Complete Gardening
West-facing windows can provide your plants with plenty of afternoon sunshine, creating a warm and inviting environment. If you’re wondering which plants can bask in this glow, there are numerous options to explore.
Certain plants thrive brilliantly in these conditions, making them perfect candidates for your home.
Adding plants to your west-facing windows can transform your space into a vibrant oasis. With the right selection, your green companions will not only survive but flourish in the afternoon light.
Discovering the perfect plants for these sunlit spots adds both beauty and vitality to your living spaces.
From flowering varieties to lush greenery, each plant unveils unique characteristics when exposed to the afternoon sun. As you explore these 17 plants, you’ll uncover how they can enhance the coziness and appeal of your home.
Dive in and see which plants align with your style and brighten up those sun-drenched windows.
17 Plants That Thrive with Afternoon Sun
1. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant, with its thick, succulent leaves, is a symbol of prosperity in many cultures. Its affinity for the afternoon sun makes it a prime candidate for your west-facing window.
The intense light encourages the development of its characteristic red-tipped leaves, adding a splash of color to your indoor garden.
2. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Delicate yet resilient, African violets are beloved for their vibrant blooms that can last throughout the year. They prefer bright, indirect light, which a west-facing window provides in abundance during the latter part of the day.
To keep them flourishing, ensure they’re shielded from the harshest rays by a sheer curtain.
3. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
With its broad, glossy leaves, the rubber plant is both imposing and elegant. It thrives in bright light conditions and can tolerate the occasional direct sun that comes through a west-facing window.
Regularly rotating the plant ensures even growth and prevents it from leaning toward the light.
4. Geranium (Pelargonium)
Geraniums aren’t just for outdoor gardens. Their vibrant flowers and aromatic leaves make them a delightful indoor companion.
‘They love the strong afternoon sun, which promotes abundant flowering. Just be sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is famed for its hardiness. It can tolerate a range of light conditions, but the bright light from a west-facing window can enhance its growth and coloration.
Plus, it’s an excellent air purifier, making your living space healthier.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is more than just a medicinal plant; it’s a statement piece. Its succulent leaves store water, allowing it to withstand the intense light and warmth of the western sun. Place it on the sill, and it will reward you with steady growth and possibly even flowers.
7. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
If you’re seeking a plant with bold, multicolored foliage, the croton is your go-to. Its leaves boast hues of yellow, red, orange, and green, which become more vibrant with ample sunlight.
The afternoon rays from your west-facing window will help maintain its dazzling display.
8. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the ponytail palm isn’t a true palm. It’s a succulent that stores water in its bulbous trunk. The bright light from the west encourages healthy leaf growth, resulting in the characteristic cascading leaves that resemble a ponytail.
9. Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants bring a tropical flair with their large, trumpet-shaped flowers. They crave sunlight and will bloom profusely when placed in a spot that receives several hours of direct light.
Your west-facing window offers the perfect conditions for this sun-loving plant.
10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
For a touch of classic greenery, the Boston fern is unparalleled. While it prefers indirect light, the west-facing window’s afternoon sun can be moderated with a light curtain. The resulting filtered light helps maintain its lush, feathery fronds.
11. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This intriguing succulent features spherical leaves that resemble a string of pearls. It thrives in bright light and can handle some direct sun, making it suitable for a west-facing window.
Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, adding a unique texture to your indoor garden.
12. Begonia
Begonias offer a diverse range of leaf shapes and colors, along with delicate flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light but can handle the gentle afternoon sun of a west-facing window if protected by a sheer curtain.
This positioning encourages vibrant foliage and blooms.
13. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Resilient and elegant, the ZZ plant is a testament to nature’s ability to thrive under diverse conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves reflect the afternoon light beautifully, making it a subtle yet striking addition to your west-facing window.
While it’s known for tolerating low light, exposing it to brighter, indirect sunlight can enhance its growth and sheen. Just be cautious of intense direct sun, which can scorch its leaves.
14. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are a genus of succulents that bring a burst of color with their clusters of tiny, vibrant flowers. They flourish in bright light and are quite content basking in the afternoon sun of a west-facing window.
The direct sunlight encourages more prolific blooming, turning your window into a lively display of reds, pinks, yellows, or oranges. Their fleshy leaves store water, so they require minimal watering—making them both beautiful and low-maintenance.
15. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
With its feathery fronds and prehistoric lineage, the sago palm adds a touch of the exotic to any indoor space. Despite being slow-growing, it appreciates bright, indirect light and can handle some direct sun, making a west-facing window an ideal spot.
The afternoon light helps maintain its rich, deep green color. Remember, though, that all parts of the sago palm are toxic if ingested, so it’s best kept out of reach of pets and children.
16. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The umbrella tree earns its name from the charming, umbrella-like arrangement of its glossy leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to the brighter conditions of a west-facing window if shielded from the most intense sun.
A sheer curtain can provide the necessary filtration. This plant grows vigorously, so regular pruning keeps it lush and prevents it from becoming leggy.
17. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
For a dramatic statement, the bird of paradise is unparalleled. Its large, banana-like leaves and striking flowers—which resemble a bird in flight—make it a focal point in any room.
This plant craves abundant sunlight, including several hours of direct sun, to produce its iconic blooms. Positioning it near a west-facing window ensures it gets the intense light necessary for flowering, turning your space into a tropical oasis.
Caring for Your West-Facing Window Plants
While these plants are suited to the conditions of a west-facing window, it’s essential to monitor them for signs of stress. Here are some general tips:
- Shield Sensitive Plants: Use sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse intense sunlight during peak hours.
- Rotate Regularly: This ensures even growth and prevents plants from leaning towards the light source.
- Water Wisely: The warmth can cause soil to dry out faster. Check soil moisture frequently but avoid overwatering.
- Watch for Sunburn: Brown or white patches on leaves may indicate sunburn. If observed, move the plant slightly away from the window.
Embracing the Western Glow
In the end, a west-facing window is more than a mere architectural feature; it’s a gateway to the daily grandeur of sunsets and the perfect stage for a curated collection of plants that thrive under the afternoon sun.
By selecting species that align with this unique light profile, you not only ensure their health but also enhance your living space with natural beauty.
So, arrange your jade plants and aloe veras, let the hibiscus unfurl its vibrant blooms, and allow yourself to be drawn into the quiet spectacle of each day’s end. In doing so, you participate in a timeless dialogue between light and life, all from the comfort of your home.