The North-facing window in any home or apartment might be considered by many as the wrong place for most plants. Its limited light and potentially chilly drafts make it less than optimal for many varieties of greenery. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t cultivate an indoor garden from this vantage point. There are a diverse array of plants that do well, and even thrive, in these environments. Some plants that perform well in North-facing windows offer aesthetic appeal, from vivid foliage to striking forms. They engender a sense of nature and greenery to your home without requiring excessive maintenance or sunlight.
1. Snake Plants (Sansevieria)
Sansevieria, commonly known as Snake Plants or Mother-in-law’s tongue, can sustain low light conditions and are incredibly resilient, making them perfect for North-facing windows. The Snake Plant is a succulent plant characterized by its upward, sword-like leaves that are variegated in green tones. This plant is not only easy to maintain but is also a powerful air purifier, making it a fantastic addition to your environment.
2. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
Living up to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is virtually indestructible and can withstand significant neglect. It is a popular plant for areas with low light, including North-facing windows. Its lush, evergreen foliage remains appealing year-round, and on rare occasions, it might reward you with tiny, purplish flowers.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are popular indoor plants, notably for their stunning white blooms that appear throughout the year. They are tropical, evergreen plants that strive in low-light conditions. While they might not bloom quite as prolifically in a North-facing window, their attractive, dark green foliage is reason enough to include them in your space. Just remember, these plants need high humidity levels to prosper.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is an excellent choice for those new to houseplants or those with a reputation for having a “brown thumb.” This slow-growing, resilient plant thrives in many lighting conditions, including low-light fed by North-facing windows. It features a beautiful, bright green color and highly symmetrical form, granting green beauty to any interior.
5. Philodendrons
There are many varieties of philodendrons available, with some being vining types and others having a bushier growth habit. These popular houseplants can survive in lower light conditions. Their rich, green, heart-shaped foliage provides an attractive visual element, and their ability to trail makes them suitable for hanging pots or pedestals.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Despite its reputation as being an assertive outdoor plant, English Ivy can be tamed and grown indoors. With a preference for cooler temperatures and not so much direct sunlight, it’s suited perfectly for North-facing windows. Its trailing habit and rich, lobed foliage offered in various colors can create a lush, verdant sight.
7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are popular houseplants, especially for hanging baskets. They have a preference for cooler temperatures, high humidity, and indirect light which makes them an ideal companion for North-facing windows. They boast delicate, feathery fronds that can create an attractive, bushy appearance whilst adding a sense of elegance and depth to a room.
8. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, Pothos is a great candidate for North-facing windows. This hardy, versatile plant is a fantastic option for novice and experienced gardeners alike. It can be trained to grow vertically or allowed to spill over the edge of its container, offering versatility in aesthetic presentation.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palms are slow-growing, compact palm plants often grown as houseplants. As their name suggests, they were popular indoor plants during the Victorian era and still continue to be favored due to their adaptability to low light and cooler conditions. They bring a touch of subtropical lushness to your indoor space whilst requiring minimal maintenance.
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are traditional houseplants known for their arching, strap-like foliage. They can survive and even flourish in lower light conditions offered by North-facing windows. The variegation on their leaves may become more green with less light, but they will still thrive and produce their signature “spiderettes.”
In summary, don’t consider your North-facing windows as a space with limitations. Instead, view it as an opportunity to showcase these hardy, beautiful plants. With minimal care and the right selection, you can transform this space into an indoor oasis. From the snake plants to spider plants, there’s undoubtedly a low-light loving plant for everyone. Remember that while these plants are tolerant of low-light, most will also need adequate water and the right room temperature to thrive.———————–
