Low light problems
Slow, weak growth, pale or fading leaf colour and leaf drop in plants kept in a spot that is too dim for them.
Also known as: Light deficiency, Insufficient light
Symptoms and identification
Growth is slow and stretched with small, pale leaves. Variegated leaves lose their patterns and turn plain green, flowering stops, and lower leaves yellow and drop. The soil stays wet for longer, so root rot becomes more likely.
Causes
Rooms far from a window, north-facing windows in winter, dense foliage outdoors or a plant simply needing more light than the spot gives. Light drops sharply with distance from a window.
Organic treatment
Move the plant closer to a bright window or add a full-spectrum grow light for 10 to 12 hours a day. Water less often in low light, and prune leggy growth once the plant is getting more light.
Prevention
Match plants to light: tough ones for dim rooms, brighter windows for flowering and variegated plants. Clean dusty leaves and rotate pots so all sides get light.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
No chemical treatment is needed. Feeding does not make up for too little light.