What to Expect from a North-Facing Window
In the Northern Hemisphere, north-facing windows are the least sunny of all four orientations. The sun tracks across the southern sky, meaning it never shines directly into a north-facing window (except at extremely high latitudes in summer). What a north window does provide is consistent, gentle, diffuse indirect light throughout the day — no harsh direct sun, no dramatic afternoon glare, just a steady low-level glow.
This consistency is actually an advantage for certain plant types. Many of the world's most attractive foliage plants evolved on the forest floor or in the understory, adapted to exactly this kind of gentle filtered light. For them, the harsh intensity of a south-facing window would be damaging — a north window is closer to their natural habitat.
This guide is a companion to our pillar post on light requirements for houseplants. To measure the actual light level at your north window, see how to measure light for plants.
Light Levels and What They Mean
A typical north-facing window in a mid-latitude home delivers roughly 500–2,000 lux (50–200 foot-candles) of indirect light on a clear day. Factors that affect this range include window size (larger windows deliver significantly more light), proximity to any obstructions outside (trees, buildings), whether screens or films are on the glass, and your latitude (higher latitudes mean lower sun angles and less overall light).
In practical terms, 500–2,000 lux is the "low light" range for houseplants. It is enough for genuinely low-light-adapted species to thrive. It is not enough for medium-light plants to look their best, and high-light plants will decline within months. If you want to expand your plant options at a north window, a modest clip-on grow light running 14 hours per day can bridge the gap — see our guide to the best grow lights for houseplants.
15 Best Plants for North Windows
The following plants have all been selected because they genuinely perform well — not merely survive — in the low indirect light of a north-facing window.
1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The undisputed king of low-light houseplants. Snake plants tolerate north window conditions better than almost any other species. Growth is slow but steady; the architectural, upright form remains attractive even in minimal light. Varieties including 'Laurentii' (yellow-edged), 'Moonshine' (pale grey-green), and compact 'Hahnii' types all perform similarly. Water every 3–6 weeks; root rot from overwatering is by far the most common cause of death.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants store water and nutrients in their thick rhizomes, making them extraordinarily tolerant of low light and infrequent watering. At a north window, growth is slow (one to two new stems per growing season) but consistent. The glossy, dark leaflets remain attractive. Available in standard green and the dramatic Raven variety with near-black foliage. Water every 3–6 weeks; do not allow to sit in water.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden pothos adapts readily to north window conditions. In low light, variegated varieties (Marble Queen, N'Joy) will produce more uniform green leaves as the plant increases chlorophyll to compensate — this is normal and reversible if moved to brighter light. Solid-colored varieties like Jade pothos and Neon pothos maintain their appearance better in low light. Train up a moss pole or allow to trail from a shelf. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are remarkable in that they will occasionally flower even in north-facing window conditions — one of very few plants on this list that produces blooms in such low light. The graceful white spathe flowers and glossy dark leaves are elegant. Peace lilies communicate their water needs very clearly by drooping dramatically — a useful feature. Keep soil consistently moist; sensitive to cold drafts and fluoride in tap water.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant's name is a promise. It tolerates dim light, temperature fluctuations, dust, and irregular watering — conditions that would kill most plants. Native to the forest floor in China and Japan, it evolved for deep shade. Growth is extremely slow (a few leaves per year), but it is virtually indestructible in north window conditions. The plain green species is more light-tolerant than variegated forms.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens in dark-green varieties ('Silver Queen,' 'Emerald Bay,' 'Maria') perform well at north windows. Brightly colored varieties (pink, red) need more light to maintain their colors but will survive in low light, albeit with muted tones. Avoid cold temperatures (keep above 60°F) and cold drafts. Water when the top inch of soil dries; tolerates occasional neglect.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
One of the most adaptable philodendrons, the heartleaf is nearly as low-light tolerant as pothos. It produces heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and can trail or climb. In low light, growth slows and leaves stay smaller, but the plant remains healthy. Keep soil lightly moist and provide a support for best growth. Easier to care for than most philodendron species.
8. Dracaena (multiple species)
Several dracaena species adapt to north window conditions, including Dracaena fragrans (corn plant), Dracaena marginata (dragon tree, though it prefers more light than most on this list), and Dracaena surculosa (gold dust dracaena). The corn plant is the most tolerant of low light. All dracaenas prefer to dry out partially between waterings and are sensitive to fluoride — use filtered water if brown leaf tips appear.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is one of the most low-light-tolerant palms available, native to the rainforest understory of Central America. It grows slowly but steadily in north window conditions, producing elegant arching fronds. Keep soil consistently moist (not saturated), maintain moderate humidity, and protect from cold drafts. Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity or fluoride sensitivity — use filtered water and mist occasionally.
10. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird's nest ferns produce broad, undivided, glossy fronds from a central rosette. They are naturally shade-adapted and strongly prefer indirect light — direct sun bleaches and scorches their fronds. At a north window they perform well, producing new fronds steadily through the growing season. Keep soil consistently moist, provide humidity (pebble tray or bathroom placement), and never water directly into the central rosette.
11. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo (not a true bamboo) thrives in low indirect light and is commonly kept in water-filled vases. It is one of the few plants that actively grows under typical office or home ambient lighting. Change the water weekly when growing hydroponically, keep out of direct sun (which causes yellowing), and maintain stable temperatures. An ideal low-maintenance north window plant.
12. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are highly adaptable and tolerate north window conditions well, though they grow more vigorously and produce more "spiderettes" in brighter light. In low light, variegated varieties lose some of their white striping but remain healthy. Water when the top inch of soil dries; relatively drought-tolerant. One of the easiest plants to propagate — simply snip off a spiderette and root in water.
13. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Fittonia's intricately veined leaves are among the most striking in the plant world. It prefers low to medium indirect light and actually struggles in direct sun. The north window is close to ideal. However, Fittonia demands consistent moisture and moderate to high humidity — it wilts dramatically when it dries out and recovers quickly when watered (a characteristic sometimes called the "drama queen" response). Best in a terrarium or humid bathroom.
14. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are among the most popular ferns for indoor growing. They prefer cool, humid conditions and indirect light — a north-facing window with high humidity suits them well. In dry, warm interiors they struggle; the key is maintaining humidity (pebble tray, nearby humidifier) and consistent moisture. Allow soil to stay lightly moist at all times; do not let dry out completely. Fronds will yellow in low humidity or insufficient water.
15. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)
Rex begonias are grown for their spectacular, often metallic-patterned foliage. Unlike flowering begonias that need strong light to bloom, rex begonias perform well in lower light conditions — the north window, or a foot back from an east window, suits them well. Direct sun bleaches and burns the leaves. Keep soil consistently moist, provide moderate humidity, and avoid cold drafts. They are somewhat more demanding than others on this list but repay the effort with extraordinary leaf patterns.
Plants to Avoid Near North Windows
The following popular houseplants are regularly placed at north windows but perform poorly there:
- Monstera deliciosa — needs bright indirect light to develop fenestrations (split leaves); in low light it produces small, uncut leaves and becomes leggy
- Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) — notoriously demanding; needs very bright indirect to direct light; will drop leaves chronically at a north window
- Most succulents and cacti — need high intensity light (5,000+ lux); etiolate (stretch) severely in low light, losing their compact form entirely
- Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) — needs bright light to maintain its vivid color patterns; in low light, foliage reverts to greenish and the plant becomes sparse
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia) — needs direct sun or very bright indirect light to grow and flower; languishes at a north window
- Most herbs — basil, rosemary, thyme, and most culinary herbs need 6+ hours of bright light to be productive; mint is the main exception
Tips for Maximizing Light at North Windows
Keep Windows Clean
Dirty glass can block 20–30% of incoming light — a significant loss when your total light levels are already low. Clean both interior and exterior surfaces of north-facing windows monthly. Remove window screens if they are not needed for ventilation, as they reduce light transmission by 10–15%.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Place a large mirror on the wall opposite or adjacent to your north window to reflect light back onto your plants. White walls and light-colored furniture also bounce ambient light. These simple strategies can noticeably increase the effective light in a north-facing room.
Avoid Obstruction
Keep plants directly in the window rather than back from it. Even moving a plant 2 feet from the window can halve the light it receives due to the inverse square law. For north windows, position plants on the sill or as close to the glass as possible.
Rotate Plants
Rotate plants a quarter turn every week or two to ensure all sides receive relatively even light. This prevents one-sided growth and keeps plants looking symmetrical.
Consider a Grow Light
If you want to grow plants that need more than low light in a north-facing room, a modest clip-on grow light running 14 hours per day is the most effective solution. Even a 20-watt full-spectrum LED significantly expands your options. See best grow lights for houseplants for guidance.
Part of the Plant Lighting Series
This post is part of our complete guide to light requirements for houseplants. Related posts:
- Best Low-Light Houseplants
- Best Grow Lights for Houseplants
- How to Measure Light for Plants
- Best Plants for South-Facing Windows
- Signs Your Plant Needs More Light
- How to Water Houseplants