Sun-Loving Beauties: 24 Best Houseplants for Your Sunny Windows
Do you have large windows in your house and want to bring your plants inside but are unsure? This guide is for you. Houseplants add greenery to your home and help combat pollution, making the environment more livable.
While they may require some special care, having houseplants can make your home more inviting and reduce stress. They act as great stress busters and can be a wonderful gift to yourself and your home.
Best Houseplants for Sunny Windows
- Aloe Vera
- African Milk Bush
- Jade Plant
- Sago Palm
- Flowering Kalanchoe
- Papyrus
- Snake Plant
- Croton
- Ti Plant
- Ponytail Palm
- Hibiscus
- Strings of Pearls
- Barrel Cactus
- Dwarf Umbrella Tree
- Desert Rose Plant
The Benefits of Houseplants for Sunny Windows
As someone who loves plants, I can attest to the many benefits of having houseplants in your home, especially those that thrive in sunny windows. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider adding some sun-loving beauties to your collection:
- Natural light: Houseplants that love the sun are perfect for bright, sunny windowsills. They thrive in natural light and can help bring a little bit of the outdoors inside.
- Air purification: Many houseplants are known for their air-purifying qualities, and those that love sunny windows are no exception. They can help remove toxins from the air and improve indoor air quality.
- Mood boosters: Studies have shown that plants can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being. They can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall happiness.
- Easy care: While all plants require some level of care, many sun-loving houseplants are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. As long as they have enough light and water, they can thrive with minimal effort.
Overall, adding some sun-loving houseplants to your home can have a variety of benefits, from improving air quality to boosting your mood. Not to mention, they can also add a beautiful touch of greenery to your space.
1. Aloe Vera
People use aloe vera in many other home remedies and for xeriscaping. They are very drought-tolerant plants, so you can use them to make a landscaped green without using much water.
The spiky foliage adds a desert-like vibe to your home decoration. In a healthy environment, your aloe might even grow flowers. A terra-cotta pot is appropriate for supporting their heavy foliage and will also encourage air circulation.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
Aloe vera plants do well in bright light and well-mixed soil that has good drainage. However, they can’t tolerate cold temperatures. Do not over-water these plants and allow time for them to dry out completely.
2. African Milk Bush
The African milk bush is a low maintenance plant that has a tropical look. It is also known as friendship cactus, but it is not a cactus or a tree. This plant may also resemble cactus, but it’s a succulent. It grows up to eight feet tall. Its stalk is three-sided and thick, and small leaves cover it on the edges.
Leaves mean a happy and healthy African milk bush plant. Monitor it for bugs, which may cause infections in the plant. Insecticides may keep the bugs at bay. They have toxic sap, so handle them with care and use gloves.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
Although these plants can survive in partial sunlight, they do their best when you give them at least four hours of sunlight.
You will have to protect this plant from temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant them in soil that has good drainage as well. They don’t like being over-watered and may trip over. You need to repot them every 2 to 3 years.
3. Jade Plant
Known as the symbol of good luck in Asian cultures, jade plants are relatively easy to grow. They have a miniature tree-like appearance, which is why they make appealing decorative houseplants.
Their foliage is tinged at the edges and looks beautiful in windowsills. They can also grow pretty star-shaped flowers in late winters. You can grow these plants in small teacups or large pots meant for trees. These plants may live for decades and grow slowly over time to tall heights.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
They need at least four hours of sunlight. They also prefer sandy soil and will thrive if you allow them to dry out between watering periods. As they reach their full height, it may be best to repot them.
Regular pruning will give them a beautiful shape. It would be appropriate to keep them in heavy pots, and they can propagate quickly from a leaf or stem cutting.
4. Sago Palm
The sago palm fits well in the schemes of modern decoration. This plant is native to warm parts of Japan. It doesn’t produce flowers or shed leaves. It is also a tidy choice for houseplants.
They are ancient plants, dating back to the time of dinosaurs. Hence, sometimes people even called them living fossils. Although it is called a palm, it’s a cycad and is related to cone-bearing conifers.
