However, most flowering houseplants are not sensitive to day-length. Variegated leaves have pale or colored sections that contain no chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis. Therefore, the rest of the leaf must be exposed to more light to compensate for the nongreen areas that cannot contribute to this life-sustaining process. Houseplants will grow toward the source of light.
Phototropism describes the plant's tendency to grow toward light.
If plants are not rotated regularly, they will become disfigured. Turn plants on an as-needed basis to maintain fullness on all sides. Too much light can cause leaves to curl at the tips, develop yellow or brown splotches, wilt or fade to a lighter color. Too little light can cause straggly growth, smaller new leaves, bud drop and reduced flowering. Remember, the light that comes in windows changes with the seasons.