Challenges of a south-facing window for plants
Like us, plants are susceptible to sunburn when they receive too much sun. But rather than turning red, their leaves will yellow or whiten. Plants’ leaves can scorch in strong sunlight, which appears as brown, burn-like patches, or dry, crispy leaves.
South-facing windows can also pose a risk of overheating for plants. Warm temperatures can rapidly dry out both the soil and the air, meaning that your plant is more likely to dehydrate. You’ll either need to choose species which have adapted to having little water, or you’ll need to water or mist your plants more regularly.
What to consider when choosing plants for a south-facing window
Choosing the right plants for your light and growing conditions is key to keeping healthy plants. For south-facing windows, look for light-loving species that thrive in warm, drier conditions.
Desert plants such as succulents and cacti are good examples of this. Look out for plants with fleshy, waxy leaves, like the jade plant or aloes, which do not need to be watered as frequently. These store water in their leaves, stems or roots, which allows them to survive in warm, dry environments.
Adaptable species will fare better in more intense conditions and are generally easier to take care of.
Best sun-loving plants for south-facing windows
Thankfully, there are plenty of plant species that flourish in direct sunlight. Whether it’s succulents, flowers or foliage you’re after, here are some of our top picks.
Succulents and cacti
Aloe vera
Dubbed the “plant of immortality” by the Ancient Egyptians, aloe vera has long been famous for its medicinal and beauty benefits. Even Cleopatra is said to have rubbed it on her skin. As a houseplant, aloe vera is easy to take care of. It has fleshy, blade-shaped leaves which grow upwards and are often studded with little spikes along their edges. It thrives in full, bright sunlight, and, because of its ability to store water in its leaves, doesn’t require much watering. Water sparingly, and only once the soil has dried out. If it needs more water, its leaves will turn a reddish colour.
“Although aloe vera is a sun-loving plant, it appreciates a gradual introduction to the sun, a bit like humans in the summer,” says Domoney. “Start slow, with a few hours of morning sun, and gradually increase the exposure.”
Jade plant (crassula ovata)
Jade plants are said to bring luck, fortune and friendship to their owners, and are sometimes nicknamed “friendship plants” or “money plants”. They can live up to 100 years, help to purify the air and are believed to boost positive energy, or chi, in Feng Shui.
With oval-shaped, dark, fleshy leaves and thick, woody stems, the jade plant grows like a miniature tree. Some have reddish edges, while other cultivars offer different colours and leaf shapes. Occasionally, it can produce star-shaped white or pink flowers.
Jade plants are resilient and low maintenance, requiring bright light, well-draining compost and sparing watering, particularly in the winter. Only do so once the top layer of compost is dry. Because they can store water in their leaves, jade plants prefer to be underwatered than overwatered.
Cactus varieties (golden barrel, African milk tree, blue torch)
These hardy, adaptable desert plants come in hundreds of varieties. Used to hot, dry conditions, they need full sunlight to survive, and otherwise require minimal care. Cacti do need water, but very little of it. Most should dry out completely before being watered.
Many cacti, like the popular golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), have the capacity to flower in summer. Named after its shape, the golden barrel is edged with tough, blonde spikes and mature varieties can yield bright yellow blooms. The old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana), named after its wispy-looking white bristles, brings small fuchsia flowers at its top, while the Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona) can bear white or pink funnel-shaped flowers on long stems.
Other popular varieties include the African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) with slender, four-sided stems studded with brown spines. The fishbone cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) has distinctive, zigzag-shaped trailing stems, while the blue torch cactus (Pilosocereus pachycladus) grows upright in tall blue-green columns which are ribbed with little yellow spikes.
Flowering plants
Flowers love sunlight, so south-facing windows are an opportunity to fill your home with dazzling blooms.
Bougainvillea (dwarf varieties)
“Bougainvillea are large, tropical climbers with brightly coloured, flower-like bracts,” says Domoney. “If looked after properly, they can be spectacular.”
There are different types of bougainvillea, with bracts in vibrant pinks, purples, reds and oranges. Dwarf varieties, like Helen Johnson, sunvilleas and the “pink pixie”, are more compact alternatives to the larger, sprawling varieties – and tend to have less aggressive thorns.
Bougainvillea are drought-tolerant, thrive in full sunlight and should be grown by a window. Water occasionally during winter and more frequently in the spring and summer, but avoid waterlogging the roots. The soil should dry out between watering.
