Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Guillermina
Find out all the interesting facts about the 5 best plants for the west-facing window.
Plants need light to be healthy, however, not all plants like to be exposed to sunlight throughout the day. Some plants prefer bright direct light while others are better adapted to indirect light, it all depends on the plant.
Whenever you purchase a new indoor plant, it comes with a tag that contains all the detailed information about care and maintenance. One of these guidelines explain how much as well as what kind of light your new indoor plant needs. If you are thinking of buying a new plant, read our guide to the best plants for the west-facing window, and enjoy their beauty.
What Kind Of Light Do West-Facing Windows Receive?
Did you know that this type of window provides plants with medium to high direct sunlight, ranging from 250 to over 1,000-foot candles? Interesting, isn’t it? We must mention that the most intense portion of sunlight occurs during the warm afternoon hours, and its intensity and duration depend on the season itself.
As for the northern hemisphere and light, south-facing windows receive the lightest, east, as well as west-facing windows, receive moderate light, while north-facing windows receive the least amount of light.
Best Plants For The West-Facing Window
Spineless Yucca (Yucca gigantea)
Given that these are the inhabitants of Southwestern deserts, it is no wonder that these plants are so tough and resilient. Spineless yucca originates from Mexico and the Caribbean and is one of the most drought-resistant plants because it has the ability to store water in its trunks. In addition, this is one of the most popular houseplants, because it works as a real statement in any room where it is placed.
In terms of appearance, Spineless yucca has a thick, largely branchless stem topped by a thick crown with stiff, dagger-like leaves. Keep in mind that this plant needs to be protected from drafts, and it is also a great choice for everyone’s house as one of the best plants for a west-facing window.
As for care, provide it with well-drained, quality soil and watch out for watering. It is recommended to water this plant once a week in summer, or once or twice a month in winter.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This plant of an interesting name is native to the rainforests of Central America and can grow up to 70 feet tall in the wild, however, it tops out at around six feet as a houseplant. If you are thinking of getting some of the best plants for the west-facing window, you can’t do better than the trendy monstera deliciosa.
In terms of appearance, this evergreen plant is grown for its showy leaves that are boldly lobed with elongated holes throughout the blades. Therefore, it is very easy to conclude that it got its characteristic name from the leaves. Although you will also find it called the split-leaf philodendron.
When it comes to light requirements, Monstera prefers lots of light, but no more than 6 hours a day, which is why this is one of the best plants for a west-facing window. Most important of all is to provide it with moist, well-draining soil that has a high organic content.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca is a fast-growing palm that is recognizable by its cane-like stalks with smooth, slightly golden trunks. Its leaves are quite interesting, namely, the plant has feathery, upright fronds that arch forming a characteristic, bushy appearance of this plant.
The Areca tops out at about six feet if grown indoors, and is consistently rated as one of the best plants for the west-facing window. Like all other palm trees, Areca also loves moist soil and bright sunlight. We must emphasize that it will withstand dappled light, but most of all prefer up to six hours of direct sunlight.
Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
Inch plant or the tradescantia zebrina is one of the best plants for the west-facing window. This houseplant was popular decades ago and remains popular today, perhaps even more than ever. We think all people will agree that this plant is so adored precisely because of its trailing stems and pretty leaves with pink, purple, and green striping.
They can most often be seen growing in hanging baskets or spreading across a tabletop. As for light requirements, the Inch plant adores the bright, direct sun, and will grow well in well-draining soil with some watering.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
The fiddle leaf fig is among the best plants for the west-facing window, and in addition, is admired for its slender stems and large, lush, glossy leaves. Its heavily veined leaves are the main feature of this houseplant, and they grow in the characteristic shape of a fiddle.
One thing is for sure, this beauty will very quickly become the focal point of any room, especially if it is located next to a balcony door and if permitted to grow to its natural indoor height of about six feet or even more. In terms of care and maintenance, the fiddle leaf fig prefers well-draining soil and lots of bright, direct sunlight. Finally, remember to rotate the plant occasionally to let every leaf get its share.
Final Verdict
Light is just one of a number of factors that undoubtedly affect plant health and development. In short, it is essential to every plant’s basic metabolic process called photosynthesis. Different plants are accustomed to thriving in various light conditions, which can range from low-light forest floors to high-intensity areas like deserts.
These were our favorites, the 5 best plants for the west-facing window. We hope you find this article useful. If you have any questions, please let us know in the section below.
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FAQs
What Can I Do With West-Facing Windows?
The best thing you can do with a west-facing window is to use it to display your most beautiful specimens of houseplants and flowers.
What Kind Of Light Do West-Facing Windows Get?
In terms of brightness, the west-facing window gets indirect light during the morning and brighter, direct light during the afternoon.
Is West-Facing Good For Plants?
West facing window is good only for certain types of plants, ie only for those plants that can share much higher temperatures as well as intense sunlight.
Do Houseplants Have To Be By A Window?
No, not all houseplants have to stand at the window; moreover, many will suffer if they are because they simply cannot tolerate direct sunlight on the leaves.
