Which window for which plant?
Light is the single biggest thing that decides whether a houseplant thrives or slowly fades, and it comes down to two things: which way your window faces, and how far the plant sits from the glass. Here is what each aspect gives you and which plants suit it.
📏 First, the distance rule
Light falls off far faster than it looks. A plant on the windowsill can get many times more light than the same plant two metres back, even in the same room. As a rule of thumb: on the sill is bright, a metre back is medium, and across the room from the window is low light - whatever direction it faces. Move a struggling plant closer to the glass before you blame anything else.
North-facing
Low, cool, indirect - no direct sunA north window gets steady, gentle light and never any direct sun. It is the dimmest aspect, so it suits shade-tolerant foliage rather than anything that wants to bask.
Best for: Shade-tolerant foliage and ferns that would scorch elsewhere.
Watch out: Growth is slower and watering less frequent here. Keep sun-lovers well away.
East-facing
Bright, with soft morning sunAn east window gives a few hours of gentle morning sun and bright, indirect light the rest of the day. It is the easiest, most forgiving aspect and the happy place for the majority of houseplants.
Best for: Most foliage houseplants, which love bright, indirect light without harsh heat.
Watch out: Almost nothing to watch for - this is the sweet spot for the widest range of plants.
West-facing
Bright, with strong afternoon sunA west window is bright all day and gets hot, direct afternoon sun. Right on the sill it suits sun-tolerant plants; a metre back, most foliage plants are comfortable in the bright indirect light.
Best for: Bright-light foliage set back a little, and sun-tolerant plants on the sill.
Watch out: Afternoon sun can scorch tender leaves - acclimate plants gradually and pull delicate ones back from the glass.
South-facing
The brightest - long, direct sunA south window is the brightest spot in the home and gets the most direct sun. It is perfect for sun-worshippers on the sill, but shade-lovers need to sit well back or behind a sheer curtain or they will burn.
Best for: Cacti, succulents and other sun-lovers right in the window.
Watch out: Direct midday sun scorches shade plants fast. Use a sheer curtain, or keep sensitive foliage a good distance back.
These aspects are for the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, swap north and south: it is the north-facing window that gets the brightest, most direct sun.
Not sure how bright your spot really is? Try the light checker, browse plants that suit low light in the low-light collection, or match any plant to your space with the plant finder.