If you are looking for an indoor plant to decorate that sunny spot in your home, there are quite a variety of house plants that thrive in direct light. From vibrant-looking flowers to green, leafy foliage, there is something special to compliment your space.
Choose an indoor plant for your home according to which way the room is facing to get those best suited for your lighting. Window plants that thrive in the sun won’t just survive in direct sun but thrive in it.
The houseplants that thrive in direct sunlight are:
1. Croton. A croton is an exotic-looking houseplant with bright, bold colors. This plant makes a statement in a room. It has dense, leathery-looking leaves marked with scarlet, purple, orange, pink, and yellow. As they mature, the colors may deepen to black, depending on what type they are.
The seeds on this plant look like a tick, which is where it derives its name from. “Croton” in Greek means tick.
This plant thrives in bright light and needs to be close to a window to keep it vibrant and bold. If it receives too little light, the colors become dull, and leaves will fall off. To accent the boldly colored leaves, choose a brightly colored pot to plant them in. Be cautious of the sap on this plant, however. It can cause skin irritation and stain.
2. Basil. Basil is a wonderful indoor garden. Its flavor is very clove-like and plays a huge role in Italian food. Growing this plant keeps a fresh supply on hand year-round and can cut down on your expenses if you frequently cook with it.
To grow it indoors, you need to replicate summertime conditions within the home. It should be in a warm location (72-85°F or 22-29°C) and receive six hours of direct sun daily. In the winter, keep it away from drafts and doors that are frequently in use.
3. Ponytail Palm. This plant originates from the southeastern Mexico desert and is a member of the agave family. It has a bulb-like, stocky trunk that holds water, allowing it to go weeks without water. Too much watering can cause its leaves to drop and turn yellow.
They thrive in direct sun and can tolerate neglect along with changing indoor conditions. Ponytail palms grow slowly but can get up to three or four feet tall while indoors. Outside, they can reach 15-20 feet tall.
4. Gardenia. While mostly grown outdoors, with care, they can make good houseplants. They provide gorgeous, full blooms and generate a fragrant scent throughout the house, making it inviting. Gardenias require quite a bit of attention to grow, making them a high-maintenance plant.
Gardenias require four hours of sun daily, and their soil needs to be kept moist, not soggy. During winter, permit the top half to one inch of the soil to dry before watering.
Gardenias love high humidity, so placing them in a bathroom is perfect for them to grow. They like warmth during the day and cool temperatures at night.
5. China Doll Plants. China Dolls began in southern China and Taiwan as trees. They migrated to being used as house plants in the eighties. As a houseplant, they grow to six feet tall and have lace-like leaves providing a room with a bit of elegance.
They can handle low humidity in some homes but do best in higher temperatures. The China Doll does best in bright light, provided you don’t move it to a darker location. It requires bright indirect light, so it can be by a shaded window.
If it isn’t receiving the right light level, it becomes stretched and lanky. They do not tolerate being moved around or constantly repotting and thrive when left by themselves.
6. Jasmine. This flower conjures up intoxicatingly beautiful scents. They add beauty to gardens, homes, and landscapes. Outdoors, they grow on vines and can be a climbing plant. However, they can be grown inside as well.
If you take them indoors, use a planting mix that drains well. They need a south facing window where they receive bright light all day long.
You can use them on a trellis or support structure as well to allow them to climb or use it as a trailing plant or hanging plant. The soil should be moist without overwatering it. They will thrive in slightly cooler temperatures (between 60-75° F. Jasmine will bloom during late spring and early summer, generating clusters of white-colored flowers.
7. Sago palms. This plant dates to the prehistoric era and is referred to as a living fossil. They require direct sunlight and create a tropical atmosphere in any room. The leaves are feathery and dark with a scaly trunk. Sago palms need bright light. They thrive in hot, tropical climates, and can do well in hours of direct sun without damage.
Do not overwater this plant and fertilize it monthly. This plant is poisonous, so keep it out of reach of children and pets.
8. Barrel Cactus. The amusing part of this plant is that it looks like a pincushion. Neon blooms push forward during summer. They are easy to take care of and are ideal if you are a beginner regarding houseplants.
They require full sunlight during spring and summer to generate blooms. If they don’t have enough sun, they generate a ring of blossoms looking like a cross at the top of the barrel that never opens.
These are a few plants that thrive in direct sunlight. Each one provides a different look to each room. Some add a bit of subtle greenery, while others burst forth with vibrant colors. Because their requirements vary, when selecting a plant, consider how much time you have to maintain it.
The plants all look beautiful. However, they will die if you don’t take care of them. If you have minimal time, consider a cactus. If you want a plant that is more of a labor of love, then consider gardenias. They will make a lovely addition to any room.