Characteristics of light to consider include intensity, quality and duration. Intensity refers to the amount of light present and will vary by season, shade cast by objects outdoors, cloudiness, or by window treatments used.
Intensity decreases greatly from outdoor to indoor spaces and can vary greatly within a single room.
A southern exposure indoors typically provides the greatest light intensity, then western, eastern, and northern. Plants with variegated foliage have less chlorophyll and therefore require more light to achieve the same photosyn-thesis as a plant with green foliage. If light is insufficient, variegation may be lost. Flowering plants also require higher light intensity. As winter approaches, light intensity and duration will diminish.