Have a look at these plants that hate the window seat placement and find out why you should never grow them there!
Most plants respond well when placed in front of large windows. The bright sunlight is just the right amount to promote photosynthesis without being too harsh. However, some plants do not like the sun exposure there at all. Find out which plants go against the norm and why!
Plants You Should Never Grow Directly in Front of Windows
1. Calathea
Botanical Name: Calathea spp.
If you thought that the broad and beautifully variegated leaves of Calatheas need a ton of sunlight, you are mistaken! Growing it in front of a south or west-facing window can be harmful to the plant, as strong sunlight can scorch its leaves. Even a long duration of moderate sunlight can cause the colorful patterns to fade.
What to do? You should place a Calathea at least 2-3 feet away from a window. East-facing windows are good for morning sun and gentle light for the rest of the day. If that’s not an option, you should find a shady corner with filtered or low light, where it can thrive without getting sunburned.
2. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
One plant that loves less-lit rooms is the Peace Lily! The strong sunlight hampers the blooming process of this tropical plant. It also likes slightly moist soil, and the constant exposure to sunrays at the window spot tends to dry the substrate out a lot quicker.
You can spot it by its deep green leaves, but its claim to fame is its unique white spathes (modified leaves).
What to do? A window that has little direct sunlight works for them. You should also use sheer curtains for filtered light to get it just perfect!
3. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plants are a common houseplant across the globe because of their adaptability. They thrive in filtered and partial sunlight, but a common beginner mistake is to place them directly in front of sunny windows.
These 2-4 feet tall air-purifying plants have upright, sword-like striped leaves which can scorch or begin to yellow when exposed to harsh sunrays.
What to do? Keep your snake plant near a window where it gets bright, indirect light, but not right in the path of harsh sun. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so a spot a few feet away or with a sheer curtain works best. It’ll stay healthy without the risk of burning.
4. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Pothos is a mixed bag when it comes to sunlight exposure. Although it loves bright indirect sunlight, too much of it can cause more harm than good. The heart-shaped leaves of these trailing plants can lose their color when kept in afternoon sun or in front of a south-facing window.
On the other hand, it can also survive in low-light conditions, but too little sunlight can make it leggy.
What to do? The best way to ensure a balance is to grow them near an east-facing window where they can receive mild and filtered light and just the right amount of early morning sun.
5. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
An easy way to find out if a plant likes low-light conditions is to notice the color of its leaves. The deeper the green pigment in the foliage, the more likely they are to thrive in less light. ZZ plants have one of the darkest shades of green on their glossy and waxy leaves.
What to do? They are happiest in partial to deep shade as long as they are provided with loamy soil with good drainage. You can also grow them in rooms with zero sunlight if they contain a fluorescent light source. See how it’s thriving in a window with blinds?
6. English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Most people don’t grow English Ivy outdoors as it is extremely invasive. Hence, the best way to enjoy its beauty is to let it have its own pot indoors. However, it isn’t the best plant to be grown right in front of windows as direct sunlight burns its sensitive foliage, making it crispy.
This plant has two stages – one where it displays the vining traits of a climber and the second where it becomes shrub-like with a more rigid form.
What to do? Keeping the stages in mind, grow it in hanging pots away from other plants in a spot with medium light and cooler temperatures. The corner of a windowsill is the perfect place, so it can get a bit of sun but is also protected for the rest of the day.
7. Maidenhair Fern
Botanical Name: Adiantum pedatum
Maidenhair ferns are a good choice to have a bit of bushy greenery indoors, but only when you choose the right spot for them! These plants are very sensitive to extra light and can dry out quickly in strong sunlight. Their delicate, fan-shaped fronds will turn brown and dry out when placed in front of a south or west-facing window, coupled with dry soil.
What to do? The perfect conditions for this plant are moist, humus-rich, acidic soils and full shade, so you can even keep them in bathrooms. Even kitchens.
You can filter light by putting a thin curtain or sheer over the window so the sun isn’t hitting the plant directly. Another option is to place the plant a few feet back from the glass, or near a window that only gets gentle morning light. If the sunlight looks soft and diffused instead of sharp and harsh, it’s filtered enough.
Well, now that you know which plants you shouldn’t grow in front of bright windows, you can pick the right spot for them so they thrive in your home!
