So, you have a west-facing window and wonder what plants would thrive there? Well, you’re in luck! West-facing windows get the best of both worlds—bright light and direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon. However, that intense afternoon sunlight can be a bit harsh for some plants, so choosing the right ones is essential.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best plants for west-facing windows, how to care for them, and a few fun facts that will make you sound like a plant pro. Plus, I’ll throw in some decorative tips so your indoor garden will survive and thrive.
Best Plants for West-Facing Window
1. Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise is a showstopper with its large, tropical leaves and striking blooms. This plant loves the direct sunlight from your west window and enjoys all the bright light it can get. With a little patience, this beauty can grow up to 6 feet tall, adding a lush, exotic vibe to your home.
Tip: Place it in a bright spot, but make sure the afternoon sun isn’t scorching its leaves. If necessary, use sheer curtains to filter the light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not Enough Light: While Bird of Paradise can tolerate some indirect light, it thrives in direct sunlight. Without enough light, the plant won’t flower.
- Overwatering: Let the soil dry out between watering sessions. This plant prefers a dry spell rather than being soggy all the time.
2. Yucca
If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, the Yucca plant is perfect for your west-facing windowsill. This sturdy plant enjoys direct sunlight and can tolerate a bit of neglect. Plus, its sword-like leaves add a modern architectural element to your space.
Decorative Tip: Pair your Yucca with a minimalist pot to let its striking foliage be the star.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Underwatering: While the Yucca is drought-tolerant, completely neglecting it can cause it to dry out too much.
- Placing in Low Light: Yuccas love bright light, and west-facing rooms offer the best conditions. Keep it away from low-light areas, or it may stop growing.
3. Jasmine
Who doesn’t love the scent of Jasmine? As one of the most beloved flowering plants, it loves bright indirect light but can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight. A west-facing window gives it just what it needs to bloom and fill your home with that sweet, intoxicating fragrance.
Fun Fact: Jasmine’s blooms tend to open up more in the evening, making it a perfect plant for your west-facing room if you want a relaxing evening scent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Too Much Direct Sun: Jasmine likes some direct sunlight, but too much intense afternoon sun from a west-facing window can burn its leaves.
- Poor Air Circulation: Jasmine thrives in well-ventilated spaces. Keep it in a room with good airflow to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
4. Aloe Vera
This popular houseplant thrives on neglect and bright direct sunlight, making it ideal for a west window. Aloe vera doesn’t just look good—it also has healing properties. Break off a leaf and use the gel to soothe burns or skin irritations.
A Common Mistake to Avoid is overwatering. Aloe vera loves dry conditions, so make sure its soil dries out between waterings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overwatering: Aloe vera hates being overwatered and needs well-drained soil. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
- Lack of Sunlight: Aloe can tolerate indirect sunlight but thrives in direct light. Place it close to the west-facing window to soak up the sun.
5. Ponytail Palm
Don’t let the name fool you—this plant isn’t a palm, but it adds a fun, tropical touch! With its trailing plant look, it loves a west-facing windowsill that can soak up all the afternoon sunlight. Just be sure to give it a lot of room to grow.
Tip: This plant thrives in bright, direct light, so your west-facing window will give it the perfect light source for new growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overwatering: Like aloe vera, the Ponytail Palm is a drought-tolerant plant. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Lack of Sun: Ponytail Palms love a lot of light. Their growth will slow down significantly if they aren’t placed in bright, direct sunlight.
6. Kalanchoe
A succulent at heart, Kalanchoe enjoys bright indirect light but will thrive in full sun too. It’s a flowering plant, often producing colorful blooms, making it a favorite for plant lovers.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Kalanchoe can bloom in winter? This makes it perfect for adding color to your space during the colder months when other plants aren’t as active.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Too Much Water: As a succulent, Kalanchoe needs very little water. Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes—wait for the soil to be arid before watering.
- Placing in Low Light: Kalanchoe needs bright light to bloom. In low light conditions, the plant may survive but won’t produce flowers.
7. String of Pearls
If you’re a fan of hanging plants, String of Pearls is a fantastic option. This trailing plant loves bright direct light but does well in indirect sunlight, making it versatile for a west-facing window. Its cascading green pearls add an elegant, whimsical look to any room.
Tip: Be mindful of high humidity levels, as String of Pearls prefers drier air.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overwatering: Like many succulents, String of Pearls doesn’t like being overwatered. Make sure the soil dries out between watering sessions.
- Too Little Light: Inadequate sunlight will cause the pearls to lose their plumpness and vibrant green color. Ensure they get plenty of bright light.
8. Burro’s Tail
Another succulent for the win! Burro’s Tail is a trailing plant with thick, waxy leaves that store water, making it a drought-resistant beauty. It thrives in full sun, so a west-facing window will give it exactly what it needs.
Plant Care: Let the soil dry out before watering, especially during the summer months when sunlight is intense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Rough Handling: Burro’s Tail is delicate, and its leaves can fall off easily if handled roughly. Avoid moving it around too much.
- Overwatering: Burro’s Tail doesn’t need frequent watering as with other succulents. Let the soil dry out completely before giving it a drink.
9. Snake Plant
The trusty Snake Plant is almost indestructible, which is why it’s a must-have for any plant parent. It tolerates bright light, low light, and just about everything in between. Place it in your west-facing room, and let it work its magic purifying the air.
Tip: You can also grow this plant in rooms with low light conditions, but it will grow faster with more sun!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overwatering: Snake Plants are incredibly low-maintenance, and too much water is their biggest enemy. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Placing in Deep Shade: While Snake Plants can tolerate low light, they thrive in brighter conditions. If placed in too much shade, they may not grow as vigorously.
10. Ti Plant
Ti Plants are colorful, with their vibrant pink, purple, and red foliage. They thrive in bright light but can handle a few hours of direct sunlight. With a west-facing window, these houseplants grow quickly, giving you bursts of color throughout the year.
Decorative Tip: Use Ti Plants as a focal point in your space, especially near west-facing windows where their colorful foliage can truly shine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Lack of Light: Ti Plants need a lot of light to maintain their vibrant color. In low light conditions, the foliage can become dull.
- Underwatering: Ti Plants need consistently moist soil, so don’t let it dry completely between watering. Keep the soil slightly damp.
Conclusion
When it comes to growing plants in a west-facing window, the key is balance. These plants love light, but too much direct sunlight can sometimes be a bit too intense. Choose plants that thrive in bright, direct light like Bird of Paradise, Aloe Vera, or Burro’s Tail, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flowering plants like Jasmine for an added touch of beauty and fragrance.
To maximize your west-facing windows, consider using sheer curtains or blinds to filter the intense afternoon sun. These treatments will help protect your plants from getting scorched while providing enough light to thrive. You might not need much covering for plants like Aloe Vera and Burro’s Tail, which can handle full sun.