Bougainvillea will usually flower in the summer and autumn. Afterwards, usually around February, remove dead growth and prune the stems back. During the growing season, use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to support flower growth.
Orchid (Phalaenopsis & Dendrobium varieties)
These pretty flowering plants come in many different shapes, sizes, patterns and colours. Phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid, is the most common houseplant orchid alongside Dendrobium.
Moth orchids sprout from strong, leathery leaves and bloom in a huge range of colours, from rich purples to delicate peaches. Not only can the moth orchid flower at any time of year, but it is one of the longest-blooming orchid varieties, with flowers lasting for months. Conveniently, it requires only minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for beginners. Dendrobium can withstand lower humidity levels than other types of orchids, which makes them well-suited to south-facing growing conditions.
Both types of orchids like bright light, but too much will burn their leaves. Dendrobium should be shielded from direct sunlight all year round and placed away from the window in a semi-shaded area, while Phalaenopsis should be kept out of the sun in the summer. If your Phalaenopsis isn’t flowering, move it to a cooler spot. Keep your orchid somewhere with a constant temperature, away from radiators or cold draughts.
For bright, healthy blooms, orchids should be watered regularly during the summer and more occasionally during the winter. The roots should not dry out altogether, but nor should the plant be left to sit in water.
Orchids like some humidity, so work well in a kitchen or bathroom. During the summer, mist them daily, or stand them in a tray of damp gravel to boost moisture. The reward for this extra effort is beautiful, long-lasting flowers.
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
“Potted geraniums are wonderful houseplants,” says Domoney. “Their striking colours can really brighten up a room.”
There are many different types of geraniums, from the popular zonal pelargoniums, with rounded leaves and tight clusters of flowers on stalks, to the trailing ivy-leafed pelargoniums. Although they are often red, orange or pink, geraniums come in a range of colours and patterns and will flower throughout the year if they have enough light.
Geraniums flourish in full sunlight and enjoy a warm growing environment. Plant them in free-draining soil and allow it to almost dry out before watering. Applying a soluble or slow-release fertiliser during the spring and summer will help with healthy growth, as can deadheading old flowers.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Tropical hibiscuses have large, showy flowers with brightly coloured, and occasionally patterned, petals which open, trumpet-like, around a central stamen. They can produce blooms in deep reds, pearly lilacs and warm corals, bringing bursts of colour into the home. The flowers will only last a day or two, but, if kept in the right conditions, will bloom for months on end.
Native to China, hibiscus needs to be kept in a warm, bright room away from direct sunlight. Given its tropical background, it likes high humidity, so should be kept on a tray of damp gravel or grouped together with other plants to create a moist microclimate. Bathrooms with plenty of light are a good spot.
Water regularly during the growing season and less in the cooler months, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out in between. Fortnightly feeding during the spring and summer will also help the plant to produce its eye-catching blooms.
Foliage plants for south-facing windows
Flowers aren’t the only way to bring colour into your home. Light growing conditions can produce striking foliage plants with delicate patterns and rich colours.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton plants are evergreen shrubs which grow upright and are prized for their intricate, colourful foliage. With many varieties on offer, their leaves can grow in greens, golds, reds and oranges, with unique veined patterns or splashes of contrasting colour.
“Flowers get a lot of the glory, but the croton plant is evidence that the foliage itself can be the showstopper,” says Domoney. “The more light it gets, the more vibrant its leaves will become.”
The croton needs bright, indirect light and a warm environment at a steady temperature, away from draughts or radiators. From time to time, give the leaves a wipe to avoid dust building up.
This is a plant that craves humidity. Place it in a light kitchen or bathroom, mist the leaves regularly, or put the pot on a pebble tray. Water generously, without waterlogging, and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants have large, glossy dark green leaves and can grow into tall, elegant houseplants. They are named after their milky latex sap, which was historically used to make rubber. As houseplants, they can remove toxins, helping to purify the air in your home.
To maintain the rubber plant’s good looks, it must be kept in a warm, bright room away from the window, as it prefers indirect light. Its thick, leathery leaves retain a lot of moisture, so only water once the top three inches of soil are dry, ideally with tepid water. Allow the soil to drain properly to avoid root rot. It needs moderate humidity, so benefits from the occasional misting at warmer times of year.
To help the plant to photosynthesize, remove dust from the leaves with a cloth.