The Best Plants for West-Facing Windows

A west-facing window offers a unique challenge and reward: soft, indirect light for most of the day, followed by intense, direct sun in the afternoon as it sets over the water. This blast of afternoon heat can be too much for many plants, but for others, it’s the perfect recipe for robust growth.

Let our team at The Bloomerie help you choose the right plant that can handle the golden hour heat:

• Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) – This versatile plant can handle the intense afternoon sun from a west-facing window without skipping a beat. Its tough leaves are beautifully resistant to scorching. Best placed away from pets who may nibble.
  • Light: Low light to direct sun.
  • Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely.

• Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) – This tropical plant loves bright light and will gladly soak up the strong afternoon rays. A west-facing window provides the energy it needs to produce its large, impressive leaves. Keep away from pets.
  • Light: Bright indirect to several hours of direct sun.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist during sunny months.

• Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) – Crotons are known for their spectacular, fiery foliage. To maintain those vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, they need several hours of bright, direct sun, making them perfect for a west-facing spot. Toxic to pets.
  • Light: Bright, direct sun is required for the best colour.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist.

A Tip from The Bloomerie: That afternoon sun can heat up a room significantly in July and August. Be sure to check the soil of your plants more frequently, as they will dry out much faster than in other spots. Find a plant that loves the sunset. Browse our collection on the Plants Shop page.