Is a north-facing window good for houseplants?
What kind of light does a north window give?
In the Northern Hemisphere, a north-facing window receives mostly indirect light all day. It never gets direct sun, so it's the dimmest window exposure. The exact intensity depends on where you live: in the northern U.S. or Canada, a north window can be quite dark in winter, while in southern Florida or Texas it may still be bright enough for many plants.
The light also varies with obstructions like trees, buildings, or a porch. A north window that looks out onto open sky is brighter than one shaded by a nearby wall. In general, expect low to medium light—enough for plants that naturally grow under a forest canopy.
Which plants are happy in a north window?
Choose plants labeled for low light or shade. Good options include pothos, heartleaf philodendron, snake plant, ZZ plant, spider plant, cast iron plant, and most ferns. These can survive and even thrive in the gentle light of a north window.
Avoid sun-loving plants like succulents, cacti, citrus, or herbs such as basil. They will stretch, lose color, or decline without brighter light. If you want to grow those, you'll need a south or west window, or a grow light.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Snake plant (Sansevieria)
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Most ferns (e.g., Boston fern)
How to make the most of a north window
Place plants close to the glass—within a foot or two—to catch the most light. The light drops off quickly as you move away from the window. If your plant still seems leggy or pale, consider adding a small LED grow light for a few hours a day.
Rotate your plants regularly so all sides get equal light. Keep the glass clean to maximize transmission. In winter, when days are short, you may need to supplement with artificial light even for low-light plants.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a north window is completely dark—it still provides useful light for many plants.
- Putting a sun-loving succulent in a north window and expecting it to thrive.
- Assuming all north windows are the same; latitude and obstructions make a big difference.
