Best Plants For North-Facing Windows

Whether you prefer colourful flowers or striking foliage, houseplants bring life and greenery to your home. More than just decorative, plants can help to purify the air, and have been shown to have mood-boosting and stress-reducing properties.

“Houseplants are a fantastic way of bringing nature into your home,” says Everest ambassador, chartered horticulturalist and plant expert David Domoney. “They can make your house feel like a home.”

All plants need light to grow – but what if your windows are north-facing?

North-Facing Windows

North-facing windows receive softer, lower-intensity sunlight, which means that they are generally colder.

Although they are often seen as more challenging growing environments, rooms with north-facing windows offer several advantages. Some plants, for example, do not take well to extreme fluctuations in light or temperature and are damaged by direct sunlight.

However, north-facing windows provide consistent, gentler lighting in which many plants thrive.

“North-facing windows might seem like daunting conditions at first glance, because they don’t get as much sun,” says Domoney. “But they are a great opportunity to grow beautiful, vibrant plants that will flourish in lower light.”

For healthy house plants, it’s crucial to understand what type of light your windows have, and what your plants need. Your windows will offer one of three different light conditions for plants: direct light, indirect light, or partial shade. South-facing windows are likely to receive direct sunlight. Indirect light, often found in east and west-facing windows, is the sweet spot between sun and shade, and one of the most favourable conditions for growing plants.

North-facing windows offer partial shade. Because they do not receive direct sunlight, they provide a darker, cooler growing conditions for plants, so choose your species accordingly.

Challenges of a north-facing window for plants

A north-facing window isn’t necessarily a challenge for growing plants, but it will determine which kind of houseplants you choose.

If your plants receive too little light, you’ll see it in the leaves. You might see slow growth, with the leaves growing smaller and paler than usual, or they might turn yellow and fall off. If it’s a flowering plant, it might struggle to produce blooms.

Your plant might also grow long, leggy stems as they stretch towards the sunlight. Usually, they will just have a few leaves on the top.

If your plant is not suited to low light conditions, it can also be more prone to overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot. Plants which receive less light also require less water.

What to consider when choosing plants for a north-facing window

Choosing the right plants for your light and growing conditions is key to having healthy house plants. For north-facing windows, look for low light tolerant species which flourish without direct sunlight.

Most houseplants enjoy moderate humidity, which is common in homes in the summer. Bathrooms and kitchens have higher humidity levels than living rooms or bedrooms, while central heating can dry out the air.

If the humidity is too low for your plants, you might notice their leaves turning brown or yellow and shrivelling up. If it’s too high, you might spot fungus and mildew on the leaves and signs of rot on the stems. If your room is not humid enough, you can mist your plants or place them on a gravel tray.

“Some plants are more adaptable than others.” says Domoney. “They will adapt to their environment, enjoy a range of light conditions, and are more flexible in terms of what they need.”

The plants themselves will communicate their needs. Take note of your plant’s growth pattern, for example. If it is growing long and leggy or leaning, it may not be getting enough light. Plants should be placed close to north-facing windows to maximise light, and rotating them roughly once a week helps to ensure that the whole plant receives equal light exposure.

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Best low-light plants for north-facing windows

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

“Snake plants are adaptable, easy to take care of and a fantastic choice for a north-facing window,” says Domoney.

Snake plants have long, stiff leaves which grow upright in striking colours and patterns. These hardy plants can thrive in a range of light conditions, including darker north-facing windows. They are a good choice for a living room because they dislike high humidity and prefer milder temperatures.

Snake plants are one of the most effective air purifying plants too. By releasing oxygen and adding moisture to the air, they can reduce the impact of allergens like dust in your home.

It’s a good idea to position snake plants closer to the window as they prefer brighter conditions. Be careful not to overwater them and only add water once the soil is completely dry.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

This elegant plant has dark, glossy oval-shaped leaves that grow on thick, upright stems. It’s a compact, slow-growing plant, so works well in small spaces.

