South-facing windows are highly sought after by homeowners because they are flooded with sunlight and warmth year-round. The beauty of this area is that it provides a perfect environment for the growth of many different types of plants. What undemanding houseplants are there for south-facing windows?
But before you let them bathe in the sunlight for hours, you should know which plants thrive there. Read on to learn the key considerations and the ideal houseplants for sunny, south-facing windows.
Through a process called photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Some plants require more sunlight than shade for this process. For this reason, it is recommended to place these plants near south-facing windows. If the light needs are not met, the plant can show symptoms or even die.
For example, too little sun can cause a plant's leaves to wilt or even bend toward a nearby light source. Too much sun, on the other hand, can cause a plant's leaves to turn brown at the edges. These signs and symptoms vary from species to species and depending on the lighting conditions they prefer.
Beautiful money tree (Crassula ovata)
Although money trees can thrive in any amount of light, they grow most compact and hardy when given a spot in the sun. Have you ever heard that a money tree can produce flowers? If you plant this native of Africa in full light, it is more likely to bloom.
Caring for a money tree is really easy and the plant is perfect for those new to gardening. All the plants need is a bright window and some occasional attention. You can allow the potting soil to dry out completely before watering it well. The money tree needs to be watered heavily, but only about every two weeks. It grows optimally when exposed to the sun for at least four hours a day.
You can easily make a spindly money tree plant bushy again by cutting it back, and you can use the cuttings for new plants by rooting them in soil orplant in a pot.
The money tree is a succulent native to Mozambique. When exposed to strong sunlight, the plant's smooth, shiny leaves turn carmine red at the edges. According to experienced Feng Shui practitioners, the money tree also brings prosperity and good luck to businesses.
The healing power of aloe vera
Although it originally comes from the Arabian Peninsula, the succulent aloe vera is now widespread and thrives in tropical and subtropical as well as dry regions. The healing powers of this plant are well documented. Its fleshy leaves contain a gel-like material that is said to be effective in treating skin irritations and burns.
An aloe plant completes every houseplant group. Aloes thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and do best on south-facing windowsills. Keep the aloe plant away from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Aloe plants will continue to grow even if they don't get enough light, but their development will be stunted and they may even fall over.
Aloe vera requires adequate drainage - allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, after the plant has been in the sun for a few hours, and then water well and thoroughly.
Bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) for direct sun
The only way to get a bird of paradise flower to bloom is to expose it to plenty of sunlight. Your plant may have beautiful leaves, but it will never bloom in your home if it doesn't get enough sunlight.
The bird of paradise flower gets its name from the fact that its flowers look like the bird of the title. As a tropical, decorative centerpiecethis plant cantransform any bright room into an oasis of freedom, joy and of course paradise.
Because their natural habitat is a region of southern Africa where there are hardly any trees, Strelitzia plants thrive in full, unfiltered sun. Place your Strelitzia 50 to 60 cm away from a window in the living room. Your houseplant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day. So make sure the window you place them in gets plenty of light throughout the day. A window that faces south is best. You should allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings and then water the plant well until water begins to drip from the drainage holes.
Candlestick flower (Ceropegia woodii) likes full sun
The candlestick flower needs at least six hours of sun daily, including a few hours of direct light. Thepretty tendrils of this houseplantmake them such a popular choice. If you place it in a sunny, south-facing window it will thrive.
It is very easy to propagate and there are various methods to do so. Even the pink leaves on the hearts are a lovely addition to the string. Who could dislike that?
The candlestick can go for a while without much water, but it still needs regular watering, more than other succulents. Water well once and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.The plantcannot survive if left standing in water - good drainage is important.
