15 Plants Perfect For A South-Facing Window

If there is one thing you can always count on about south-facing windows, it is an abundance of sunlight. They let in a lot of light in the house and are just the perfect location for sun-loving house plants. However, before placing just any other indoor flora on a sunny window, you ought to be aware of the growing requirements of that specific variety. Plants are adapted to different conditions, and only sun-loving ones are able to withstand and thrive under the long durations of direct sunlight. So, while there are plenty of sun-loving indoor options, you also need to consider that you might need to protect some of these plants from too much sunlight, especially during the summer months.

Summers are hot, no doubt; therefore, you don't want to keep your greenery on survival mode that will get in the way of development and blooming during this season. This is exactly why the cactus plant grows terribly slowly in its natural climate, for instance. Succulent City mentions that the cacti plants are always in survival mode and tend to conserve their limited resources rather than growing rapidly and producing plenty of sprouts. With that said, there are plenty of choices for south-facing windows other than the cactus; here are a few options to consider.

Looking for a green indoor plant that loves the sun? The blushing bromeliad (Neoregelia carolinae) could be it. However, this variety requires sun exposure for at least six hours and also some humidity since it is adapted to the rainforest. Therefore, you will need to place this houseplant in a south-facing window and also try to provide some moisture for it to thrive (via The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens).

Bloom Season: Spring to fall

USDA Growing Zone: 10-11

Growing Conditions: Full sun exposure

Soil Type: Well-draining moist soil

Size: 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide

The hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a tropical evergreen plant purposely grown indoors. It is popular for its large, showy flowers that typically bloom all year round when given the right environmental conditions. One of the necessary conditions is plenty of sunshine. In fact, the North Carolina State University Extension mentions that this plant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Bloom Season: Spring to fall

USDA Growing Zone: 10-12

Growing Conditions: Full sun exposure

Soil Type: Well-draining, moist, loam soil

Size: 4-10 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide

The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) thrives in any environment, including the sunny window in your home. It is literally impossible to kill this flora, making it ideal for new plant parents. However, the Missouri Botanical Garden mentions that you might need to protect it from the harsh summer temperature. In addition, they hardly flower, but when they do, you should expect bright white flowers.

Bloom Season: Hardly flowers indoors

USDA Growing Zone: 10-12

Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial shade during summer

Soil Type: Well-draining moist soil

Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide

The rat's tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) could literally hang out in the sun the whole day. Like other cacti plants, it thrives under the full sun making it the perfect option for your south-facing window. It requires little maintenance, which is just perfect for traveling plant parents. It might also adapt to low light conditions but often doesn't bloom in such environments (via the University of Vermont).

Bloom Season: Spring, summer

USDA Growing Zone: 10-11

Growing Conditions: Full sun,

Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil

Size: 3-6 feet long

The bright, colorful foliage of the croton (Codiaeum variegatum) demands attention. This particular variety is a popular indoor plant that thrives under direct sunlight, especially in cool climates. Crotons can grow quite tall in their natural habitat, but indoor cultivars are often small enough to be grown in pots. As an evergreen shrub, it prefers humid conditions but will not tolerate overwatering (via University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension).

Bloom Season: Rarely blooms indoors

USDA Growing Zone: 11-12

Growing Conditions: Full, partial

Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil

Size: 8-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide

Another sun-loving addition to your indoor space is the powder puff cactus (Mammillaria species). This plant is quite popular among collectors, thanks to its beautiful appearance. It thrives in warm climates, preferably under direct sunlight, just like most cacti plants, and under proper care, it will reward you with funnel-shaped, pink, cream white, or cream yellow flowers (via World of Succulents).

Bloom Season: Spring or summer

USDA Growing Zone: 9-11

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil

Size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular indoor plant loved for its ornamental value. This flora prefers a combination of direct and filtered light, making it ideal for the south-facing window. Money trees are easy to care for and need just enough water and a warm climate, as mentioned by the New York Botanical Garden. Remember to allow the soil to dry out in between watering schedules.

