Regarding indoor plants for north-facing windows, light conditions are key. Lower light levels and the lack of direct sunlight present a unique challenge. Fortunately, many plants are well-suited to these conditions. Let’s explore the best plants for north-facing windows that survive and thrive.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is a top choice for a north-facing window. This resilient plant prefers indirect light and can survive in low-light conditions. Its long, vertical, dark green leaves add a unique architectural element to your decor. Snake plants thrive in these conditions, demonstrating their hardiness and adaptability.
Snake Plants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings and can handle less frequent waterings in lower light.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is another excellent north-facing window plant. This tropical plant can grow slowly in lower light conditions, which makes it perfect for a north-facing window. The ZZ plant’s glossy, dark green leaves add an elegant touch to any room.
The ZZ plant prefers to be on the dry side and should be watered when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is ideal for a north-facing window. Known for its cascading leaves, the spider plant grows well in bright but indirect light. Its ability to adapt to lower light conditions makes it a good fit for north-facing windows.
Spider Plants prefer even moisture and don’t like to dry out completely between waterings.
Nerve Plant
Also known as Fittonia albivenis, the Nerve Plant is a striking choice for a north-facing window. This tropical plant prefers indirect sunlight and thrives in humid conditions. Its vibrant green leaves with contrasting veins can brighten up any north-facing room.
The Nerve Plant likes consistently moist soil, but not saturated.
Cast Iron Plant
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is one tough plant. It thrives in low light levels and can survive in rooms without windows, let alone a north-facing one. Its dark green leaves give it a lush, tropical appearance.
The Cast Iron Plant can tolerate infrequent waterings and should be allowed to dry out between each one.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant, or Monstera deliciosa, grows best in bright indirect light. Although these plants can handle lower light, they may grow more slowly. Their large, distinctively split leaves create a dramatic effect, even in the indirect light of a north-facing window.
The Swiss Cheese Plant prefers consistently moist soil and appreciates high humidity.
Devil’s Ivy
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is another low-light champion. This hardy plant can do well in a north-facing window, offering a lush cascade of green, heart-shaped leaves. It’s also known to purify the air, making it a functional and attractive choice.
Devil’s Ivy likes its soil to dry out between waterings.
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum, commonly known as the Peace Lily, is a great north-facing window plant. This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can survive in low-light conditions. It’s one of the few low-light plants that bloom, producing beautiful white flowers.
Peace Lilies prefer moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant, or Maranta leuconeura, grows well in a north-facing window. Known for its strikingly patterned leaves, this plant does well in low light. It gets its common name from how its leaves fold up, as if in prayer, at night.
The Prayer Plant likes consistently moist soil but not soggy.
Parlor Palm
This plant thrives in filtered light and can tolerate low light conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for a north-facing window. Direct light should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
The Parlor Palm prefers to have its soil kept evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Philodendron
They’re flexible regarding lighting conditions and can handle everything from low to bright, indirect light. However, they should be kept out of direct light, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Philodendrons prefer soil that’s kept consistently moist but not soggy.
Anthurium
Anthurium plants are often found growing in low-light conditions in their natural habitat. Their heart-shaped leaves and bright red flowers can add color to a north-facing room. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
Anthurium plants prefer evenly moist soil but don’t like to be soggy.
Calathea
Calatheas are known for their striking leaf patterns. These plants prefer indirect sunlight and can thrive in low light, making them excellent north-facing window plants. Their stunning leaves can add a decorative touch to any space.
Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreens, can thrive in low light levels. Their variegated leaves can add a pop of color to the space around a window. They’re easy to care for, making them suitable indoor plants for beginners.
Aglaonema prefers to be kept evenly moist during the growing season and prefers slightly drier winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best plants for north-facing windows include pothos, never-never plants, and leafy indoor plants that thrive in bright indirect light.
A north-facing window is a window that does not receive direct sunlight and is facing toward the north side of your home.
A never-never plant is another term for a plant that can tolerate low light conditions and is ideal for growing in a north-facing window.
Some flowering plants can thrive in north-facing windows, such as African violets and begonias.
It is best to place the plants close to the window in your north-facing room to ensure they receive as much light as possible.
Yes, you can still grow plants that need bright indirect light in a north-facing window as long as they are placed close to it.
Conclusion
North-facing windows pose unique challenges regarding light levels, but as you can see, many plants thrive in these conditions. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to cultivate a lush indoor garden, even with a north-facing window.