A very adaptable species, the ZZ plant likes indirect light but will also tolerate shade. It’s a low-maintenance species that can handle some neglect, and it should not be watered too frequently. As with the snake plant, it’s best to wait until the soil is dry before watering.

The ZZ plant prefers warmer temperatures, so avoid putting them near draughty windows. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

“A peace lily is a wonderful way to brighten up a gloomy corner,” says Domoney. “Apart from looking good, it will also remove toxins and help to purify the air in your home.”

Peace lilies can grow petal-like white flowers which are beautifully offset by their dark green leaves. In the centre of their blooms is a knobbly white spike called a spathe, which will turn green as they age.

Peace lilies are popular for a reason: they can survive in most light conditions and handle dry soil while still yielding flowers. It’s best to choose a brighter window, ideally in a humid kitchen or bathroom, to get the most out of your blooms.

To keep the plant happy, mist regularly and give the leaves an occasional wipe with a damp cloth, which will help them to photosynthesize.

Despite their love of humidity, however, avoid overwatering peace lilies. This can cause their roots to rot. Peace lilies prefer rainwater over tap water, so consider collecting some rainwater on your windowsill with an empty pot.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos is a trailing plant with green, heart-shaped leaves that are flecked with streaks of yellow.

“Golden Pothos makes a lovely addition to a windowsill or hanging basket with its stems dangling over the edge,” says Domoney. “If you’d prefer for them to grow upwards, place a moss pole in the pot.”

This is an excellent plant for beginners, or under-confident gardeners because it is almost impossible to kill. This is where it is thought to have earned its “Devil’s Ivy” nickname. Golden Pothos will thrive in areas with higher humidity, so avoid putting them near warm radiators. Mist the leaves regularly and place the pot on a gravel tray to help keep the plant moist. Only water the plant once the top layer of soil feels dry.

For a healthy Golden Pothos, fertilise the soil every few weeks during the spring and summer. Remove any yellow or drying leaves to boost new growth. If your plant is becoming too gangly for your liking, prune it back to your desired length.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Known as the Cast Iron Plant for its resilience, the aspidistra can survive all kinds of neglect, as well as low light conditions and infrequent watering.

The aspidistra has a tropical look, with long, sheath-shaped green leaves which grow upwards on delicate stems. They became popular with the Victorians because they could survive in gloomy light, poor air quality and rooms with variable temperatures.

The aspidistra is not fussy, but to keep this extremely hardy plant happy, pot it away from direct sunlight in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. During the winter, it requires occasional watering. In the summer, up the frequency to every couple of weeks, but only when the soil has dried out.

To keep those long leaves healthy and dust-free, wipe them occasionally with a damp cloth.

Flowering plants for north-facing windows

If it’s bright, eye-catching blooms you’re after, there are a range of flowering plants that can grow in north-facing windows too.

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

African violets have dark, furry leaves and delicate clusters of bright, compact flowers. Over time, they have been developed to come in a range of shapes and colours, from striking fuchsia to creamy white.

In the right environment, African violets will flower all year round. They like warm, humid and bright conditions, and are ideal for north-facing windows as they need to be kept out of direct sunlight. To give these plants the moisture they need, place them in a kitchen or bathroom window and stand them on a damp gravel tray.

African violets should be planted in free-draining compost and watered once it has dried out. Water carefully, without splashing the plant or waterlogging the soil. Alternatively, consider standing the plant pot in a dish of tepid water for around half an hour while it absorbs, which will prevent the leaves from getting wet.

Although the African violet needs humidity, do not be tempted to mist it. Wet leaves can cause the plant to mould or rot, which may ultimately kill it.

Flamingo Flower or Lace Leaf (Anthurium)

Anthuriums’ spathes are often mistaken for flowers. Actually, these are bright, petal-like bracts, similar to leaves, which protect the flowers themselves. They come in red, orange, pink and white.

The flowers are found on the plant’s central spike, called a spadix, which is comprised of lots of tiny blooms. The plant’s Flamingo Flower name comes from the unique shape of the spadix, which stands up like a flamingo’s head and neck above the spathe, which resembles its plumage.

