If you’re lucky enough to live in a home that’s flooded with lots of natural light throughout the day, you have the ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of indoor plants. Most houseplants thrive in moderate to bright light, as long as there is no risk of scorched foliage or overheating. The best-lit spots in the home are usually on or near windowsills that receive several hours of sunlight daily, even if it’s only early morning or late afternoon sun. However, most of the plants profiled here will need some protection from strong midday sun in summer.
Having the right amount of sunlight is crucial for indoor plants to thrive. While some houseplants do well in low or moderate light conditions, others require several hours of direct sun each day to grow properly and produce flowers or fruit. Knowing which species need full sun positions will ensure your indoor garden is both visually pleasing and healthy.
Why Direct Sunlight is Essential for Some Indoor Plants
Plants use sunlight to power photosynthesis – the process that converts water and carbon dioxide into energy and oxygen. Without adequate sunlight plants are unable to photosynthesize properly, resulting in poor growth and decline.
The amount of direct sun a plant needs depends on the conditions in its native habitat. Species from tropical forests are adapted to bright, diffused light under the tree canopy. Meanwhile succulents and cacti thrive in the intense sun of deserts or alpine regions. Provide indoor plants with similar light levels to mimic their natural environment.
Signs Your Indoor Plants Need More Sunlight
It can be tricky to know if your houseplants need more direct sun But there are a few key signs to look out for
- Leggy growth with sparse leaves
- Pale leaves or new growth
- Leaves dropping easily
- Flowering reduced or stopped completely
- Slow growth
If you notice any of these, try moving your plant to a sunnier spot. Introduce it slowly over 7-10 days to avoid leaf scorch.
Ideal Indoor Plants for Direct Sunlight
Here are some of the best indoor plants that not only tolerate but thrive with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily:
Succulents
Succulents store water in their thick leaves, stems or bulbous bases. This makes them perfectly adapted to high light and dry conditions. Popular sun-loving succulents include:
- Jade plant
- Aloe vera
- Echeveria
- Kalanchoe
- Hens and chicks
- Burro’s tail
Position these in a bright southern window where they’ll get sun for much of the day.
Cacti
It’s no surprise cacti do perfectly in direct sunlight. Some great choices are:
- Moon cactus
- Golden barrel cactus
- Coral cactus
For the healthiest growth, provide at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. An eastern exposure will give cacti morning sun without intense afternoon rays.
Citrus Trees
Dwarf citrus trees make excellent indoor plants for bright spots. They’ll need at least 8-10 hours of sun daily to flower and fruit well. Try:
- Calamondin orange
- Meyer lemon
- Key lime
- Kumquat
Palm Trees
Palms add an exotic, tropical look to indoor spaces. Slow-growing varieties that need lots of light include:
- Lady palm
- Parlor palm
- Ponytail palm
Other Sun-Worshippers
And don’t forget these other delightful sun-lovers:
- Croton – for colorful leaves
- Hibiscus – for big, tropical blooms
- Pepperomia – for tiny, unique foliage
- Yucca – for structural height
With a sunny window and the right plant choice, you can create a miniature indoor oasis. Pay attention to your plant’s needs, and it will reward you with vigorous growth.
6 Tips for Caring for Sun-Loving Houseplants
Follow these tips to keep your direct sunlight houseplants healthy:
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Acclimate new plants slowly over 7-10 days to prevent leaf scorch.
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Use curtains or blinds to control intense afternoon sun in summer.
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Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to suit desert-dwellers like cacti and succulents.
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Mist plants regularly to boost humidity around tropicals like hibiscus.
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Turn the plants occasionally so all sides get even light exposure.
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Wipe dust off leaves every couple of weeks to maximize light absorption.
With the right care, indoor plants that need sun will reward you with vigorous growth and stunning displays of flowers or foliage. Pay attention to your plant’s needs, and it will thrive indoors.
INDOOR PLANTS FOR BRIGHT LIGHT
Mythic™ Ninja jewel alocasia. Photo by Proven Winners.
ALOCASIA (Alocasia hybrids)
Size: 2 to 6 feet tall and wide, depending on variety Water: Water regularly during the growing season (spring through fall) to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy; less frequently during winter. Fertilize: Feed with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer one to two times per month during spring and summer.
Given the right conditions, these lush and leafy tropical plants can thrive indoors in well-lit areas, making them a bold focal point of any sunny room. In addition to bright light, alocasias also require a humid environment, so keep plants well-hydrated by using a humidifier or misting the leaves regularly. Learn more about growing Alocasia.
Beautifall® Summer Nights™ pothos. Photo by Proven Winners.
POTHOS (Epipremnum aureum)
Size: Vines 6 to 10 feet long Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Fertilize: Light feeder; use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 1 to 3 months when plant is actively growing.
