Sunlight is an important factor to consider when you are buying new houseplants. Your plants will not grow as well as they should if you are not providing them with the light they need. Some plants do great in low-light conditions, far away from a window, while others need bright indirect sunlight for six hours or more each day. Before you buy another houseplant for your collection, you should research its growing requirements to make sure that you have the right conditions for it in your home. This doesnt end with sunlight either. Your house should support its size, humidity, and temperature requirements as well.
West-facing windows support a variety of plant life from sun-loving succulents to bushy shrubs. When placed here, plants can receive bright light that is either direct or indirect to encourage their growth. A west-facing window will receive a little light in the early morning, and hot, intense sunlight in the afternoon and evening. If your plants need bright indirect light, you should consider hanging a sheer curtain in front of your window, as suggested by Martha Stewart. If you are having trouble deciding which plant to buy for your window sill, keep reading to learn about 15 different plants that do well in west-facing windows.
Aloe vera plants (Aloe barbadensis) not only perform well as houseplants, but they also come in handy for minor burns and sunburns, and their gel can be used in your beauty routine. The University of Florida describes the aloe plant as a hardy succulent that features long spiny leaves growing upward. These plants enjoy bright light from a window but can be burned by harsh direct sunshine.
Yucca trees (Yucca gigantea) are commonly grown as medium-sized houseplants. They are known as upright succulent shrubs that produce upright blue-green leaves, as per RHS. Keep in mind that the yucca trees roots are poisonous to cats and dogs, so they should be kept far away from this plant.
Kalanchoe flowers (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) bloom in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white, as told by Clemson Cooperative Extension. This plant is often kept indoors in a bright, west-facing window for its glossy foliage and clusters of bright flowers. To help Kalanchoe blossoms do their best, make sure the plant receives cool air during the night.
The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is a popular houseplant that enjoys well-drained soil and bright indirect light, says Penn State Extension. This succulent is known for its low-maintenance nature. It is drought-tolerant and neglect-tolerant. The worst thing you can do for the plant is giving it too much love.
Ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa) are broadleaf evergreen shrubs native to eastern Asia. They require warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent watering to survive. According to Missouri Botanical Garden, when grown indoors, this plant can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its pink and green sword-like leaves will brighten up any room.
Hey plant lovers! I’ve been experimenting with different hanging plants in my west-facing windows for years, and I’m super excited to share what I’ve learned. West windows are actually pretty awesome for plants – they get that perfect balance of bright indirect light in the morning and some warm afternoon sun. Let me walk you through my top picks that have absolutely flourished in these conditions!
Why West Facing Windows Are Great for Hanging Plants
Before diving into specific plants. here’s why west-facing windows are such a sweet spot
- 4-6 hours of direct sunlight (usually in the afternoon)
- Bright indirect light during morning hours
- Warmer than east windows but not as intense as south-facing ones
- Perfect balance for many trailing and hanging plants
Top 10 Hanging Plants for West Facing Windows
1. String of Pearls
This little beauty has been my absolute favorite! With those cute ball-shaped leaves that look like actual pearls, it’s a real conversation starter. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Needs 6-8 hours of bright light daily
- Afternoon warmth brings out amazing coloring
- Perfect for hanging baskets
- Let soil dry between waterings
2. Burro’s Tail
Y’all, this succulent is seriously impressive when it gets going! The stems get super heavy with plump leaves, creating this gorgeous braided tail effect.