“Anthuriums bring a burst of colour to any room,” says Domoney. “They are believed to bring positive energy and good luck to your relationships, according to Feng Shui.”

Anthuriums have another advantage too. They are one of the most effective air-purifying plants, capable of removing four different types of toxins from the air.

In return, anthuriums will appreciate a warm, bright, north-facing windowsill, as direct sunlight will scorch their blooms. They grow best in a humid environment and require occasional misting or positioning on a tray of wet gravel.

Anthuriums like self-draining acidic compost. Once this dries out, it’s best to water them with rainwater, as they don’t respond well to hard, alkaline tap water. Make sure the soil doesn’t get too wet, as this can damage their roots. Adding fertiliser every now and again will give their leaves and flowers a boost.

Ferns and foliage for north-facing windows

Evergreen foliage plants like ferns are elegant, easy-to-care-for houseplants for north-facing windows, and provide a year-round source of colour.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

With long, arching fronds made up of tiny green leaves, the Boston fern grows upright and outwards, and is a great addition to a north-facing windowsill. It gained its name after the species was discovered in a shipment of ferns sent from Philadelphia to Boston in 1894. Boston ferns are good air-purifying plants and expect little maintenance in return. Plant them in a warm room, out of direct sunlight.

Ferns love humidity, so will do best in bathrooms or kitchens. Keep them away from the radiator and mist the leaves a few times a week. The soil should always be moist, but never waterlogged.

Trim back any dry or dead fronds to encourage new growth.

Prayer Plant or Zebra Plant (Calathea)

“Calathea is a very special plant with intricately marked green leaves – they almost look as if they’ve been hand-painted,” says Domoney. “They’ll keep their beautiful foliage all year round.”

With large, paddle-shaped leaves, Calathea can grow in dramatic patterns and colours. Some, for example, have broad light and dark green strips on their leaves, while others, like the Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’, have delicate pink markings on their dark, glossy leaves. They are so named because at night their leaves move upwards and fold together, as if they are praying.

Calathea like bright, indirect light and warm, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. Keep them out of draughty windowsills or hallways, where the temperature is more likely to fluctuate. To boost moisture levels, mist the foliage regularly, stand the pot in a wet gravel tray, or group your Calathea together with other plants.

Calatheas are fussier when it comes to watering. Use rainwater or filtered water, but not tap water, which can damage their leaves. Water the soil evenly, otherwise their leaves can wilt, and keep the compost moist through the spring and summer. Avoid waterlogging the soil or letting the plant stand in water, which will cause the roots to rot.

How to help your plants thrive in low light

One of the best ways of helping your house plants to grow in low light conditions is to place them in the brightest possible spot. With north-facing windows, this might mean positioning your plant directly in front of the window, or choosing your largest, highest and most unobstructed window for planting.

During winter, when light is at its lowest, some plants, like Calathea, will benefit from being moved to a south-facing windowsill. If this option isn’t available, artificial grow lights can also help to boost light exposure.

To help your plants flourish, make sure that there’s nothing preventing them from taking in light. Gently wiping dust from their leaves, for example, will improve their ability to photosynthesize. Likewise, give your plants a regular rotation to ensure that the whole plant benefits from the sunlight.

Lastly, don’t be tempted to overcompensate for low light conditions by overwatering. Many plants that enjoy the shade cannot tolerate wet, waterlogged soil, and only require occasional watering.

Final thoughts

North-facing windows are often presented as a challenge for plants, but there are plenty of species, both green and flowering, which thrive out of direct sunlight. Before investing in houseplants, establish what direction your windows face and the quality of the light they receive, and choose plants that will match those conditions.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different plant varieties to see what works best for your windows, whether it’s a colourful African violet or a hardy snake plant.

Your windows make a huge difference to plant growth too, both in terms of the amount of light they provide and the warmth they bring to a room. If you’re looking to improve your growing conditions, Everest offers a range of energy efficient window solutions for maximising indoor light and comfort.