What light does a north-west window give?
This article assumes you live in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere the directions flip: a window facing north gets the strongest sun, and a window facing south gets the weakest, so the advice below would apply to a south-west window instead.
In the northern hemisphere, a north-west window is generally one of the dimmer exposures. It gets little or no direct sun for much of the year. In summer, when the sun sets further north, you may get some low-angle light in the late afternoon or evening, and it can be warm if you have a large pane. In winter, light is weak.
Because this varies with latitude, trees, neighbouring buildings and window size, watch the room for a few days. If the sun hits the plant’s leaves for an hour or two at the end of the day, treat it as a brighter spot than a purely north window. If no direct sun ever reaches the sill, treat it as low light.
Plants that suit a north-west window
These are commonly recommended for north and north-west windows. Nothing here needs direct sun.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Handles weaker light and can also cope with a short spell of evening sun. It grows slowly in dim light. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Tolerant of low to medium light and infrequent watering. Toxic if eaten.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Very tolerant of shade and cooler temperatures, slow to grow. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Pothos and heartleaf philodendron
Vines that do well in moderate to lower light (our philodendron care guide has more on the philodendron). Variegated forms may lose some of their markings if the light is dim. Both are toxic if chewed.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Good for lower to medium light; darker-leaved types are more tolerant of dim spots. Toxic if eaten.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Tolerates lower light but may bloom sparingly. Toxic if eaten.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Likes bright indirect light but copes with moderate light. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Prayer plants and calatheas (Marantaceae)
Often suggested for north-facing windows, as they like indirect light and dislike strong sun. They are fussier about humidity and water quality than the plants above, so they are less beginner-friendly (see our calathea care guide). Commonly listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Peperomia and Chinese money plant
Small, compact plants that suit a sill (see our peperomia care guide). They prefer bright indirect light, so choose the closest spot to the glass. Peperomias are generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs; Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is also generally listed as non-toxic.
If you get some late-day sun
A few hours of low evening sun is gentler than midday sun, but it can still scorch some leaves, especially after a dim winter. If you see crisp, pale or bleached patches, move the plant back a foot or two or use a sheer curtain. To introduce a plant to a brighter spot, increase its exposure gradually over a couple of weeks rather than all at once.
Can you grow plants in a west-facing window?
Yes. A pure west window gets strong direct sun in the afternoon and evening, which can be hot. Tough plants such as snake plants, ZZ plants and many succulents can cope, while leafy tropical plants often need a sheer curtain or some distance from the glass. A north-west window is gentler than a true west window, so the options above are usually a safer starting point.
Placement and care
- Distance from the window. Light drops off quickly as you move away from the glass. Keep plants within a few feet.
- Winter changes. Light is weakest in winter, so water less and expect slower growth.
- Cold glass. Windows can get cold at night. Pull plants back from the pane if the glass feels cold to the touch, and see plants near a cold window for details.
- Clean glass. Dusty windows block light.
- Supplement if needed. A grow light on a timer can fill gaps in short winter days.
Taller options
If you want a floor plant rather than a sill plant, see our guide to tall plants for a north-facing window, and for general low-light options, see easy low-light houseplants.
Common questions
What are the best indoor plants for north-facing rooms?
Snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant, pothos and peace lily are the names that come up most. All tolerate the light but grow slowly.
What plant removes 78% of airborne mold?
You may see this claim online. It is not reliably supported for ordinary homes. If you have a mold problem, the fix is usually reducing damp and improving ventilation, not adding a plant.
Are plants safe for pets and children here?
Several of the most popular choices (ZZ, snake plant, pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen) are toxic if eaten. If you have pets or small children, pick from the generally non-toxic options above, or keep toxic plants well out of reach.