Care Tips:
- Loves bright indirect light
- Can handle some direct afternoon sun
- Don’t overwater – wait till soil’s dry
- Perfect for showing off in macrame hangers
3. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These are like the rebels of the plant world – no soil needed! I’ve got mine hanging in little glass terrariums and they look amazing
Requirements:
- Need good air circulation
- Mist regularly or soak weekly
- Avoid harsh direct sunlight
- Do well with filtered west window light
4. Peperomia
With over 1000 species to choose from, these compact cuties are perfect for smaller spaces. My favs are:
- P. caperata (Emerald Ripple)
- P. scandens (Vining Peperomia)
Growing Tips:
- Keep soil slightly moist
- Moderate humidity
- Bright indirect light
- Easy to propagate
5. Heartleaf Philodendron
This is probably the easiest plant I’ve ever grown! The heart-shaped leaves emerge in this gorgeous bronzy-red color that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
Care Guide:
- Fast-growing
- Trails beautifully
- Likes even moisture
- Perfect for beginners
6. English Ivy
Ok, this one’s a classic for good reason! Mine has created this amazing green curtain effect:
What Makes It Great:
- Adaptable to different light levels
- Quick growing
- Available in variegated varieties
- Can be trained upward too
7. Grape Ivy
This one’s been super reliable for me, especially in lower humidity conditions:
Why I Love It:
- Dense, lush growth
- Deep green pointed leaves
- More drought-tolerant than English ivy
- Perfect behind sheer curtains
8. Pothos Varieties
These are my go-to plants when I want something foolproof! Best varieties for west windows:
- Marble Queen
- Neon
- N’joy
- Manjula
9. Tradescantia
These colorful trailing plants have been thriving in my west window:
Best Features:
- Pink-toned leaves
- Easy to propagate
- Compact growth
- Multiple variety options
10. Hoya Compacta
This slow-growing beauty (aka Hindu Rope Plant) is perfect if you’re patient:
Why It Works:
- Minimal watering needs
- Twisted leaves add interest
- Red leaf edges in good light
- Perfect for small spaces
Pro Tips for Success
After killing my fair share of plants (oops!), here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Monitor Light Intensity
- Use sheer curtains if afternoon sun is too strong
- Watch for leaf scorching
- Adjust plant distance from window seasonally
-
Watering Adjustments
- Check soil more frequently in summer
- Reduce watering in winter
- Use well-draining potting mix
-
Temperature Management
- Keep plants away from drafts
- Move sensitive plants back from window in extreme weather
- Monitor humidity levels
Final Thoughts
West-facing windows are honestly a plant paradise if you choose the right varieties! I’ve had the most success with plants that enjoy bright indirect light but can handle some afternoon sun. The key is watching how your plants respond and making adjustments as needed.
Remember, every window is slightly different depending on outside obstacles, climate, and season. Don’t be afraid to experiment and move your plants around until you find their happy spot!
What’s your experience with hanging plants in west-facing windows? I’d love to hear about your successes (and failures – we all have them!) in the comments below!
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia reginae) are frequently seen growing outdoors in warmer states such as Florida and Hawaii. As noted by The Sill, this evergreen perennial is known for its multicolored flowers that resemble birds heads. Even when the plant is not in bloom, it is still loved for its wide gray-green foliage.
Bloom Season: Late winter to early spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Bright direct and indirect light
Soil Type: Well-drained potting mix
Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is well-known for the sweet, floral scent given off by its small, white flowers. The semi-vining shrub, as described by Clemson Cooperative Extension, is great for growing indoors as just one plant can make a room smell wonderful. You can grow jasmine in front of a west-facing window in a flower pot or a hanging basket.
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
USDA Growing Zone: 7 to 10
Growing Conditions: Bright direct and indirect light
Soil Type: Well-drained potting mix
Size: Up to 15 feet tall, much smaller container-grown
The burros tail succulent (Sedum morganianum) does well in a hanging basket that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, as said by Mountain Crest Gardens. This plant is characterized by thick, trailing stems that are packed with short, round leaves. Typically, the burros tail succulent is resistant to drought and neglect as long as it is planted in well-draining potting soil.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 11
Growing Conditions: Bright indirect light
Soil Type: Well-drained potting mix
Size: 3 feet long stems
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. Its long, hair-like foliage makes it a unique specimen that can be kept in a bright room. It survives without much humidity or water as it stores all it needs in its thick trunk. As warned by North Carolina State Extension, the ponytail palm is susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
Bloom Season: Spring and summer
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 11
Growing Conditions: Bright direct light
Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix
Size: Less than 4 feet tall when container-grown
22 Best Indoor Plants for West Facing Windows | Indoor Plants for West Window | Plant and Planting
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