These Houseplants Love North-Facing Windows
Here are indoor plants that are happiest when they don’t get too much sunlight
Marianne Lipanovich
June 13, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find me writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects... More
North-facing windows can be a challenge when it comes to growing houseplants. Fortunately, some longtime favorites, and one up-and-comer, are happy with less-than-bright sunlight. They also generally have a tough nature and are easy to care for, especially if you’re new to houseplant care.
Many of these plants are also considered among the top 10 plants for improving indoor air quality, so that’s a bonus. On the downside, all but two are considered toxic to people and pets if ingested, and the sap and berries can also irritate.
Many of these plants are also considered among the top 10 plants for improving indoor air quality, so that’s a bonus. On the downside, all but two are considered toxic to people and pets if ingested, and the sap and berries can also irritate.
Basic care. These plants generally aren’t fussy. Give them water — they can, for the most part, handle some drought — plus at least some light and occasional fertilizer, and they’ll be happy.
They usually have few or no pests, and those pests that might invade can be wiped off with insecticidal soap. Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of too much light, rather than too much water, but adjust your water schedule in addition to moving your plant if that happens. These plants also like their leaves wiped free of dust. You can use a damp cloth or spray them while watering, but don’t use commercial shine products, which can cause problems.
They usually have few or no pests, and those pests that might invade can be wiped off with insecticidal soap. Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of too much light, rather than too much water, but adjust your water schedule in addition to moving your plant if that happens. These plants also like their leaves wiped free of dust. You can use a damp cloth or spray them while watering, but don’t use commercial shine products, which can cause problems.
Light needs. While these plants don’t need bright light, some light is essential. If the daytime sunlight is enough to read comfortably in, then it should be fine for them. You can also add some supplemental artificial light, but be careful that it’s not too hot or too close to the plants.
Most of these can also handle other locations besides south-facing windows, as long as the sunlight isn’t too direct and too bright. You’ll know that the plants are getting too much sun if all the leaves begin to turn yellow.
Most of these can also handle other locations besides south-facing windows, as long as the sunlight isn’t too direct and too bright. You’ll know that the plants are getting too much sun if all the leaves begin to turn yellow.
Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum)
Easy-care favorite. Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is the perfect first houseplant. It’s also on NASA’s list of the top 10 houseplants that help clean the air. It grows easily and handles neglect. Its heart-shaped waxy leaves range in color from green to yellow to variegated. It can be kept reasonably bushy, but if you love the look of a long, trailing plant, then pothos is for you.
Plant it in well-draining potting mix, and water when the mix has dried out. You can tell when it needs water because it will sulk and the leaves will begin to wilt. Let the soil drain completely after watering, as it hates soggy roots. It does best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). It also likes some humidity, so place the pot on a pebble tray or mist it occasionally.
Feed every two months or so with a one-quarter-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Pothos vines can reach 1 foot to 8 feet long and 1 foot to 4 feet wide. You can pinch back the stems to increase bushiness.
(Epipremnum aureum)
Easy-care favorite. Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is the perfect first houseplant. It’s also on NASA’s list of the top 10 houseplants that help clean the air. It grows easily and handles neglect. Its heart-shaped waxy leaves range in color from green to yellow to variegated. It can be kept reasonably bushy, but if you love the look of a long, trailing plant, then pothos is for you.
Plant it in well-draining potting mix, and water when the mix has dried out. You can tell when it needs water because it will sulk and the leaves will begin to wilt. Let the soil drain completely after watering, as it hates soggy roots. It does best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). It also likes some humidity, so place the pot on a pebble tray or mist it occasionally.
Feed every two months or so with a one-quarter-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Pothos vines can reach 1 foot to 8 feet long and 1 foot to 4 feet wide. You can pinch back the stems to increase bushiness.
Cut off yellow leaves and wipe down leaves with water to get rid of dust. You can also get rid of mealybugs, their most common pest, with insecticidal soap.
Other problems are related to care but are easy to fix. Black spots usually mean the soil is too wet, whereas dry edges on the leaves mean the soil is too dry. If variegated varieties start to turn green, they probably need more light. If the leaves start turning light green to yellow, then move the plant into a less bright area. Repot when it gets root-bound.
Caution: Pothos can be toxic to people and pets.
Learn more about growing pothos
Other problems are related to care but are easy to fix. Black spots usually mean the soil is too wet, whereas dry edges on the leaves mean the soil is too dry. If variegated varieties start to turn green, they probably need more light. If the leaves start turning light green to yellow, then move the plant into a less bright area. Repot when it gets root-bound.
Caution: Pothos can be toxic to people and pets.
Learn more about growing pothos
Peace Lily
(Spathyphyllum spp.)
Florist favorite. If the first time you encountered a peace lily was in an arrangement from a florist, you’re not alone. The good news is that this houseplant is perfectly happy to live by itself in your home. It can reach up to 3 feet tall, and its wide leaves can remain upright or slightly arch to the side. Peace lily is known for both its air-cleaning abilities and its toxicity.
