North-facing window plants do not receive direct sunlight, and in cold weather, these windows provide low light with constant shade spots.
This makes you tremble when it comes to tropical plants that require consistent sunlight.
Thankfully there are plenty of indoor plants that can work well in low light conditions.
North-facing windows have little or no sunlight, but these houseplants thrive and evolve with shaded spots.
Due to minimal maintenance, these plants are hardy and neglectful, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners.
Pothos, snake plants, and lilies of peace are most prominent indoor plants ideal for growing in north facing windows with low to medium indirect light.
These plants are low maintenance beauty, evolved for spots like tropical forest floors, and thrive with almost effort.
In this article, we explore 15 best house plants for north facing windows and detail the needs, characteristics of care, and why they are suitable for low-light settings.
How much light does a north facing window receive?
It uncovers one of the essential requirements for plant growth. Without it, the plants could not carry out the food production process.
It is important to understand the amount of light that a north facing window can get. Therefore, you can choose the plant according to your light requirements.
North-facing windows receive consistent indirect light without direct sunlight, creating a shaded spot.
It is perfect for plants that prefer partial shade or low light to intense sunlight.
Before you begin, it is essential to assess the space to take into account window size, obstacles (such as trees and buildings), and room temperature.
15 houseplants for north facing windows
Most indoor plants prefer to prefer humid, warm conditions. This is difficult to replicate in a north facing space. However, avoid too much mist as low sunlight can attract fungal growth.
Snake plants are one of the popular indoor plants known to grow in low light. Let’s start with that.
1. Snake plant
Known as the mother-in-law tongue, the snake plant features long, upright, sword-like leaves in a green hue, and is versatile in silver, yellow or white. They are architectural and impressive.
Snake plants are extremely hardy and allow for low light and irregular watering. Perfect for north facing windows with minimal light.
Plant care: Water sparingly – Allow soil to dry out completely during watering. Use soil that drains well. They thrive at average room temperature (60-75°F) and do not need to be humid.
It rarely blooms indoors, but when you do so, it produces delicate, fragrant white flowers.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant resembles succulents, but is much more shade-resistant, as its shiny, dark green oval-shaped leaves are found on its upright stems.
Its waxy stores water and is drought resistant, making it ideal for slow, low-light conditions.
Plant care: Water only if the soil is dry (every 2-3 weeks). It prefers dry conditions and tolerate average humidity. Keep away from pets. It is toxic when ingested.
A slow grower, perfect for small spaces and requires minimal care.
Also Read: 11 Best Indoor Plants that Absorb CO2 Most Effectively
3. Peace Lily
Featuring shiny dark green leaves and elegant white hood-like flowers (spas), the lily of peace adds a refined touch.
They thrive with low to medium indirect light and signals when water is needed by drooping dramatically.
Plant care: Keeps the soil moist, but not water-infiltrated. Prefers warm and damp conditions (occasionally fog). Avoid direct sunlight that burns the leaves.
Known for its air-growing nature, it is a functional and beautiful choice.
4. Pothos
Pothos, often called the Devil’s Ivy, boasts a variety of green heart-shaped waxy leaves, green or white.
It thrives in low light, adapts to a variety of conditions, and becomes a staple food for north facing windows.
Plant care: Water when the top of the soil is dry. It allows for average humidity and can grow with only water for propagation.
Easy to Propagation – Cutting is a quick route and is perfect for sharing with friends.
5. Heartleaf Philodendron
This Vining Plant has smooth, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that you can cascade elegantly from the pot or climb with support.
It loves medium to medium light, allowing for optimal irregular care for shaded windows.
Plant care: Water when the soil feels dry. It wilts to signal thirst. It prefers moderate humidity, but adapts.
Missing it for pothos, it’s a bit delicate, but also low maintenance.
6. Cast Iron Factory
True to its name, the plant is hardy and has long, arched, dark green leaves that appear directly from the soil.
It thrives in deep shade, tolerate negligence and becomes the champion of a north facing space.
Plant care: Water when the top two-thirds of the soil is dry. It prefers well-drained soil and average temperature.
It is a long-term investment that rarely requires repotting due to slow growth.
