Are north-facing windows okay for plants?
Yes, with realistic expectations. In the northern hemisphere, a north-facing window gets steady, indirect light and little or no direct sun. That is enough for shade-tolerant plants and too little for sun-lovers such as most cacti and many herbs. If you live in the southern hemisphere, the directions flip, and the same advice applies to a south-facing window.
Plants that grow tall usually have bigger leaves or more stems to feed, so they need a bit more from the light than small plants. Place them near the glass and expect slow growth.
Tall plants that suit a north-facing window
Heights are approximate and vary with age, pot size and light.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
One of the most commonly recommended plants for shade. Arching leaves can reach a couple of feet or more. It is slow to grow, and does not like direct sun. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Upright leaves that suit narrow spots by a window. Taller varieties can reach a few feet. It is tolerant of low light and dryness, but too much water is its main enemy. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Glossy, arching stems that suit lower light and irregular care. Mature plants can reach a few feet. Toxic if eaten.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Larger plants can reach a good height, and may flower even in modest light, though flowering is not guaranteed. Toxic if eaten.
Dracaena (corn plant, Janet Craig, dragon tree)
Cane-like stems with tufts of leaves. It is a classic choice for tall, narrow spaces and handles moderate to lower light. Growth is slow. Our guide to whether dracaena is an indoor plant has more detail. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Parlor palm and kentia palm
Soft arching fronds (see indoor palm tree care). Often suggested for lower light; parlor palm stays smaller, kentia can grow taller over time. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid sago palm, which is not a true palm and is highly toxic to pets.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
A leafy floor plant for lower to medium light. Some cultivars with silver or pink patterning want brighter light. Toxic if eaten.
Pothos or philodendron on a pole
Vines on a moss pole or trellis give a tall, upright shape; see best climbing plants indoors. Lower light means smaller, sparser growth. Both are toxic if chewed.
Weeping fig and variegated ficus
Sometimes recommended for north rooms, but ficus plants often drop leaves if the light is too weak or conditions change suddenly. If you try one, place it right at the glass, and avoid moving it around. Ficus sap can irritate skin, and fig plants are listed as toxic to pets.
Plants to avoid at a north-facing window
Fiddle leaf fig, bird of paradise, croton, large cacti and most succulents generally need brighter light. They may survive for a while but usually stretch, lose leaves and look sparse.
Placement tips for tall plants
- Get close to the glass. Light falls off quickly as you move away from a window.
- Raise the plant on a stand so the leaves catch more light.
- Use light surfaces. Pale walls and mirrors bounce more light onto the plant.
- Rotate regularly so the plant does not lean.
- Watch the cold. North windows are often the coolest in the house. Keep leaves from touching cold glass, and see plants near a cold window for winter advice.
- Water sparingly. Dim light plus a cool sill means slow-drying soil.
- Add a grow light in winter if growth stalls or leaves drop.
What grows well on the north side of a home?
Outdoors, shade plants such as ferns and hostas grow there. Indoors, the equivalent is shade-tolerant foliage plants as described above. This article is about indoor plants; garden choices depend heavily on your climate.
Related reading
If you want more options at the same exposure, see our guide to the best indoor plants for a north-west facing window. For plants in dimmer rooms in general, see tall houseplants that don’t need sun.
Common questions
What plants like north-facing shade?
Cast iron plants, snake plants, ZZ plants, peace lilies, pothos and philodendrons are the most commonly suggested indoor options.
Do tall plants grow tall in low light?
They tend to grow slowly, and may stay smaller than expected. Choose a mature plant at the size you want rather than expecting a small one to fill the space quickly.
Which of these are safest for pets and children?
Cast iron plant and parlor palm are generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Most of the others on this list are toxic if eaten. Keep them out of reach, and call your vet or poison control if a pet or child has chewed a plant.