One of the easiest houseplants to grow, this popular tropical vine comes in a variety of foliage colors and patterns and will tolerate both low and medium light conditions. Can be trimmed and kept compact, allowed to trail from hanging baskets, or trained up vertical supports. Learn more about growing pothos.
Prismacolor™ Florida Green philodendron. Photo by Proven Winners.
PHILODENDRON (Philodendron spp.)
Size: Vines to 8 feet long Water: Prefers evenly moist soil, but not soggy. Water if top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize: Apply a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer from spring through fall.
Another very easy-to-grow houseplant, similar to pothos. Tolerates low light, but will grow faster in medium to bright light. Foliage comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Philodendrons can also be grown outdoors in mild climates. Learn more about growing philodenron plants.
Bambino dwarf fiddle leaf fig. Photo by Stephanie Frey / Shutterstock.
FIDDLE-LEAF FIG (Ficus lyrata)
Size: Up to 10 feet tall Water: From spring to fall, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, more sparingly in winter. Fertilize: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer that includes micronutrients monthly from spring through fall. Dont feed during winter months.
Fiddle-leaf figs instantly give any room a jungle-like vibe. They grow very slowly, but can eventually reach the ceiling. With a reputation for being finicky, this cold-sensitive rainforest native needs just the right conditions to thrive indoors and will not tolerate cold drafts. Prefers some direct sunlight from an east- or west-facing window. Learn more about how to grow fiddle-leaf figs.
Chroma® Chloe rubber plant. Photo by Proven Winners.
RUBBER PLANT (Ficus elastica)
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall when grown indoors Water: Allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry out before watering, and never allow to sit in standing water. Fertilize: Apply half-strength houseplant fertilizer once a month while the plant is actively growing.
Prized for its large, glossy leaves, which are often suffused with shades of red or purple, rubber plant exhibits the best leaf color when grown in the bright light of an east- or west-facing window. Like fiddle-leaf fig, this jungle native is sensitive to the cold, so avoid room temperatures below 65° F. Learn more about how to grow rubber plants.
Autograph tree. Photo by jpja1472 / Shutterstock.
AUTOGRAPH TREE (Clusia rosea)
Size: Rarely taller than 3 to 4 feet indoors Water: Keep soil lightly moist, not soggy. Fertilize: Feed once a month with a water-soluble plant fertilizer diluted to half strength in the growing season; withhold fertilizer in winter.
If youve never heard of it, Clusia rosea is a trendy, easy-to-care-for houseplant with beautiful leathery leaves that you can actually carve your name into. Autograph tree plants prefer medium-to-bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Learn more about how to grow autograph tree plants.
Chandelier™ Celebrate™ Chinese fig. Photo by Proven Winners.
CHINESE FIG (Ficus microcarpa)
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall Water: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Fertilize: When plant is actively growing, feed once a month with houseplant fertilizer at half-strength.
A delightful houseplant with an upright, tree-like demeanor, smooth, shiny, medium green leaves, and is excellent for bonsai sculpting.
Feeling Flirty™ purple tradescantia. Photo by Proven Winners.
TRADESCANTIA (Tradescantia spp.)
Size: 2 to 4 inches tall, trails to 3 feet Water: Tradescantias prefer moist soil; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize: Use a balanced liquide fertilizer monthly for houseplants.
Also known as spiderwort, this easy-to-grow vine features colorful striped foliage and a trailing habit, making a pretty display when allowed to spill from a hanging pot or basket. Will tolerate a range of light conditions from medium light to full sun. However, insufficient light will result in spindly plants that are not as full. Learn more about growing Tradescantia.
High-light plants for bright spaces.
These plants enjoy basking in the sun in bright, airy, south- or west-facing rooms.
Photo by Aquarius Studio / Shutterstock.
SNAKE PLANT (Sansevieria spp.)
Size: 6 to 20 inches tall Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry completely before watering. Snake plants store water, so its almost impossible to underwater them. Fertilize: Not necessary, but an occasional dose of all-purpose houseplant food during the spring and summer will encourage more vigorous growth.
Also called mother-in-laws tongue, this hardy houseplant is almost impossible to kill. Although it prefers bright light, it will also persevere through dim lighting, temperature fluctuations, and lapses in watering. Learn more about growing snake plants.
Photo by Vellicos / Shutterstock.
JADE PLANT (Crassula ovata)
Size: Dwarf varieties, 12 to 18 inches tall Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and water only sparingly in the winter months. Too much moisture can cause stem and root rot. Fertilize: Only occasionally with a diluted liquid fertilizer from spring through early fall.
Jade plant can live for decades and is easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings. When grown in direct sunlight, the fleshy leaves of this treelike succulent will often become tinged in red. Learn more about how to grow jade plants.
Photo by Karl Gercens / Millette Photomedia.
SPIDER PLANT (Chlorophytum comosum)
Size: 6 to 8 inches tall, with cascading runners Water: Water generously when the soil feels dry; more sparingly in winter. Fertilize: Monthly during the active growing season, early spring to late autumn.
