Houseplant Light by Window Direction
What north, east, south, and west windows give houseplants, how fast light falls off with distance, and which plants fit each spot.
Published by ThriveThyme
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Houseplant Light by Window Direction
Light is the first thing to get right, because it sets how fast a plant uses water. University of Missouri Extension notes that light indoors drops quickly with distance from a window. A plant a few feet back gets a fraction of what the sill gets, even when the room looks bright to you.
These notes are for the Northern Hemisphere.
What Each Window Gives
| Window | Light on the sill | Good fits |
|---|---|---|
| South | Most light, direct sun much of the day, strongest in winter | Cacti, succulents, aloe, jade, ponytail palm, bird of paradise |
| West | Strong, hot afternoon sun | Succulents, hoya, rubber plant. Pull back tropical foliage plants. |
| East | Gentle morning sun, bright the rest of the day | Moth orchid, African violet, calathea, monstera, pilea |
| North | Even, indirect light, no direct sun | Pothos, philodendron, snake plant, ZZ, peace lily, parlor palm |
Distance Matters More Than You Think
- On the sill: full light for that direction.
- About 3 ft back: roughly one step down. A south window becomes bright indirect, a north window becomes low light.
- 6 ft or more back: two steps down.
- Interior rooms with no window: low light. Only the toughest plants manage, and a grow light helps.
Seasons Change the Light
Winter days are short and the sun is low. South windows get more direct sun deep into the room, but it is weak. North windows get dimmer. Move plants closer to glass in winter, but keep leaves off cold panes. In spring, pull sun-sensitive plants back before the stronger sun scorches them.
Signs of Too Little or Too Much
- Too little: long bare stems, small new leaves, leaning hard toward the window, variegation fading to green, soil that stays wet for weeks.
- Too much: bleached or brown patches on leaves facing the glass, crispy edges, leaves curling away from the light.
Grow Something You Can Eat
A bright south or east sill can also grow microgreens and herbs in winter. See Seeds Now microgreens and how to bring rosemary indoors for winter.
Next Steps
- Run your plant and window through the Light and Water tool.
- Read how often to water houseplants.
- Check pet-safe houseplants for cats and dogs before you buy.