They fertilize once a month. One thing to be kept in mind about sago palm is that they are poisonous, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
These unique-looking plants love direct sunlight and add a tropical touch to your home interior. Do not over-water them as they prefer dry conditions.
You can also grow them with seeds, but it would be time-consuming. They can produce clusters of little sago palms, which you can transport into other pots.
5. Flowering Kalanchoe
The Kalanchoe genus has about 100 species, and the flowering kalanchoe is most famous among gardeners. These plants are native to arid areas and are well-known succulents.
They are straightforward to grow and do not go dormant in any season. They can also produce clusters of flowers in many vibrant colors. You can encourage them to grow flowers again by cutting the flower head and caring for it properly.
Even its foliage is ornamental. They may grow as tall as 1 ½ foot. Flowering kalanchoe are toxic to dogs and cats, so keep them out of reach of your pets.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
They love direct sunlight. Plant it in sandy to normal soil that has good drainage. You shouldn’t over-watered them; they can go for two weeks without water before they need it again.
They require a temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to keep them away from chill in winters. You can also propagate them quickly by cutting a firm, healthy part of the stem and planting it in the soil for new plants.
6. Papyrus
Cyperus papyrus is the plant Egyptians used for making paper and building boats. This plant is native to the Nile delta. It’s considered a sedge and requires a moist environment, and it can be a beautiful addition to your sun-loving houseplants. This exotic plant also forms an umbel at the end of the stem from which many slender threads arch out that look like fireworks.
They may even produce nut-like fruits. Ornamental papyrus may grow up to six feet tall. They will add a tropical feel to your selection of houseplants.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
They require sunlight but can also do well in partial shade. Papyrus need constant moisture in their soil and will thrive in standing water.
You will need to change its water every week to prevent stagnation. You can grow them from seeds, but germination will take about a month.
7. Snake Plant
This “impossible to kill” plant should be your first choice if you are new to house-planting. It doesn’t require much care. Snake plants don’t have stems; they only have thick and tough leaves that grow in a straight direction.
They can grow up to 3 to 6 feet in height. The leaves are green with streaks of silver and gold or cream edges, and they are perfect for narrow and closed spaces. It can also grow fragrant white flowers with a green tint. Snake plants will look great with almost any kind of home decoration.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
A snake plant requires soil with good drainage as it cannot tolerate too much water. It loves bright but filtered light, but it will do well in the shade as well. You should give it fertilizers in the growing season.
They are slow growers and don’t need to be repotted much. You can quickly propagate it by planting its leaf cuttings into moist soil.
8. Croton
This low maintenance plant is known for its variegated foliage. They are members of Euphorbiaceae, so they are relatives of cast-iron plants. Their large leaves have patches of yellow, orange, red, green, bronze, pink, and purple.
You need to put them in bright light to bring out those kaleidoscope of colors. They grow as large shrubs and may grow as tall as ten feet. One thing to keep in mind about this plant is that every part of this plant is poisonous, and it also produces a sap that can irritate the skin.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
Crotons prefer soil with good drainage. You should allow them to dry out during watering periods.
Since they are native to Southeast Asia and Oceania, they prefer temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and don’t tolerate cold temperatures. They need to be occasionally repotted. You can propagate them by stem cutting.
9. Ti Plant
Ti plant is also known as the Hawaiian good luck plant, but it did not originate there. It is native to Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea but now grows in Hawaii and many Pacific Islands.
Its leaves can be of varying vibrant colors: purple, pink, red, yellow, white, and green. It may indeed grow fragrant flowers and fruit. People also often confuse this plant with Dracaena, but a true Ti plant has white roots. It can grow up to 10 feet tall. Check it occasionally for fungus and gnats.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
These plants are easy to grow and don’t require much maintenance. You will need to keep its soil moist but water it less in winters.
It thrives in temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It also needs six hours of direct sunlight if you plant it outside. Indoors, it will do fine with less light. You can propagate it by stem cutting. It needs occasional repotting.
10. Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palm is easy to grow and requires low maintenance. Despite its name, it is not a palm. It is more closely related to the desert plant from Yucca genera. It is also a succulent by nature.
A ponytail palm has a large stem for storing water so it can go without water for a long time. Long, leathery leaves branch out from the top of the stem as the plant grows old. This plant may grow as long as three feet in an indoor environment, but regular fertilization will force it to grow taller.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
Ponytail palm thrives in sunlight and a mixture of well-drained soil. You need to water it deeply but irregularly on summers.
Allow it to dry out before watering it again. In winter, you need to water it as little as possible. You can also propagate this plant by transplanting the baby plant that grows at its base.
11. Hibiscus
When properly cared for, hibiscus plants will reward you with many pretty flowers for a long time. Their flowers can be as large as dinner plates and may measure up to 12 inches across.
This plant will bring a tropical ambiance to your home garden. They also grow in the form of shrubs and small trees and can grow as tall as 15 feet. They grow in various zones in America.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
You need to put them in sunlight for 5 to 6 hours daily. They are tropical, so they thrive in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot tolerate temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overwatering is also harmful to them. Provide potassium-rich fertilizer to your hibiscus plant, especially if you want it to bloom.
12. Strings of Pearls
Strings of pearls plant are also known as strings of beads. This unique looking plant has small round pea-like leaves that are attached to long hanging thread-like stems. People often plant them in hanging baskets, but they form mats of pearls on the ground in their natural habitat.
Strings of pearl can grow up to two feet when left alone. It is a low maintenance plant. This plant will be a great addition to your houseplant collection. It is mildly toxic, so you should remain alert if you have kids or pets at home.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
A string of pearls plant likes bright light and needs to be dried out between watering. You should water it once every two weeks.
Over-watering will cause its roots to decay, while occasional pruning will keep it healthy. It is also effortless to propagate; you just need to plant a cutting in the soil, and it will grow roots.
13. Barrel Cactus
Barrel cactus are cactus plants that resemble pinch cushion. Their barrel shape gives them their name, and they are native to South and North America. They have finer needles on the crown and the rest of the body.
These plants are also attractive and will make your house garden look exotic. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. If you are lucky, your cactus may even produce fruit.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
They love warm temperatures and ample sunlight. But you should still move them slightly away from your windows as harsh sunlight may burn them. They also grow well in soil that has good drainage.
Water your plant once a week in the summers. It doesn’t need much water in winters; adequate watering in spring might cause the plant to bloom into cute little yellow flowers.
14. Dwarf Umbrella Tree
The dwarf umbrella tree takes its name from the shape of its pretty foliage. It is straightforward to grow and care for. This plant is also a perfect companion for people who just started to grow plants. It can adapt itself to grow in different conditions, and it can occasionally grow flowers and berries too.
It is mildly toxic, so you should be careful if you have curious pets and children. People often mistake it for Cyperus and Heptapleurum because of their uncanny resemblance. Some of its varieties can grow as tall as 50 feet, but the dwarf ones will grow up to 5 feet.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
This plant grows well in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures starting from 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It likes direct bright light, but very harsh light will harm it, while it doesn’t prefer any specific soil texture.
It also doesn’t need to be watered much, and over-watering may damage the plant. Giving it fertilizers every few weeks will keep it healthy.
15. Desert Rose Plant
The desert rose plant is a tropical, evergreen, succulent shrub. It also bears striking tubular pink or red flowers. This plant is native to the Sahel regions and some areas of Africa and Saudi Arabia. It grows very slowly, maybe a few inches in years.
They adapt well to their pots and don’t need regular repotting. This attractive flowering plant will make your plant collection look pretty. It produces poisonous sap, so you should keep it away from children and pets.
Requirements for the Growth of the Plant
It prefers well-drained soil. It can propagate from root cuttings. If its soil becomes too dry, its flowers will fall off. If you over-water it, its roots will become soggy. It will grow plenty of flowers in full sunlight. Pruning in winters will encourage growth.