While peace lily prefers slightly moist soil, though not soggy roots, it can handle it when the soil is a bit drier. You’ll know it needs water when the leaves start to droop. Water thoroughly and let the water drain out completely. If your water is high in chlorine, let it sit for 24 hours before using. Peace lily also likes to be spritzed with water and to have its leaves wiped free of dust.
(Spathyphyllum spp.)
Florist favorite. If the first time you encountered a peace lily was in an arrangement from a florist, you’re not alone. The good news is that this houseplant is perfectly happy to live by itself in your home. It can reach up to 3 feet tall, and its wide leaves can remain upright or slightly arch to the side. Peace lily is known for both its air-cleaning abilities and its toxicity.
While peace lily prefers slightly moist soil, though not soggy roots, it can handle it when the soil is a bit drier. You’ll know it needs water when the leaves start to droop. Water thoroughly and let the water drain out completely. If your water is high in chlorine, let it sit for 24 hours before using. Peace lily also likes to be spritzed with water and to have its leaves wiped free of dust.
Keep in normal daytime temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Feed once a month in spring and summer with a quarter-strength balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Yellow leaves generally mean the plant is getting too much light.
Though peace lilies do bloom, and their blooms can last for a couple of months, don’t despair if yours doesn’t. Move to a brighter space and hope for the best, but they can be fussy.
Caution: Peace lily is toxic to people and pets.
Learn more about growing peace lily
Though peace lilies do bloom, and their blooms can last for a couple of months, don’t despair if yours doesn’t. Move to a brighter space and hope for the best, but they can be fussy.
Caution: Peace lily is toxic to people and pets.
Learn more about growing peace lily
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
(Sansevieria trifasciata)
Architectural succulent. Probably no plant fits as well into a contemporary setting as mother-in-law’s tongue, or snake plant, but it’s a good choice for other decorating styles as well. Because its sword-like patterned leaves grow up rather than out, reaching between 1 foot and 8 feet tall but only 6 inches to 3 feet wide, it fits well in a corner or next to a taller piece of furniture. Snake plant is also one of the top 10 plants for cleaning the air.
Mother-in-law’s tongue likes a fast-draining potting mix or cactus mix and daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 degrees Celsius). Let the soil dry out before watering, then be sure the water drains out completely so the roots aren’t wet. Do not overwater — err on the opposite side. Divide the rhizomes to propagate.
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once in spring, and wipe the leaves once or twice a year to remove any dust. It has few, if any, pests. If the leaves start to lose their patterns, move it to where it receives brighter light.
Caution: Its leaves are toxic to children and pets.
(Sansevieria trifasciata)
Architectural succulent. Probably no plant fits as well into a contemporary setting as mother-in-law’s tongue, or snake plant, but it’s a good choice for other decorating styles as well. Because its sword-like patterned leaves grow up rather than out, reaching between 1 foot and 8 feet tall but only 6 inches to 3 feet wide, it fits well in a corner or next to a taller piece of furniture. Snake plant is also one of the top 10 plants for cleaning the air.
Mother-in-law’s tongue likes a fast-draining potting mix or cactus mix and daytime temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 degrees Celsius). Let the soil dry out before watering, then be sure the water drains out completely so the roots aren’t wet. Do not overwater — err on the opposite side. Divide the rhizomes to propagate.
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once in spring, and wipe the leaves once or twice a year to remove any dust. It has few, if any, pests. If the leaves start to lose their patterns, move it to where it receives brighter light.
Caution: Its leaves are toxic to children and pets.
Cast Iron Plant
(Aspidistra elatior)
Hardy survivor. Cast iron plant gets its common name for a reason — this plant almost thrives on neglect. In fact, it hates coddling; it prefers to be left alone.
Cast iron plant is great for a somewhat larger container, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall with dark green or variegated 4-inch-wide oval leaves on slender stems. It is slow-growing, so choose a larger plant if you want it to fill a space. It is not toxic to people and pets.
Plant in well-draining potting mix and let the soil dry out completely before watering again in spring and summer; water even less in fall and winter. Daytime temperatures should be between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 29 degrees Celsius).
Feed with a one-half-strength water-soluble fertilizer once in spring and then, if needed, again in summer. Spring is also when you can divide the plant. Spider mites can be a problem; get rid of them with insecticidal soap. Yellow leaves indicate too much water.
(Aspidistra elatior)
Hardy survivor. Cast iron plant gets its common name for a reason — this plant almost thrives on neglect. In fact, it hates coddling; it prefers to be left alone.
Cast iron plant is great for a somewhat larger container, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall with dark green or variegated 4-inch-wide oval leaves on slender stems. It is slow-growing, so choose a larger plant if you want it to fill a space. It is not toxic to people and pets.
Plant in well-draining potting mix and let the soil dry out completely before watering again in spring and summer; water even less in fall and winter. Daytime temperatures should be between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 29 degrees Celsius).
Feed with a one-half-strength water-soluble fertilizer once in spring and then, if needed, again in summer. Spring is also when you can divide the plant. Spider mites can be a problem; get rid of them with insecticidal soap. Yellow leaves indicate too much water.
