Empty sills and floors near east-facing windows may look like blank spaces, but they’re prime real estate for some houseplants. The beauty of having plants in windows that point in this direction is the amount and type of light they receive throughout the day.
«In general, all of the plants that prefer moderate and bright indirect light will enjoy eastern exposure,» says plant expert Anastasia Borisevich.
Knowing this is a great plant care hack for getting plants the light they need without much effort. But you have to be sure to choose the right plants. To start you off with a little inspiration, here are eight plants that thrive with the light that pours in from the east.
Meet the Expert
- Tammy Sons is the founder and CEO of TN Nursery, which has been active in the nursery industry for over 60 years.
- Anastasia Borisevich is a plant expert at Plantum, the app that helps identify plants and improves plant care.
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01
of 08Peace Lily
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Cara Cormack
«East-facing windows offer more gentle morning light while avoiding the intense midday sun,» explains plant expert Tammy Sons.
This means delicate plants like peace lilies make a great candidate for an east-facing window, which will see the sun rise. Beginner plant parents will also find that these plants are relatively easy to take care of—and their sleek white flowers brighten up any room.
«Peace lilies prefer consistent moisture and the bright mornings, while the light is gentle,» explains Sons, as it helps their flowers bloom.
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02
of 08African Violets
Credit: jardineria Profesional / LetÃcia Almeida
Another option for your east-facing sills are African violets. The beauty of this fuzzy-leafed pick is the purple flowers it produces. It’s a nice way to break up the sea of green that you get with a lot of popular houseplants.
«African violets love bright sun, and you should water these from the bottom so the leaves don’t get spotty,» notes Sons.
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03
of 08Fiddle Leaf Fig
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Corinne Bryson
For slightly more experienced plant lovers, a fiddle leaf fig is a great choice. Although their care requirements make them a little more finicky to diagnose, they’ll like an east-facing spot.
Because fiddle leaf figs are tropical, they’ll love being near the window and soaking up sun. They also like humidity, so consider having a humidifier nearby.
«Protect the plant from cold drafts, especially after watering, to avoid stressing the root system,» Borisevich says.
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04
of 08Pothos
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Cori Sears
There are many varieties of pothos, and a good portion of them, like the silver vine, will appreciate sitting in a sunny sill and getting a good dose of humidity. Many varieties do well in north-facing windows as well, and therefore make good candidates for corner windows in these directions. They’re also relatively easy plants to keep alive and thriving.
«Pothos need moderate light and only need watering when the topsoil is starting to dry out,» explains Sons.
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05
of 08Spider Plant
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Krystal Slagle
These easy-going houseplants aren’t too fussy when it comes to light, but they will really appreciate a place on an east-facing sill.
«Spider plants love morning light and are very tolerant,» says Sons. «Morning light is gentle enough to help prevent leaf scorch.»
With well-draining soil and a little TLC, it’s simple to care for them. Plus, they’re safe for pets and humans and a breeze to propagate; maybe create a tiny jungle of them for a wild feel.
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06
of 08Jade Plant
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Leticia Almeida
The rounded, shiny leaves and tree-like branches of a jade plant make this succulent stand out from the crowd. They come in all sizes, so whether you need to fill a big gap on your east sills or have limited space, this is a good option.
«Jade plants need moderate watering in well-draining soil,» explains Sons. «The morning sun also helps them with healthy growth without harming them.»
As long as you get the care right, it’ll pay off tenfold when it comes to these structural plant gems.
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07
of 08Boston Fern
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Kara Riley
Having ferns indoors truly blends the great outdoors with your interiors. The plant’s signature fronds makes it one of the best reminders of forests and relaxing spots in nature. Like the rest, they do well in east-facing windows, for one reason in particular.
«Boston ferns need high humidity and moderate light,» says Sons. «The morning sun’s rays help them avoid the possibility of drying out due to their humidity needs.»
Not only will they own the space and create much-needed color and texture, but you’ll be supporting their care needs, too.
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08
of 08Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
Credit: jardineria Profesional / Krystal Slagle
The uniquely round leaves of a Chinese money plant add a lot to a window sill or mantel, and they’re a reliable choice for folks who are brand new to houseplants.
«Pilea thrives in bright, filtered light, but shield it from direct sunlight,» Borisevich recommends.
This is perfect as it’s rare that east-facing windows will receive too much bright light, but if there are other surrounding windows or skylights, be wary.
She also recommends a complex mineral fertilizer made for foliage plants to give it a boost on a weekly basis.