Copaifera langsdorffii thrives in variable light conditions, prompting investigation of this adaptive advantage. We evaluated morphological and physiological traits contributing to phenotypic plasticity in response to nursery light environments, aiming to improve seedling quality and inform light-based management strategies. Morphological adjustments, especially in stem and root growth, were the primary response to light variation, with high light promoting root development and higher DQI values. The greatest plasticity occurred between high and medium light. As light decreased, morphological plasticity declined while physiological adjustments became more prominent, suggesting a hierarchical acclimation strategy. For nursery management, we recommend high light conditions (full sunlight) to produce robust seedlings with enhanced root development (27% higher root allocation) and superior quality indices (DQI = 0.40), while medium light (50% shade) and low light conditions (75% shade) should be avoided due to reduced seedling quality despite physiological acclimation. Assisting with best practices and seedling nursery management.