Philippine Evergreen
(Aglaonema commutatum)
Variegated foliage. Philippine evergreen is known for its pointed leaves, which range in color from dark green to variegated, and also for its fullness, something that’s unusual with most low-light plants. It will grow to 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are what stands out, with their marbled green, silver and gray appearance; they reach 6 to 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. This is another top plant for helping air quality in the home.
Grow it in well-draining potting mix in a place with daytime temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius). Let the soil dry out before watering and don’t let the plant sit in water. Feed the soil once in spring and once again in summer with a half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
Spider mites, scale, mealybugs and aphids may be a problem, but you can use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Caution: The berries and sap are toxic.
(Aglaonema commutatum)
Variegated foliage. Philippine evergreen is known for its pointed leaves, which range in color from dark green to variegated, and also for its fullness, something that’s unusual with most low-light plants. It will grow to 1 foot to 3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are what stands out, with their marbled green, silver and gray appearance; they reach 6 to 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. This is another top plant for helping air quality in the home.
Grow it in well-draining potting mix in a place with daytime temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius). Let the soil dry out before watering and don’t let the plant sit in water. Feed the soil once in spring and once again in summer with a half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
Spider mites, scale, mealybugs and aphids may be a problem, but you can use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Caution: The berries and sap are toxic.
Peacock Plant
(Calathea spp.)
Striking beauty. Peacock plant, or zebra plant, is grown for its leaves. They’re strongly marked in shades of green, yellow and red and almost look artificial. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall.
This is one low-light plant that is fussy. It likes a bit more water and higher temperatures than many other low-light plants. It also needs higher humidity and likes continually moist but not soggy soil. Try growing it on a pebble tray or even under glass. Grow it in regular potting mix. It prefers daytime temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius). Peacock plants are also sensitive to chemicals in water.
Feed the soil monthly with a half-strength balanced fertilizer. If it gets enough humidity, it’s relatively pest- and problem-free.
Caution: Peacock plant is toxic to people and pets.
(Calathea spp.)
Striking beauty. Peacock plant, or zebra plant, is grown for its leaves. They’re strongly marked in shades of green, yellow and red and almost look artificial. The plant grows to about 2 feet tall.
This is one low-light plant that is fussy. It likes a bit more water and higher temperatures than many other low-light plants. It also needs higher humidity and likes continually moist but not soggy soil. Try growing it on a pebble tray or even under glass. Grow it in regular potting mix. It prefers daytime temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius). Peacock plants are also sensitive to chemicals in water.
Feed the soil monthly with a half-strength balanced fertilizer. If it gets enough humidity, it’s relatively pest- and problem-free.
Caution: Peacock plant is toxic to people and pets.
ZZ Plant
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Popular newcomer. One glance at this plant’s botanical name will tell you how it got its common name. It’s a fairly new addition to the standard houseplant repertoire, but it’s rapidly gaining in popularity despite its toxicity to people and pets.
ZZ plant, or zee zee plant, almost looks unreal, with its somewhat widely spaced waxy, oval leaves growing on narrow stems out of a thick base. It’s a slow-growing plant that usually reaches about 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It does best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Grow it in a very well-draining potting soil or cactus mix. Water when the soil is dry, draining thoroughly. Feed the soil twice a year with a half-strength balanced fertilizer.
ZZ plant has no real pests or problems. Curling leaves mean it is getting too much light, and yellowing leaves indicate too much water; adjust the light and watering schedule accordingly if needed.
Learn more about growing ZZ plant
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(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Popular newcomer. One glance at this plant’s botanical name will tell you how it got its common name. It’s a fairly new addition to the standard houseplant repertoire, but it’s rapidly gaining in popularity despite its toxicity to people and pets.
ZZ plant, or zee zee plant, almost looks unreal, with its somewhat widely spaced waxy, oval leaves growing on narrow stems out of a thick base. It’s a slow-growing plant that usually reaches about 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It does best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Grow it in a very well-draining potting soil or cactus mix. Water when the soil is dry, draining thoroughly. Feed the soil twice a year with a half-strength balanced fertilizer.
ZZ plant has no real pests or problems. Curling leaves mean it is getting too much light, and yellowing leaves indicate too much water; adjust the light and watering schedule accordingly if needed.
Learn more about growing ZZ plant
Related stories
5 Plants That Thrive in Full Sun
7 Favorite Indoor Plants for West-Facing Windows
7 Favorite Houseplants That Love an East-Facing Window
More
High-Impact Houseplants for First-Timers
Bring Nature Indoors With 12 Botanically Inspired DIY Projects
Garden Alert: 22 Plants to Keep Away From Pets
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In addition to my pair of black thumbs (I've killed just about every "easy-to-grow" houseplant there is!), I have two killer cats - they even ate the "toxic to cats" umbrella plants I babied for a year. Then there was the cactus garden; they used the individual plants for hockey pucks. Go figure. I've decided to settle for photos of flowers on my frequently-changed computer landscape.