16. Hoya Carnosa Rubra
Also known as the Crimson Prince, this beauty has dark green leaves with white or pinkish colour variegation between them. This species is originally from Eastern Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. It’s a fast-growing plant that needs bright but indirect light.
Hoya has many variants. They do not have any strong fragrance but a mild sweet aroma. The best part about this plant is that it can stand extreme heat or cold. It blooms for around half of the year which makes it a very interesting plant.
Caring for Your Hoya Carnosa Rubra:
This plant does not require any special treatment. It needs bright but indirect sunlight. Hoya loves humidity. Hence, water it once a week and let the soil dry between waterings. Repot this plant every 2 years.
17. Burgundy Rubber Tree
Native to the rainforests of India and South America, the burgundy rubber tree is a remarkable plant with thick glossy leaves that you will admire. The plant requires regular misting, especially in the season of summer.
The Burgundy rubber tree can grow anywhere up to 25 feet indoors. It’s best to keep it near a corner of your house. The Rubber tree leaves are mildly toxic for pets. So be careful.
Caring for Your Burgundy Rubber Tree:
Burgundy Rubber Tree needs different care according to the climate and seasons. Keep it under bright and indirect sunlight.
Water regularly and keep the soil moist during the summer season. In winters, the soil needs less moisture. Hence, water it just once a week or when you feel the soil is getting dry.
18. Variegated Arrowhead Vine
Also commonly known as Nephthytis Triphylla, the Variegated Arrowhead Vine is a tropical climber in the Araceae family. The species is a native of Latin America and is also found in the West Indies, and other warm locales.
The arrowhead vine has an alluring appearance. The arrow-shaped leaves with white lines look graceful. This plant can grow aggressively under the right conditions. So, if you are looking for a plant that has sombre beauty and needs minimum care, the Variegated Arrowhead Vine is for you!
Caring for Your Variegated Arrowhead Vine:
The plant needs bright light but no direct sunlight. It grows best in high humidity conditions. Hence, water it regularly throughout the year. In winters, water it only when the soil gets a little dry.
19. Areca Palm
Areca Palm, also known as Dypsis lutescens, comes from the family of Arecaceae. A species native to Madagascar and South India, the areca palm can grow up to 20-39 feet in height. It is also popularly known as ‘Butterfly palm’ due to its leaves which curve upwards.
Once an endangered species, the areca palm has become a popular hit among houseplant lovers. A fast-growing plant, areca palms are planted in clumps.
Caring for Your Areca Palm:
Areca palm needs a little care. Firstly, it needs bright, constant filtered sunlight. But do not give it direct sun, else the leaves will start turning yellow. Areca palms are sensitive to overwatering. Allow the soil to get dry before watering again.
20. Ficus Alli
Commonly called the Banana leaf fig, Ficus Alli is a species native to southeastern Asia, India, and China. The long and gracefully thin leaves make this plant look charming to the eyes.
A popular plant among houseplant lovers, Ficus Alli grows fast under constant filtered light. The Ficus Alli is far more durable and less prone to shedding its leaves. It does not survive in low light.
Caring for Your Ficus Alli:
Ficus Ali does not require high maintenance if you keep the basics right. Keep it under indirect or filtered sunlight. It prefers evenly moist soil. Hence, it needs regular watering. Let the top inch of the soil dry before you water it again.
21. Spider Plant
One of the most adaptable and easier to grow houseplants, the spider plant is pleasing to the eyes. It can grow under difficult conditions and rarely suffers from problems. Also known as Spider Ivy, this plant is native to tropical and Southern Africa. It can grow up to 60cm tall.
A species of perennial flowering plant, the Spider plant has become a household name today due to its low maintenance nature. If you are bringing plants inside your home for the first time, then spider plants should top the list.
Caring for Your Spider Plant:
It grows best in low to bright indirect light. Water it only when the soil starts to get dry.
22. Monstera Deliciosa
Also widely known through its nickname, Swiss cheese plant, the Monstera Deliciosa is native to Southern Mexico. Its thick leaves with glossy shade make it pleasing to the eyes. It can truly thrive in an apartment or home.
