North-facing windows typically receive the least amount of direct sunlight, which can limit your options. Yet, plenty of plants flourish in those dim, cozy spots. Below you’ll find an assortment of indoor plants that will thrive in a north-facing window while adding beauty and ambiance to your home.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is famed for its resilient nature and striking glossy leaves. This hardy plant tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for those who may not have a green thumb. Its upright growth habit and waxy foliage create an elegant look, enhancing any indoor space without requiring much attention.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Known for its trailing vines, Pothos is an adaptable plant that can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, including low light. This versatile plant comes in various varieties, including Marble Queen and Golden Pothos, each bringing unique variegation to your space. Pothos is not only low-maintenance but also acts as a fantastic air purifier.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. With its tall, sword-like leaves that can grow upright, it adds an architectural element to any room. Snake Plants are incredibly tolerant of neglect, requiring minimal light and water while still looking lively and healthy.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives in low-light conditions and can withstand extreme neglect. Its broad, dark green leaves create a lush, tropical feel, making it a great choice for a north-facing window.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a beautiful and adaptable plant that offers striking foliage patterns and colors. With its ability to thrive in low light and high humidity, it’s perfect for various indoor environments. This plant comes in numerous varieties that feature different leaf colorations, from deep greens to bright reds, allowing you to choose one that complements your decor.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is an easy-going plant known for its arching green leaves and baby “spiders” that dangle down as it grows. This plant is particularly adept at thriving in less-than-ideal light conditions and does particularly well in hanging baskets or on shelves, where its draping effect can be fully appreciated.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is beloved for its elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves. It’s not only visually appealing but also does well in low-light conditions. This plant thrives on occasional watering and tolerates neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals. Plus, Peace Lilies are known for their purification properties, helping to clean the air in your home.
Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum)
The Philodendron Brasil brings a pop of color with its striking golden-yellow variegation mixed with deep green leaves. Its vining habit makes it an excellent choice for a hanging basket or a shelf. It requires low light and is forgiving when it comes to care, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas come in numerous varieties and each has its unique charm. These plants are characterized by their spiky leaves and tall growth habit. They can tolerate low light, though some varieties may appreciate a bit of indirect light. Dracaenas are generally low-maintenance and can add a modern touch to your decor.
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The Lady Palm brings a tropical ambiance to your space with its fan-like leaves. Thriving in indirect light, this plant can adapt to low light conditions as well. Its robust form adds a hint of the outdoors to your home while requiring only basic care to keep it looking lush.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is an elegant indoor choice, known for its feathery leaves and delicate fronds. This lush plant prefers humidity and indirect light, making it a fantastic candidate for a north-facing window that may experience lower light levels. Regular misting can help keep the humidity levels appreciated by this fern.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a small, attractive palm that adapts well to low-light conditions. With its graceful fronds and compact growth habits, it fits elegantly into various indoor styles. This palm thrives with minimal care, making it an effective addition for those less familiar with indoor gardening.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a robust indoor plant known for its large, glossy leaves that can make a bold statement in any room. While it prefers bright indirect light, it can adapt to lower light conditions as well, especially if you’re diligent about watering. It’s an eye-catching addition that flourishes in the elegant aesthetics of a north-facing window.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Distinguished by its unique leaf patterns and vibrant colors, the Prayer Plant adds a touch of whimsy to any indoor garden. It thrives in low light and enjoys humidity, making it a wonderful choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Its leaves fold up at night, giving it the intriguing behavior that adds to its charm, while staying low-maintenance in lower light.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb Cane is known for its large, luscious leaves with striking patterns. It tolerates low light fairly well, although it will thrive best in indirect light conditions. While this plant is somewhat toxic if ingested, it serves as a beautiful decorative piece that can elevate the vibrancy of your indoor garden.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Though it’s known for being a bit more finicky, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can adapt to a north-facing window with adequate indirect light. Its large, glossy leaves create a striking focal point in any room, serving both as a decorative feature and a vibrant presence. With proper care and patience, this dramatic plant can thrive and grow impressively in your space.
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Boston Ivy uses its tendrils to climb and can thrive indoors in lower light. Its vibrant green leaves turn beautiful shades of red in fall, adding seasonal interest to your space. While typically considered an outdoor plant, Boston Ivy can also be grown indoors, offering a unique, evolving display as it matures.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
With delicate fronds and a light, airy feel, the Maidenhair Fern is a lovely low-light option. It requires consistent moisture but does very well in places that don’t receive direct sunlight. Its soft, feathery appearance brings an elegant touch that contrasts beautifully against the other hardy-styled plants.
Peacock Plant (Calathea Makoyana)
The Peacock Plant is a stunner with its elegant, patterned leaves that mimic the beauty of a peacock’s plumage. This tropical beauty thrives in low light but enjoys a humid environment, making it an excellent choice for kitchens or bathrooms. Its fascinating foliage and dynamic appearance invite curiosity and conversation, making it an attractive addition to your indoor garden.
Silver Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’)
A unique variation of the classic Pothos, Silver Pothos boasts beautiful silver and white variegation against rich green leaves. Like its relatives, it enjoys low-light conditions and shows off its trailing vines beautifully when placed in hanging baskets or on high shelves. Its unique aesthetics can brighten up those dreary corners where most plants fail to thrive.
