The quickest and easiest way to determine what kind of natural light you have is to do a shadow test. On a sunny day, when the light is at its brightest, turn off any artificial lighting, then place a sheet of white paper on the spot where the plant will go. Hold your hand above the paper, then check the shadow. (If you don’t have the stipulated hours of light at the intensities described below, consider your spot one category darker.)

Direct light: The sun is shining directly on your skin, and the shadow is sharply defined. The light remains at this intensity for six or more hours a day.

Bright Light: The sun isn’t shining directly on your hand, but the shadow is well-defined. This light lasts six to eight hours a day.

Moderate Light: The shadow is faint but discernible. The light lasts four to six hours a day.

Low Light: The shadow is extremely faint. Light is dim and indirect most of the day.

No Light: The shadow is nonexistent. Opt for silk plants.