What to plant on a south-facing window: 7 plants that are not afraid of bright light

The familiar ficus and the whimsical abutilon: what other plants can be placed in direct sunlight?

When it comes to plants that thrive in the scorching sun, cacti and succulents are the first that come to mind. Most of them are indeed resistant to bright light, but not the only species that will grow well on south- and southeast-facing windowsills.

1. Ficus Benjamin

This small-leaved ficus is a favorite of many flower growers because it requires little care, grows quickly, and looks very decorative. And while varieties with solid-colored leaves are not too demanding on lighting, variegated (spotted or mottled) ones should be grown in a sunny spot. Ultraviolet light will make the leaves’ color even more unusual and vivid.

When placing a pot with a ficus on a south-facing window, do not forget that this is a tropical plant. Therefore, regular watering and daily spraying are essential.

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2. Indoor jasmine

This climbing vine with lush greenery needs sunlight. Beautiful, fragrant flowers will only appear if they receive sufficient light. However, it is best to place jasmine in south-east or east-facing windows. The scorching southern sun can be too harsh for it.

Please place it in the bedroom with caution: the intense aroma can cause headaches. The best place for jasmine is the kitchen or the living room.

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3. Date palm

This tropical beauty is easy to grow from a seed. While the palm tree is small, it will fit on a windowsill. For a mature plant, you will need to allocate space on the floor near a window. Direct sunlight is not only acceptable for date palms but also beneficial. However, as with ficus, the palm tree needs to be sprayed and watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out and the air humidity from falling.

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4. Tunbergia

Another flowering vine that can be grown both on a trellis and in a hanging planter (as an ampelous plant). Suppose you already have tunbergia in your apartment and need to move it to a south-facing window. In that case, it is recommended to gradually acclimate it to the sun, protecting it from the midday heat at first. When you grow from a seedling, please, please place it in the desired location immediately so that the flower can adapt to the light level and feel comfortable.

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5. Hibiscus

If your Chinese rose is not blooming, try moving it to a south-facing window. For buds to form, hibiscus needs bright light in the morning and afternoon. Variegated varieties (such as Cooper’s hibiscus) also need sun for their leaves to look their best: under the scorching sun, the crown will acquire an unusual pink hue.

The larger and more lush the plant, the faster it evaporates moisture: keep this in mind and water the flower in a timely manner, otherwise the leaves will wither and fall off.

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6. Indoor maple

Abutilon is the second flowering houseplant, reminiscent of the hibiscus described above. Maple likes low temperatures and bright light, which is why it is most often grown in winter gardens. But with proper care, it is possible to keep it in an apartment. The main thing is to make sure there is no heating radiator under the windowsill where the maple pot is placed. Regular watering and spraying are two more essential points that should not be forgotten.

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7. Anthurium

In conditions of insufficient light, the leaves of the anthurium will become smaller, and the bush will look sparse. With an excess of light, the flowers and leaves may begin to burn. You can find a compromise: place it on a bright southeast or south window. In the latter case, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the flower and shade it in a timely manner if burns appear.

In other respects, anthurium is similar to ficuses and hibiscuses: it must be provided with high air humidity (humidifier or spraying) and regular watering.

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❓ Questions and answers

What kinds of plants do best on a south-facing window?

Plants that love bright light and can tolerate direct or near-direct sun—especially succulents, palms, and other sun-resistant species.

Should I worry about too much sunlight burning my plants?

Yes — intense midday sun can scorch the leaves of sensitive plants. If you use plants that prefer bright but indirect light, consider placing them a bit off the window or using a sheer curtain.

How often do sun-loving houseplants need watering when placed in a sunny window?

Many of these plants — especially succulents and drought-tolerant species — do best if the soil dries out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root problems.

What about humidity and care besides light and watering?

For tropical or moisture-loving houseplants (like some palms or flowering houseplants), regular misting or a humid environment may be necessary.

Are there any types of plants that should not go on a south-facing window?

Yes — plants that naturally prefer low or diffused light (like many ferns, some African violets, or shade-loving tropical plants) can get stressed, show scorched or yellow leaves, or fail to thrive under intense direct sun.

Sofia Lorenson: An expert in floriculture and floristry with 10 years of experience. I will help you create the garden of your dreams, which will bloom from spring to fall.

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