Check this: 23 best perennials growing in the shade
7. Spider Plant
Long, thin, arched leaves (often with greens with white or yellow stripes), and spider plants produce “puppies” and propagate easily.
They adapt to low light, but diversification can fade slightly without a brighter state.
Plant care: Lightly moisten the soil. Water when the top inch is dry. Average humidity is sufficient.
Non-toxic and pet-friendly, it’s a great family-friendly option.
8. Chinese evergreen trees
Known for its versatile leaves of green, silver, pink or red, this upright plant adds color to dim spaces.
It thrives in low light and tolerate a variety of conditions optimal for northern exposure.
Plant care: Water when the soil is slightly dry. Do not inhale water. They prefer warm, humid environments, but adapt to average conditions.
Its bright leaves brighten even at the darkest corners.
9. Parlor’s palm
The slowly growing palms of feathery leaves create a tropical atmosphere indoors.
It prefers indirect light and grows well in the consistent shade of north facing windows.
Plant care: Moisten the soil evenly, but not water-soaked. I like medium humidity and average temperatures.
Adds height and texture without overwhelming small space.
10. Maidenhair Fern
The delicate, feathery leaves give this fern a soft, airy look.
It loves indirect light and thrives in humid, shaded places like north facing bathrooms and kitchens.
Plant care: Keeps the soil moist and mist regularly. Avoid dry air and direct sunlight.
Its lush texture contrasts beautifully with the wider leafy plants.
11. English Ivy
Classic trailing plants with leaves, shiny greens or diverse leaves are perfect for hanging baskets.
Grows well in low to medium light and adds a cascade effect to the windowsill.
Plant care: Water when the soil is slightly dry. They prefer cool temperatures and moderate humidity. It is toxic to pets, so please keep it out of reach.
Trained in mountain climbing and trails, providing versatility in styling.
12. Neuroplants
The small oval leaves with striking veins of pink, red or white make this plant stand out.
It prefers low light and high humidity, which thrives in north facing conditions.
Plant care: Moisten the soil and keep mist frequently. It wilts when you’re thirsty, but it bounces back quickly.
Its compact size fits perfectly into narrow windows.
13. RexBegonia
It is cultivated for its stunning foliage, purple or purple, with a green, red or purple pattern than flowers.
It loves indirect light and struggles under the direct sun, making it perfect for north facing windows.
Plant care: Water when the top inch is dry. Avoid flooded soil. Prefers high humidity.
Adds pop of colours without the need for bright light.
14. MothOrchid
Combined with elegant orchids of long-lasting flowers in a variety of colours, wide green leaves.
They avoid the harsh sun that burns their leaves and bloom in low to medium indirect light.
Plant care: Water each week, slightly dry the roots between watering. Use orchid bark to maintain moderate humidity.
An unusual flowering option in low-light spaces that offers months of beauty.
15. Prayer Plant
It is known for its colorful veins known for its oval leaves, so at night it folds as if it were praying.
It is ideal for north facing rooms and thrives in low light and humid conditions.
Plant care: moisten the soil and keep the mist regularly. Avoid direct sunlight fading that pattern.
Its unique leaf movement adds dynamic elements to the collection.
Key Tips for Success with North-facing Window Plants
To maximize light exposure, place the plant near the window. Low-light plants grow slowly and require less water. Make sure the growing medium is dry before watering. Many of these plants prefer medium to high humidity. Use a pebble tray or mist to increase moisture in dry indoor air. Plants can tilt towards the light source, so spin the pot to grow from time to time. Consider growing light, especially in winter, to strengthen conditions.
Conclusion
There’s no need to skip that north facing window anymore. There are plenty of options, from resilient snake plants to delicate maiden hair ferns that have proven to thrive low.
Whether you’re attracted to subsequent grapes like Pothos, upright leaves like ZZ plants, or flowering beauty like lilies of peace, the perfect place for your space There’s a match.
With minimal care and proper placement, these plants will turn your north facing room into a vibrant, green sanctuary.
Computer Science Alumnus Khaja Moinuddin is delighted with gardening and homestead. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening and composting