An easy to care plant, Monstera Deliciosa appreciates a warm and humid environment. Monstera is climbing plants and can go up to vertical spaces when guided.
Caring for Your Monstera Deliciosa:
This plant can tolerate many levels of sunlight but medium to bright indirect sunlight is the best bet. Water it regularly.
23. Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s nest fern is a beautiful plant perfect for confined spaces. The center of the plant resembles a bird’s nest, hence the name. It is an epiphytic fern, which means that in the wild, it grows on other things.
The plant needs enough warmth and moisture to grow. If you care for your bird’s nest fern correctly, it can grow fast and steadily.
Caring for Your Bird’s Nest Fern:
Best grown under low to medium indirect sunlight. It does not appreciate wet soil. So water it once a week and let the soil dry.
24. Ficus Bonsai Tree
The Ficus Bonsai Tree is one of the most popular plants grown inside homes. Bonsai is the Japanese art of pruning where small trees mimic a caricature of a large tree. Because of their size, Bonsai is perfect for small homes and apartments.
The Bonsai Tree can live for hundreds of years. With constant care and maintenance, the bonsai tree typically lives 25% longer than a tree in nature.
Caring for Your Ficus Bonsai Tree:
The Ficus Bonsai Tree thrives in a warm environment. Henceforth, it is a popular indoor tree. It requires high sunlight and regular watering. Water only when the upper layer of the soil gets dry.
Tips for Caring for Your Sun-Loving Houseplants
As someone who loves houseplants, I know how important it is to care for them properly. Sun-loving plants, in particular, require a bit of extra attention to thrive. Here are some tips to help you keep your sun-loving houseplants healthy and happy:
Plant Care
When it comes to sun-loving houseplants, proper plant care is key. Make sure to choose a pot that has good drainage and is the right size for your plant. You’ll also want to use high-quality potting soil that’s specifically designed for your plant’s needs.
Water
Water is essential for all plants, but it’s especially important for sun-loving houseplants. Make sure to water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. You’ll want to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings, but not so much that the plant wilts.
Light
As the name suggests, sun-loving houseplants need plenty of light to thrive. If you have south-facing windows, these are the perfect spot for your plants. However, if you don’t have access to direct sunlight, you can still grow sun-loving plants. Just make sure to place them near a window that receives plenty of indirect light.
South-Facing Windows
If you’re lucky enough to have south-facing windows, you can grow a wide variety of sun-loving plants. Some of my favorites include:
- Succulents
- Aloe Vera
- Jade Plant
- Ponytail Palm
- Spider Plant
North-Facing Windows
North-facing windows receive less light, but you can still grow sun-loving plants in these areas. Some plants that do well in north-facing windows include:
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
- Cast Iron Plant
- Chinese Evergreen
- ZZ Plant
Dappled Shade
If you have an area in your home that receives dappled shade, you can grow sun-loving plants that can tolerate less light. Some of these plants include:
- Calathea
- Bromeliads
- Philodendron
- Pothos
- Dracaena
With a little bit of care, your sun-loving houseplants can thrive and add beauty to your home. Remember to pay attention to their needs and adjust your care accordingly. Happy planting!
Conclusion
Houseplants with their unique and colorful foliage and flowers will undeniably make your sunroom look attractive and like a mini jungle. Most of the above plants are surprisingly easy to grow and care for. All you need to do is provide them adequate sunlight, and then you can enjoy them for years to come.
If you have large windows in your house and want to bring your plants inside but are confused about whether you should or not? Then this guide is for you. Houseplants are an excellent way of adding greenery inside the home. They also combat pollution and make the environment more liveable.
Yes, they might need some special treatment but trust me, I’ve been doing it over the years. You will not only fall in love with your home all over again but will also become more cheerful and stress-free. Plants act as a great stress buster. Hence, having house plants is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and your home.
Keeping houseplants inside your home will make the environment more liveable, bright, and lively. Living with houseplants is a fantastic way of reducing stress and tension. The plants mentioned above not only look and feel good but also are easy to raise.
