15 Plants Easy to Care for in a North-Facing Window

Are you residing in a space where the windows are oriented towards the north? If this is your case, you might be concerned about the chances of cultivating indoor plants. Identifying an indoor plant that flourishes in minimal light can indeed be challenging. However, there’s no need for further concern regarding this matter.

We have intensively researched the best plants you can have in your north-facing window. We are glad to be sharing our findings on this with you.

North-facing windows never receive direct sunlight, ending up as a low-light space. The little indirect light this window receives is only suitable for growing certain houseplants that can survive in dimly lit conditions.

Scientifically, plants get the energy for growth and reproduction in a process that requires light called photosynthesis. This process uses chlorophyll, the green cells in the leaves of plants.

The houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions are adapted to have more chlorophyll. Therefore, they can produce adequate energy with little light at their disposal.

Some plants that are easy to care for in a north-facing window include Ferns, English Ivy, Cast Iron Plants, Peacock Plants, ZZ Plants, and many others.

Read on as we share a comprehensive list of plants perfect for that north-facing window in your home or office.

List of Plants Easy to Care for in a North-Facing Window

Let’s dive into the list of 15 easy-to-care-for houseplants you can have in a north-facing window.

ZZ Plant

The indoor plant that tops our list is the ZZ plant. Its botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, informs you of the origin of its common name. This plant is an Eastern African native grown for ornamental reasons. It features oval leaves that have an attractive and glossy shade of green. Growing is effortless and has numerous benefits for a home or office, like purifying the air.

Interestingly, the ZZ plant is believed to symbolize good fortune and steady growth. For this reason, the plant is considered a great choice for office feng shui. The best location for it is a warm north-facing windowsill.

It can also be grown in an office with fluorescent lights. This plant grows slowly and can get to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It prefers day temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peacock Plant

The next plant on our list is the peacock plant. As the name suggests, this plant has a striking beauty. What stands out in this plant is its leaves. They have strong marks in shades of green, yellow, and red. You’ll be forgiven for mistaking it to be an artificial plant. It grows to a height of about 2 feet tall.

The peacock plant requires more water and temperatures of about 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit than other low-light plants. You will also need to provide moist yet not soggy soil. Ensure the water you use is free from chemicals.

This aesthetically pleasing plant has one downside, it can be toxic to people and pets. Be careful around it.

Cast Iron Plant

This plant derives its name from its independent nature. This is one plant that can survive even when neglected. In an actual sense, the cast iron plant prefers the lack of attention. The best place for this plant is in a large container. It grows slowly to 2 to 3 feet tall and features 4-inch wide oval leaves on slender stems.

Ideal daytime temperatures for this plant range between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be ideal for planting the cast iron plant in a well-draining potting mix. Allow the soil to dry up completely before you water your plant again in summer and spring. Minimize watering your plant in fall and winter.

Read this informative post on Am I overwatering my plants? A practical guide!

Ferns

Another set of amazing plants for north-facing windows is ferns. These plants are so suitable for decorating northern windows and dimly lit rooms. Your fern choices range from Dixon, Nephrolepis, Polypodium, Pteris, Blechnum, Asplenium, Maidenhair, Planetarium, Bird’s Nest Fern, and the Sword Fern.

The Sword Fern is a hanging plant ideal for a north-facing window. Water it frequently and give it high humidity for it to thrive. On the other hand, the Bird’s Nest Fern is an attractive rosette of lance-shaped fronds. The best location is in a north-facing window near a steamy shower or tub in your bathroom.

Golden Pothos

This plant is an excellent choice for low-light environments because of its commendable versatile and hardy nature. The golden pothos can survive in almost any condition. Your golden pothos plant will grow if you place it in a shady area or bright light in a pot or dry sandy soil.

When growing it as a vine, it is important to prune it to prevent it from overgrowing the container.

Water it regularly, but at the same time, allow the soil to dry before watering your plant.

Swiss Cheese Plant

This plant is famous for its iconic foliage. It is a dramatic and attractive addition to a low-light place. The plant prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate low light near a north-facing window. When the plant is mature enough, holes and slits resemble Swiss cheese appearing on its leaves.

If you provide a trellis for it to climb on, it can grow to be very tall. Ideally, having nutrient-rich and well-draining soil will work well for this plant.

