If you have a home or apartment with windows that face north, you might wonder whether plants can survive with such little sunlight. The good news is that there are plenty of north facing window plants that thrive beautifully even in low-light conditions. In fact, many indoor plants actually prefer indirect light and can grow healthier in these environments compared to direct sunlight.
This guide will walk you through the best options, care tips, and everything you need to know about choosing the right north facing window plants for your home.
Why Choose North Facing Window Plants?
North facing windows receive the least amount of direct sunlight compared to other directions. Instead of bright, direct rays, the light is soft, indirect, and more consistent throughout the day. This makes them perfect for plants that do not tolerate harsh sun exposure.
Some benefits of growing north facing window plants include:
- No risk of sunburn on delicate leaves.
- Steady lighting conditions without strong fluctuations.
- Perfect for shade-loving species like ferns, pothos, and peace lilies.
- Low maintenance since many shade-tolerant plants require less watering.
Best North Facing Window Plants
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are one of the most resilient houseplants and an excellent choice for north facing window plants. They thrive in low light, need minimal watering, and help purify the air. Their tall, upright leaves make them a perfect statement piece for darker corners of your home.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular trailing vine that grows well in indirect light, making it a top choice for north facing window plants. You can place it on a shelf, in a hanging basket, or allow it to climb a pole. It grows quickly and is very forgiving if you forget to water occasionally.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are elegant, low-light plants that thrive in shaded areas. They are one of the most common north facing window plants because they bloom even in low sunlight. Peace lilies also remove toxins from the air, improving your indoor environment.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is practically indestructible, making it an excellent candidate for low-light homes. As one of the easiest north facing window plants, it tolerates neglect, dry soil, and low humidity while still maintaining its glossy, green leaves.
5. Ferns (Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern)
Ferns naturally grow in forest undergrowth, which makes them ideal north facing window plants. They love humidity and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens with north-facing windows.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are beautiful tropical plants with colorful variegated leaves. They adapt well to low light and make excellent north facing window plants for adding vibrancy to dim spaces.
7. Philodendron
Philodendrons are hardy indoor plants that can handle low light well. As a classic choice for north facing window plants, they grow in both hanging baskets and pots with climbing supports.
How to Care for North Facing Window Plants
Even though these plants thrive in low light, they still need the right conditions to grow healthy. Here are some essential care tips:
1. Lighting Adjustments
While north facing window plants can tolerate shade, rotating them occasionally helps ensure even growth. If your plant looks too leggy, you can move it closer to the window.
2. Watering Needs
Most north facing window plants require less water because low light slows their growth. Always check the soil before watering, and avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
3. Humidity Levels
Plants like ferns and peace lilies love higher humidity. For these north facing window plants, consider placing a humidifier nearby or misting the leaves regularly.
4. Fertilizing Schedule
Since growth is slower in low light, north facing window plants don’t need as much fertilizer. A balanced houseplant fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer is usually enough.
5. Cleaning the Leaves
Dust can block light absorption, which is crucial for low-light plants. Wipe the leaves of your north facing window plants with a damp cloth once a month to keep them healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with North Facing Window Plants
Even though these plants are low maintenance, certain mistakes can affect their health:
- Overwatering: The most common mistake with north facing window plants is watering too frequently. Always let the soil dry slightly before watering again.
- Placing Too Far from the Window: Even shade-loving plants need some light. Keep them within a few feet of the north-facing window.
- Ignoring Humidity: Some plants like ferns will suffer if the air is too dry. Make sure you provide moisture.
- Not Rotating the Plant: Without rotation, plants may grow unevenly, leaning toward the light source.
Styling Ideas with North Facing Window Plants
One of the joys of having north facing window plants is decorating your living space with greenery. Here are a few creative ideas:
Hanging Displays
Use trailing plants like pothos and philodendrons in hanging baskets to create a natural green curtain near your north-facing window.
Shelf Plants
Place smaller north facing window plants like ferns or Chinese evergreens on shelves for a lush, cozy look.
Statement Plants
Large plants such as the ZZ plant or snake plant can act as focal points in your living room or bedroom.
Group Arrangements
Cluster different north facing window plants together for a mini indoor garden effect. Grouping also helps increase humidity, which some plants love.
Benefits of Having North Facing Window Plants
Adding greenery to your north-facing windows not only improves aesthetics but also provides practical benefits:
- Air Purification: Many north facing window plants like snake plants and peace lilies filter toxins from the air.
- Stress Reduction: Studies show indoor plants help reduce stress and improve mood.
- Better Humidity Control: Plants release moisture, making the air fresher and more comfortable.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike sun-loving plants, shade plants are easier to care for and don’t need constant attention.
Conclusion: Bring Life to Your Space with North Facing Window Plants
Having limited sunlight should not stop you from enjoying indoor greenery. With the right selection of north facing window plants, you can transform dim corners of your home into lush, calming green spaces. From resilient snake plants to elegant peace lilies, there are endless options to suit every style and lifestyle.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, north facing window plants offer beauty, health benefits, and easy care. Start small, experiment with different species, and soon your north-facing windows will become your home’s most vibrant spots.