A northwest-facing window offers a unique light situation: bright, indirect light for much of the day, with a few hours of gentle late-afternoon sun in summer. This makes it a fantastic spot for many popular houseplants that would scorch in a south or west window. The key is choosing plants that thrive in medium to bright indirect light and can handle slightly lower light in winter. This guide will walk you through selecting, placing, and caring for plants in this specific exposure.
What You’ll Need
- Plants suited to medium or bright indirect light (see steps below for suggestions)
- Pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix (a general indoor mix works for most)
- Watering can or vessel
- Optional: moisture meter or your finger for testing soil
- Optional: sheer curtain if you want to filter the harshest summer afternoon sun
Step-by-Step
- Assess your light. Stand at the window at different times of day. In summer, you’ll likely get direct sun in the late afternoon (roughly from mid-afternoon to early evening). In winter, the sun is lower and weaker, so light will be dimmer. Most of the day, the light will be bright but indirect—this is what most houseplants prefer.
- Choose the right plants. Opt for species that tolerate or prefer medium to bright indirect light. Good choices include: pothos (Epipremnum aureum), philodendron (heartleaf or other vining types), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria), ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema), and many ferns like the Boston fern. Avoid cacti and most succulents, which need several hours of direct sun and will stretch or fade here.
- Place plants thoughtfully. Put plants that need the most light closest to the glass, but not touching it (to avoid cold drafts in winter or leaf scorch in summer). For the late-afternoon sun, you can place sun-tolerant plants like a jade plant or a crown of thorns right in the path, but most foliage plants should be set slightly to the side or behind a sheer curtain to avoid leaf burn.
- Rotate regularly. Because the light comes from one direction, plants will lean toward the window. Give each pot a quarter turn every time you water to encourage even growth and prevent lopsided shapes.
- Water appropriately. Check the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. In lower winter light, plants will need less frequent watering—maybe every couple of weeks, depending on the plant and room temperature. In summer, they may need water once a week or more.
- Monitor humidity. Northwest windows often have average household humidity, which is fine for many plants. But if you notice brown leaf tips (especially on ferns or peace lilies), increase humidity with a pebble tray, a small humidifier, or group plants together.
- Adjust for seasons. In winter, when light is weaker, move light-loving plants closer to the window, and consider a grow light if you want to keep them thriving. In summer, you may need to pull them back or add a sheer curtain to soften the afternoon sun.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing sun-loving plants. Putting a succulent or cactus in a northwest window will lead to etiolation (stretching) and pale, weak growth.
- Overwatering. Lower light means slower water uptake. Many people water on a fixed schedule, which leads to root rot. Always check the soil first.
- Leaving plants in the path of summer afternoon sun. Even a few hours of direct sun can scorch the leaves of a peace lily or a fern. Watch for brown, crispy patches.
- Ignoring dust. Dust on leaves blocks light. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep photosynthesis efficient.
Tips
- Use a moisture meter if you’re unsure about watering—it takes the guesswork out.
- Group plants with similar light and water needs together to simplify care.
- In winter, keep plants away from cold drafts from the window itself; a gap of a few inches helps.
- Consider trailing plants like pothos or philodendron on a shelf or hanging basket—they’ll thrive in this light and add visual interest.
- If you want flowers, try a peace lily or a flowering begonia, but be prepared for fewer blooms in lower light.
Troubleshooting
Leaves turning yellow: Usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and ensure the pot has good drainage.
Leaves with brown, crispy edges: Could be underwatering, low humidity, or sun scorch. Check the soil—if it’s bone dry, water more often. If the plant is in direct afternoon sun, move it back or use a sheer curtain. If humidity is low, add a pebble tray.
Leggy, stretched growth: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it closer to the window, or supplement with a grow light.
Pale or faded leaves: Too much direct sun for that species. Move it out of the afternoon sun path.
Drooping leaves: Check the soil. If it’s dry, water; if it’s wet, you may have root rot—repot in fresh, dry soil and reduce watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow herbs in a northwest window? Most herbs need at least six hours of direct sun, so a northwest window is usually insufficient. You might get away with growing mint or parsley, but they’ll be slower and less vigorous. A grow light can help.
How often should I water plants in a northwest window? There’s no fixed schedule—it depends on the plant, pot size, and season. Check the top inch of soil; water when it feels dry. In winter, that might be every two weeks; in summer, weekly or more.
Will a northwest window be too dark for a fiddle leaf fig? Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate a northwest window, but they may grow slower and drop leaves if the light is too weak. Place it right next to the glass and consider a grow light if you notice leaf drop.
What’s the difference between a north and northwest window for plants? A north window gets only indirect light all day, with no direct sun at all. A northwest window gets the same indirect light for most of the day, but also receives a few hours of direct sun in the late afternoon during summer. That makes it slightly brighter and allows for a few more sun-tolerant plants.
Can I put a monstera in a northwest window? Yes, a monstera (Monstera deliciosa) can thrive in a northwest window, especially if it’s close to the glass. It will grow well with the bright indirect light, but you may need to rotate it regularly to keep it even.
Do I need a grow light for a northwest window? Not necessarily, but it can help in winter when natural light is weaker. A simple grow light can supplement for light-loving plants like succulents or if you want to encourage flowering.