Spider Plant

You will totally love this plant because of how easy it is to care for it. No matter the condition inside your home, a spider plant will thrive in it. It is, therefore, a suitable plant for a north-facing window. The plant can tolerate drought, but it would be great if you consistently water it. As the plant matures, it gets more dramatic in length and color. Ultimately, it will start to shoot out spiderettes that have flowers.

English Ivy

This plant is considered a pest or weed in the wild because of its ability to spread very fast. It is a very hardy plant that thrives well in low-light conditions.

The English ivy grows as a vine and will need a trellis or a support structure to climb on. It can also work well as a hanging plant. It has unique leaves and a great choice for a north-facing window.

To care for an English ivy plant, keep your soil moist and the environment cool with temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lucky Bamboo

This is a beautiful and hardy plant grown in soil or water with rocks inside. The plant thrives in bright indirect light, making it a good option for placing in a north-facing window.

Lucky bamboo plants come in many different shapes and sizes. What’s more, the plants are flexible. Therefore, you can shape it as desired as it grows to create decorative displays.

Aluminum Plant

Silver markings on its lime-green leaves characterize this lovely tropical houseplant. The plant grows well in warm and humid conditions with indirect or filtered light.

To maintain a desired height and shape, prune the plant regularly. It grows very fast, constantly spreading outwards. Water the plant frequently, but allow the soil to dry between the watering sessions to avoid root rot.

Snake Plant

The outstanding aspect of this plant is its playful and interesting appearance. It has a high tolerance for neglect and can adapt to various light conditions, thereby being suitable for a north-facing window.

The plant features sword-like leaves that seem to shoot out of the ground. The plant is adored for its ability to purify the air, thereby being a fantastic houseplant. However, this plant is toxic to pets.

Peace Lily

This is one of the few plants that can produce flowers in conditions with lower light. The plant grows slowly but still produces flowers throughout the year with enough light.

The peace lily is known for its great communication skills, especially when thirsty. The plant will dramatically wilt when the soil is too dry. The good news is that your plant will spring back to life shortly after watering it.

Chinese Evergreen

This unique plant boasts of a beautiful fullness and a marble-like green, silvery appearance. It thrives in low-light environments but will sometimes need a little direct light.

Looking at the leaves is the secret to predicting where your Chinese evergreen plant will thrive best. The darker the green color, the more likely your plant will do well in shady conditions.

Chinese evergreen plants dislike cold conditions and show this dislike when the leaves turn brown after exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Parlor Palm

This plant features thin stems and soft leaves that are very versatile in nature. It loves indirect light and will therefore grow well in a north-facing window. With proper care, the plant can get up to six feet tall.

Avoid overwatering it by allowing the soil to dry first before watering again. The plant has very fragile roots, so you need to be extra careful when repotting it.

Nerve Plant

This plant is also called the Fittonia plant and has numerous different types. As the name suggests, the plant features beautifully colored veins that paint its dark green leaves.

These veins vary from pink to green, white, or silver, giving the plant a distinctive look. It grows best in warm, humid conditions.

Nerve plant would be ideal for growing yours in the bathroom to supplement the humidity with hot showers.

The plant needs regular watering, but you must avoid overwatering, which contributes to root rot. The plant thrives in indirect light or partial shade, thereby fitting in a north-facing window.

You can also read 15 Plants for a shady spot in your garden.

Also, read 25 Houseplants for every indoor gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do North-facing windows get enough sunlight for plants?

East windows receive sunlight in the morning, while west windows receive sunlight in the afternoon. Up to 5 feet away, north-facing windows provide a semi-shade.

Can plants survive in the north-facing room?

Many houseplants thrive in shady, low-light environments. Because of their slower growth rate, these plants are often very hardy and can tolerate periods of neglect.

What window direction is best for plants?

While east and west-facing windows are the next best options, plant growth will be noticeably reduced without full sun from a south-facing window. We recommend using a grow light to supplement the natural light from an east or west-facing window.

In Summary

We love indoor plants because they bring life to any room. Having north-facing windows should not be limited to having some houseplants in your space. From the list we have shared here, you have numerous options. These plants also have minimal care requirements, which is a huge bonus.