The Best Plants for North-Facing Windows

A north-facing window offers soft, indirect brightness but never direct sunbeams—a classic feature in many Vancouver homes and apartments. For many plants, this would be a challenge, but for a select group of low-light champions, it’s the perfect condition to thrive. Don’t despair over a shady room; it’s the ideal spot for some of the most beautiful and easy-care foliage plants.

At The Bloomerie, we’ve curated the best plants for those classic Vancouver homes with shadier spots:

• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – The ZZ Plant is the undisputed king of low-light tolerance. It requires very little water and maintains its deep green, glossy leaves even in the dimmest corners of a room. Keep away from curious pets.
  • Light: Low–bright indirect.
  • Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – This hardy trailing plant is happy in the gentle light from a north window. Its variegated varieties may become a deeper green, but it will continue to thrive and bring life to a dim corner. Place out of reach of pets.
  • Light: Low–bright indirect.
  • Water: When the top inch of soil is dry.

• Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – This elegant palm brings a touch of the tropics to even the shadiest rooms. It is perfectly content with the indirect light of a north-facing exposure and is completely pet-safe.
  • Light: Low–medium indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

A Tip from The Bloomerie: In the depths of a Vancouver winter, a north-facing room can be quite dark. Give your plants a boost by wiping their leaves with a damp cloth every month to remove dust, helping them absorb as much light as possible.Brighten up any corner. Discover our low-light plants on the For Office page.