If you have a north facing window, you might think your plant options are limited. But many wonderful plants actually thrive in the low light conditions a north facing window provides.
This gentle, indirect light is perfect for foliage that burns easily in direct sun. You can create a lush, green oasis even in the shadiest corner of your home. Let’s look at how to make the most of your space and choose the right plants.
North Facing Window Plants
This category includes a wide range of houseplants adapted to forest floors, where light is filtered and soft. They prioritize growing beautiful leaves over producing flowers, which often require more sun. The key is matching the plant’s natural habitat to the environment your window creates.
Why North Light is Perfect for Many Houseplants
North-facing windows receive no direct sunlight throughout the day. They offer consistent, cool, indirect light that many tropical plants adore.
This means less risk of scorched leaves and slower soil drying. You won’t have to water as frequently, and your plants are less likely to experience stress from intense heat. It’s a stable environment for steady growth.
Top Plant Picks for Your North Window
Here are some of the most reliable and beautiful plants that will do well in your north-facing window. These are tried-and-true favorites for a reason.
1. The Resilient Snake Plant
Snake plants are nearly indestructible. They tolerate very low light and irregular watering perfectly. Their upright, architectural leaves add a modern touch to any room.
- Care Tip: Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the main enemy.
- Varieties to Try: Laurentii (yellow edges), Moonshine (silver-green).
2. The Classic Peace Lily
Peace lilies offer gorgeous white blooms and deep green leaves. They actually prefer lower light, as too much sun can hinder flowering. They’ll tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping slightly.
- Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They enjoy higher humidity.
- Bonus: They are known for their air-purifying qualities.
3. The Elegant ZZ Plant
ZZ plants have glossy, waxy leaves that seem to shine even in dim light. They store water in their potato-like rhizomes, making them super drought-tolerant. This is a great choice for beginners or frequent travelers.
Just wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny. They are slow growers in low light, which can be a advantage if you have limited space.
4. The Trailing Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow. Its heart-shaped leaves cascade beautifully from a shelf or hanging basket. It adapts readily to north light and comes in many varieties, like golden pothos or marble queen.
- Care Tip: You can trim the long vines to encourage bushier growth. Propagate the cuttings in water for new plants.
5. The Delicate Ferns
Many ferns, like the Boston fern or maidenhair fern, are ideal for north windows. They love the cool, humid air and indirect light. They do require a bit more attention to moisture than some others on this list.
Keep their soil consistently damp and mist them regularly, especially in winter. A pebble tray with water underneath the pot can help create humidity.
How to Care for Your Low Light Plants
While these plants are adaptable, they still need proper care to truly thrive. Following a few simple steps will ensure they stay healthy for years.
Watering Wisely
This is the most common mistake. Low light means slower growth and slower water use.
- Always check the soil before watering. Stick your finger about an inch deep.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, wait a few more days.
- Use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
- Empty the drainage saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot.
Feeding for Growth
Plants in low light need less fertilizer. Too much can harm their roots and cause weak growth.
- Fertilize only during the active growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
- Do not fertilize in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Potting and Soil
Good drainage is crucial. Always use pots with drainage holes.
A well-draining potting mix is essential. You can use a standard houseplant mix and add some perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage. This prevents the soil from staying wet for to long around the roots.
Signs Your Plant Needs More Light
Even low-light plants need some light. Watch for these signals that your plant might need to be closer to the window or that the light is simply to dim.
- Leggy Growth: Long stems with wide spaces between leaves, as the plant stretches for light.
- Loss of Variegation: Colorful leaves turning solid green as the plant produces more chlorophyll to capture light.
- Slowed or Stopped Growth: No new leaves for many months.
- Leaf Drop: Older leaves yellowing and falling off at an unusual rate.
If you see these signs, try moving the plant directly onto the north windowsill for the brightest possible indirect light. Sometimes just a foot closer to the window makes a big difference.
Styling Your North Window Display
Creating a beautiful display is part of the fun. Use plant stands, hanging planters, and shelves to create layers. This allows you to fit more plants and gives each one good light exposure.
Place taller plants like a fiddle-leaf fig (which can adapt to north light if acclimated) at the back or sides. Put trailing plants like pothos or philodendron on higher shelves. Grouping plants together can also create a beneficial microclimate of slightly higher humidity.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Here’s how to troubleshoot issues you might encounter.
Yellowing Leaves
This often points to overwatering, especially in low light. Check your watering habits and soil moisture first. It could also be a natural process of the plant shedding old leaves.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips
Usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase misting, use a humidifier, or group plants together. Make sure you are watering thoroughly when you do water.
Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites can appear. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. For infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product instructions carefully. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread.
FAQ: North Facing Window Plants
Can any flowering plants grow in a north window?
Yes! Some flowering plants can manage. Peace lilies and African violets are good candidates. Anthuriums and certain orchids, like moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), may also bloom in bright north light with proper care.
How often should I rotate my plants?
Rotating your plants a quarter turn every time you water is a good habit. This ensures all sides receive even light and prevents the plant from leaning heavily toward the window.
Is a north window the same as “no light”?
No, it is not. A north window provides consistent, bright indirect light. This is different from a dark corner far from any window, which receives only ambient room light. Most plants need some sky view to survive.
Can I use grow lights for my north window plants?
Absolutely. If you want to grow plants with higher light requirements or boost the growth of your current plants, a simple LED grow light bulb can be very effective. Use it to supplement the natural light, especially during short winter days.
With the right plant choices and simple care, your north-facing window can become a focal point of greenery. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy plants that might struggle in harsher, sunnier spots. Start with one or two easy plants and see how they adapt to your unique space. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving collection that brings life to your home.