Got a sun-filled home? These plants crave it! 

Finding that perfect spot in your home for indoor plants can be fun but also a challenge! One of the most common mistakes people make is placing them in a position where there is too much or insufficient light.  

Getting your plant light exposure right (among other things) is sure to reward you with beautiful, healthy foliage.

The key is to observe the light conditions in your home and select plants that best fit these. In this case, if that space gets plenty of light and even some direct sun, there are plenty of green beauties to choose from.

Read on for some of our favourite houseplants that crave direct light.

African Milk Tree

The African Milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) is native to Central Africa. This rapid-growing plant looks like a cactus but is actually a succulent plant! We love that! 

Light: Primarily plenty of bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct sunlight is ideal for a happy, thriving plant. An area that receives full sun is suitable if the summers are not consistently hot. In this instance, extra watering may be needed to offset the hot, bright sunlight.

Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry completely between thorough waterings. Reduce frequency as needed in winter or lower light conditions.

 

Bird of Paradise

Nothing says tropical more than the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai or reginae)! Add one of these beauties to your plant collection, and you have an instant jungle!

Light: 

Primarily bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct light is ideal for a happy plant.

Water: 

Water thoroughly when soil is about 50% to entirely dry. Avoid overwatering; your plant does not like this! Watering may be even less frequently during winter months or in less light.

 

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata, also known as Jade Plant, is a succulent houseplant that makes them resilient and easy to grow indoors and adapt well to the warm, dry conditions found in most homes. They are also considered symbols of good luck!

Light: 

This plant should receive at least 6 hours of bright light each day. Young plants should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight; large, well-established jade plants can handle more direct sunlight. They may become stunted and leggy if they do not have full sun.

Water: 

Never let a jade plant dry out completely. Also, do not water a jade plant too often, as this can cause root rot. Don’t water your jade plant on a schedule. Instead, water your jade plant when the top of the soil is just dry to the touch.

 

Snake plant

Snake plants (Sansevieria) are known for their long, pointy spear or sword-shaped leaves and are one of the most popular and hardy species of houseplants.

According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Snake Plant has excellent air-purifying qualities, removing four of the five commonly found toxins found in our spaces.

Light: Extremely forgiving and can adapt to most light conditions. These plants prefer primarily bright indirect light, with a few hours of direct light for a thriving plant.  

Water: Water thoroughly when soil is about 50% to entirely dry. Avoid overwatering; your plant does not like this! Watering may be even less frequent during winter months or in less light.

Yucca Plant

Yucca plants (Yucca gigantea) have spiky green leaves and look great in a corner as a focal point in a room. Striking and low maintenance – the perfect combo for a plant owner!

Light: 

Primarily plenty of bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct light is ideal.

Water: 

Water thoroughly when soil is about 50% to entirely dry. Avoid overwatering at all costs. Watering may be even less frequently during winter months or in less light.

 

Ponytail Palm

This unusual and sassy-looking plant (also known as Beaucarnea recurvata) is notable for its plump, swollen stem (called a caudex) topped by a bundle of flowing slender and often curly leaves.

Light: 

Primarily plenty of bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct light is ideal.

Water:

Water thoroughly when soil is about 50% to entirely dry. Avoid overwatering at all costs. Watering may be even less frequently during winter months or in less light.

 

  

Check out our list of The 20 Best Cactus Plants.