Bloom Season: Spring to summer

USDA Growing Zone: 10-11

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-draining soil

Size: 3-6 feet tall

Also called the Beaucarnea recurvate, the ponytail palm is actually a succulent plant, mentions the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. It is quite an interesting variety, given that it grows into a full 30 feet tree when planted outdoors in ideal conditions. In addition, the ponytail palm is naturally adapted to the hot Mexican weather, making it a good plant to grow on the south-facing windows in your house.

Bloom Season: Hardly blooms indoors

USDA Growing Zone: 10-11

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil

Size: 6-8 feet long, 3-5 feet wide

Closely resembling the banana plant, the bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a good option for the south-facing window. It is a tropical plant that loves to grow under bright indirect light but also requires direct sunlight to bloom. With the right care, this beautiful cultivar will reward you with a gorgeous inflorescence that resembles the bird of paradise's head (via North Carolina State University Extension).

Bloom Season: Winter to spring

USDA Growing Zone: 10-12

Growing Conditions: Full, partial

Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining loam soil

Size: 4-6 feet long, 3-4 feet wide

Indoor plants don't have to be ornamental. Get rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) that is not only edible but will also bring refreshing fragrance to your home. This plant loves and thrives in the sun. In fact, according to the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension, the herb should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.

Bloom Season: Spring, summer

USDA Growing Zone: 8-10

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-draining organic soil

Size: 2-6 feet long, 2-4 feet wide

The ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) is a popular option loved for its colorful palm-like foliage. There are cultivars with foliage of different colors, for instance, pink, red, purple, or even green. As a houseplant, it is made for the south-facing window; it thrives under direct sunlight for the best leaves color. Still, it needs partial shade to avoid browning on the edges (via the University of Florida, IFAS Extension).

Bloom Season: Spring

USDA Growing Zone: 10-12

Growing Conditions: Full, partial

Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil

Size: 2-10 feet long and 3-4 feet wide

The miniature rose (Rosa chinensis) is a regular rose that's bred to not grow tall. It is a nice garden plant as well as an indoor option. Roses are popular for their beautiful blooms, and the miniature type can make a good addition to the south-facing window in your home. They love direct sunlight and should be rotated every other week for balanced growth, mentions Iowa State University Extension Outreach.

Bloom Season: Spring, summer

USDA Growing Zone: 5-9

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil

Size: 1-2 feet and long 1-2 feet wide

Looking for a rather unusual addition to your south-facing window? Consider the string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) cultivar. This plant features long trailing pea-like leaves that grow downwards. It loves filtered bright light; therefore, consider covering your window with sheer curtains. The string of pearls looks amazing from hanging baskets as the leaves droop over elegantly, mentions the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Bloom Season: Summer

USDA Growing Zone: 9-12

Growing Conditions: Full, partial

Soil Type: Neural, well-draining soil

Size: 1-2 feet long

The Persian violet (Exacum affine) will bring both color and a nice fragrance to your indoor space. This plant thrives under the indirect sun of the south-facing windows. While it doesn't grow tall, it is quite eye-catching when grown in a container. As an annual, it is short-lived, but it remains a worthy temporary color plant for your home (via the University of Florida, IFAS Extension).

Bloom Season: Seasonal

USDA Growing Zone: 10-12

Growing Conditions: Partial

Soil Type: Well-draining soil

Size: 6-18 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide

The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is among the most popular succulent grown indoors for its ornamental value. Like most other succulents, it doesn't mind neglect and thrives on plenty of direct sunlight, making it a great option for your south-facing windows. However, you should be aware that this plant doesn't do well in moist soils, so be sure not to overwater it (via the North Carolina State University Extension).

Bloom Season: Hardly blooms indoors

USDA Growing Zone: 9-12

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-draining soil

Size: 2-9 feet tall and 2-5 feet wide