A north-facing window is the one many people give up on. It never gets direct sun, the light is soft and steady, and most plant labels that say “bright light” do not apply. But some plants come from forest floors and shaded places, and they are happy exactly there.
Here are eight easy houseplants that I trust for a north window, with a short note on each, which ones are risky for cats and dogs, and a few care habits that keep them healthy in dim light.
What a North Window Really Gives You
In the Northern Hemisphere, a north window receives no direct sunbeams. The light is even and gentle all day, which means leaves do not scorch, but it is also weaker. Plants grow slowly there, use less water, and need less of everything. North windows are also often the coolest in the house, which suits ferns and palms but means you should watch for chill on winter nights.
Low light is not no light. A good test is whether you can comfortably read a book near the plant in the middle of the day without a lamp. If you can, the plants below will cope. A dark hallway or a windowless bathroom is a different matter.
Eight Easy Plants for a North Window
Pothos
A trailing vine that tolerates dim rooms and forgives forgotten waterings. In low light the leaves may lose some of their yellow or white marbling and turn greener. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs and can irritate the mouth, so hang it out of reach.
Snake plant
Upright, stiff leaves that tolerate low light and dry air. Water only when the soil is dry through the pot, and very little in winter. It is mildly toxic to pets if chewed.
ZZ plant
Thick underground stems store water, so it survives weeks of neglect. It grows slowly in low light but stays glossy. All parts are toxic to pets, and the sap can irritate skin, so wash your hands after handling it.
Cast-iron plant
Its name says it all. Long, dark green leaves, very slow growth, and a high tolerance for dim light and irregular care. It dislikes direct sun and wet soil. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a good choice for pet households.
Peace lily
Glossy leaves and, with enough light, white blooms. In a north window it may flower less but the foliage stays handsome. It droops when thirsty and perks up soon after watering, which makes it easy to read. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Chinese evergreen
Patterned leaves in green, silver or pink. Choose the darker green kinds for a north window, because pale and pink-leaved types need more light. Keep it away from cold glass and drafts. It is toxic to pets.
Parlor palm
A soft, feathery palm that stays small and grows slowly in shade. Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy. Dry winter air can bring spider mites, so check the leaves now and then. It is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Boston fern
Ferns like cool, shaded, damp conditions, so a north window suits them well. Keep the soil evenly moist and the air humid. It is the fussiest plant on this list, especially when heating dries the air, so see my notes on keeping houseplants happy through a dry winter. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
When you shop, choose a plant with firm, evenly colored leaves, no sticky spots, and no tiny insects on the undersides. A plant that is already healthy adjusts to dim light far better than one that arrives weak. Give it a few weeks to settle, and expect it to drop an old leaf or two while it does.
Care Habits for Low Light
- Water less. Slow growth means slow drinking. Check the soil first, and let it dry more between waterings than you would in a bright room.
- Stay close to the glass. Within a couple of feet of the window is best. Light drops quickly as you move away.
- Turn the pot. Give it a quarter turn every week or two so the plant grows evenly instead of leaning toward the glass.
- Wipe the leaves. Dust blocks light. Use a damp cloth on smooth leaves.
- Clear the way. Wash the window glass now and then, open sheer curtains during the day, and keep tall plants from shading short ones. Pale walls near the window bounce a little more light back into the room.
- Feed lightly. Fertilize only in spring and summer, at half the strength on the label, and not at all in winter.
Mistakes to Avoid
The first is choosing sun lovers. Succulents, cacti, herbs, crotons and fiddle leaf figs stretch, turn pale and fall over in a north window.
The second is overwatering. In dim light the soil stays wet for a long time, and root rot is the main cause of losses.
The third is ignoring the plant’s message. Long, thin stems with small pale leaves mean the plant is reaching for light. Move it nearer to the window, or add a small grow lamp for several hours a day. The fourth mistake is a cold window in winter. A leaf touching a chilly pane can be damaged, so leave a few inches of space between the leaves and the glass on frosty nights.
Quick-Fire FAQ
Which of these plants are safe for cats and dogs?
The cast-iron plant, parlor palm and Boston fern are listed as non-toxic. Pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily and Chinese evergreen are toxic, so keep them out of reach.
Do I need a grow light for a north window?
Not for these plants. A lamp helps only if growth turns thin and pale.
Why is my pothos losing its pattern?
Variegated leaves turn greener in low light, because the plant makes more green pigment to catch what light it has. It is not a sign of illness.
How close should plants stand to a north window?
Within a couple of feet. Beyond that, the light falls off, and growth will slow even more.
— Grandma Gigi
