Plants for North Facing Window – Brighten Your Dark Room

It is a misconception that all plants like a lot of sunlight but there are plants for a north-facing window. Some of them can get in very bad shape if they are too close to the light source or are exposed to direct sunlight – they can lose their color and become sickly yellow, and they can develop brown edges or brown spots that can’t be healed.

Those plants are great for north-facing windows as they will get enough light without actually being scorched. Some of the north-facing plants will be happy directly in the window, while others will tolerate being placed deeper in the room.

Here is a list of the best plants for a northern exposure.

Flowering plants for Northern Facing Window

As a general rule, flowering plants f0r northern exposure are north-facing window plants. They require a lot of indirect light which they get from a north-facing window all throughout the day. They should be put as close to the window as possible or directly in the window.

1. Peace Lily

The peace lily is one of the best window plants, especially for a north-facing window as it likes a lot of indirect light. If it gets enough light it will produce white flowers all year round. The things to keep in mind are that the soil should be moist and the room should be warm.

With the occasional pruning, there is nothing more to worry about. You will know when the time is to water it as it will droop and you will not be able to miss it. The peace lily is a slow grower, but with it, you will have a blossoming plant year-round.

If you move it further away from the light source it may not produce (as many) flowers, which is why it is a window plant.

2. Moth Orchid

Why is Moth Orchid one of the best plants for a north-facing window? It likes light but not too much sunlight. Moth orchid is a favorite for any beginner since caring for them is more than easy. It needs only occasional watering, it is good to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Moth Orchid is a resilient plant and it produces striking moth-shaped flowers (hence the name) that last for months. They are lovely and delicate and can come in many different colors. If you care for a Moth Orchid the right way it can produce flowers year after year.

3. Cyclamen

Do you like to keep window plants indoors? Cyclamen will give your space a needed pop of color and joy. With delicate long-stemmed flowers protruding from heart-shaped foliage, cyclamen is the embodiment of a gentle, romantic flower.

They are small in size which is why they are perfect for the windowsill, and they do not like sunlight which makes them perfect for the bright, indirect light a northern window offers. Cyclamen have a flowering and a dormant period so do not worry if they do not produce flowers for a few months.

4. Bromeliad

Bromeliads have several subspecies and the care differs for each of them. Most of these species possessed colorful, attractive foliage. The ones that come in darker shades do better away from the light source, while those that are lighter prefer light.

Depending on the species you can opt to keep them directly in the north-facing window or further away from it. In any case, Bromeliads are sure to bring that exotic feel into your home with their spiky leaves and shiny, colorful blossoms. Use a well-draining soil mix and make sure you water regularly.

Non-flowering plants for Northern Facing Window

Non-flowering plants are those that do not always require to be put directly in the window, although the variegated versions show off their patterns better when they are closer to the light source but have a deeper, richer, green shade when they are further away.

Nerve plant

The nerve plant is one of the most interesting plants for north-facing windows. It has dark green leaves with veiny patterns in pink, white, silver, or lighter green. The nerve plant thrives in partial shade and indirect light so you can put it in the north-facing window or next to it.

Keep it warm and in a humid environment, water frequently, and provide well-draining soil. This plant is a bit more demanding to care for than other plants on this list so it is not very beginner-friendly, but it is worth it.

Maidenhair fern

Maidenhair fern got its name from the fact that the foliage is lighter at the ends than at the roots.

It has delicate, close-set foliage that looks very attractive and as a bonus, produces a mild, pleasant scent.

Place it in a north-facing window with a lot of indirect sunlight and ensure that the soil is moist and the room is warm and humid and your Maidenhair fern will be happy

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa, known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a great choice if you have a northern-facing room with a lot of space to spare.

It got its name due to the monstrous size it can grow to, and its other name – to the shape of its mature leaves.

Monstera is a tropical plant and it likes a lot of indirect light, so placing it close to a north-facing window is where it can grow perfectly.

What you need to pay attention to is that it needs warmth and adequate humidity (as in any other tropical).

As for the soil, water when the top two inches of it are dry.

Heart-leafed philodendron

One more of the plants for the north-facing window is the heart-leafed philodendron. It is one of those outdoor plants that prefers darker to lighter environments so you can even place it further from the light source and ensure a deeper, richer green shade of leaves. This plant is resilient to almost all conditions besides direct bright light so it is very easy to care for.

It is a climber so make sure you provide support for it. We mentioned our favorites here, yet Calathea, Bamboo plants, Pothos, and other low-light plants will thrive in north-facing rooms and windows.