One of the easiest plants to propagate. Simply cut the baby spiders from their runners and place in moist potting soil. You can also stick them in a glass of water for a week or so until roots form and then pot in fresh soil. Learn more about how to grow spider plants.
Photo by Moskwa / Shutterstock.
KALANCHOE (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Size: Up to 12 inches tall Water: Water every week or so when the soil feels dry. Fertilize: Once or twice a year, in early spring and late autumn. Plants in bloom do not need fertilizing.
Kalanchoes are popular succulents grown for both their flowers and foliage. When in bloom, their flowers can last for several weeks. To encourage reblooming, pinch off spent flowers and give the plant a rest period with no fertilizing and minimal watering. After a month or so, new buds should begin to form.
Photo by elegeyda / Shutterstock.
HAWORTHIA (Haworthia spp.)
Size: 3 to 5 inches tall Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Fertilize: Infrequently, with a slow-release product.
Ideal for narrow windowsills, this slow-growing succulent remains neat and compact. In summer, creamy white flowers bloom on long stems. Haworthias need almost no care and rarely need repotting.
Photo by Olga Miltsova / Shutterstock.
ALOE VERA (Aloe vera)
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall Water: Water deeply, but not too often, allowing the soil to dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches between watering. Fertilize: Aloes generally dont require fertilizing.
Although traditionally grown for their fleshy foliage, aloe vera plants may bloom if they get enough light. To encourage flowering, place your plant in the bright light of a south-facing window or move it outdoors once temperatures warm up in summer. Aloes grown in low light often become leggy. Learn more about how to grow aloe plants.
HouseplantsDiscover the right indoor plants for your home.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a home that’s flooded with lots of natural light throughout the day, you have the ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of indoor plants. Most houseplants thrive in moderate to bright light, as long as there is no risk of scorched foliage or overheating. The best-lit spots in the home are usually on or near windowsills that receive several hours of sunlight daily, even if it’s only early morning or late afternoon sun. However, most of the plants profiled here will need some protection from strong midday sun in summer.
On this page:
Houseplants That Thrive In Harsh Sunlight (South, West Facing Windows)
FAQ
What is the best indoor plant for direct sunlight?
- Cycads. Make use of these lush palm plants during the summer months.
- Aloe vera. Great for kitchens, aloe vera is a useful burn remedy.
- Kalanchoe. With their bright flowers in a range of colours, kalanchoes are one of the showiest succulents.
- Flamingo flowers. …
- Fig trees.
What plants can withstand direct sunlight?
- Zinnias. …
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) …
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia species) …
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) …
- Cosmos. …
- 6. “ …
- Egyptian Star Cluster (Pentas lanceolata) …
- Lantanas.
What potted plants are good in direct sunlight?
Sago Palms, Crotons, Snake Plants, Coleus, ZZ Plants, and Fiddle Leaf Figs will handle sunny conditions pretty well.
What indoor plants don’t need natural light?
Some of the most popular, timeless houseplants that will survive in low light include the snake plant, spider plant, ZZ plant and Monstera deliciosa. These shade tolerant houseplants are easy to care for.
Which houseplants thrive in direct sunlight?
One of the first plants on this list that thrives in direct sunlight is the Snake Plant, also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue. It belongs to the Asparagus family and is native to tropical forests in Africa and Madagascar, and can also be found in southern Asia.
What is a perfect houseplant for direct sunlight with bold colors?
If you’re looking for a boldly colored houseplant with an exotic look, a Croton is perfect for your space. These houseplants for direct sunlight won’t just survive the sunshine but will thrive and look their best. Choosing indoor plants that suit the lighting in your home is an important first step to helping your plants thrive.
Which indoor plants can tolerate direct sunlight?
While many indoor plants struggle with direct sun, here are 12 indoor plants that thrive in it: Bright rooms and sunny windows seem perfect for indoor plants, but not all can tolerate direct sun. Many houseplants will experience leaf scorch or wilt and die when exposed to full sun, especially during the summer months.
Do houseplants need direct sunlight?
While some houseplants tolerate direct sunlight, it’s not recommended to leave them in it for the entire day. The best hours to expose the plant to direct light are when the sunlight isn’t so intense, such as in the morning or late afternoon. At noon, it’s best to move the plant to a more shaded spot.
Which indoor plants thrive in full sun?
Areca palm is one of two palms on this list of indoor plants that like direct sunlight. It has long, wide leaves and is one of the most popular full sun indoor plants.
Do tropical houseplants need a lot of sunlight?
Unfortunately, the practice of bringing home any plant and throwing it on the shelf to fend for itself doesn’t always work so well. Most tropical houseplants prefer a spot with bright indirect light throughout the day. But many species also require a few (or several) hours of direct sunlight per day to stay alive.