If a window faces south (in the northern hemisphere), it gets the most direct sun of any aspect, often six or more hours. That is a gift for plants that crave light, and a hazard for the ones that do not. Here is what to put there, what to set back, and what to keep away.
What light does a south-facing window get?
The sun arcs across the southern sky, so a south window is lit from morning to evening and takes the full force of midday. Expect long hours of strong, direct light and real warmth at the glass. That intensity grows leggy succulents into tight rosettes and keeps herbs compact and fragrant. It can also bleach or burn the leaves of plants built for shade, so placement matters more here than at any other window.
The best plants for a south-facing window
These want all the direct sun they can get. Put them right at the glass.
- Jade PlantCrassula ovataA succulent that colors up beautifully in full sun.
- Aloe VeraAloe veraLoves direct light and dry soil.
- EcheveriaEcheveria elegansTight rosettes that need sun to stay compact.
- Bird of ParadiseStrelitzia reginaeA statement plant that wants the brightest spot.
- CrotonCodiaeum variegatumDirect sun brings out its red and orange.
- BasilOcimum basilicumA sunny sill keeps it bushy and flavorful.
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinusA Mediterranean herb that craves full sun.
- LavenderLavandula angustifoliaNeeds all-day sun to bloom indoors.
- Lemon TreeCitrus limonCitrus fruits best in a bright south window.
- Prickly PearOpuntia ficus-indicaA desert cactus that thrives on intense light.
Give these a little shade
These plants love bright light but can scorch in harsh midday sun. Set them a few feet back from the glass, or filter it with a sheer curtain:
- Fiddle Leaf Fig and Rubber Plant
- Monstera (bright indirect is its sweet spot)
- Most orchids, which prefer filtered light
Plants to avoid at a south-facing window
Shade-lovers will bleach and burn in direct south sun. Give them a north or east window instead:
- Peace Lily and Chinese Evergreen
- Ferns (Boston, Maidenhair) and Calathea
- Cast Iron Plant and other deep-shade foliage
Will your plant scorch or thrive in that spot?
Plant Compass Lite reads the real sun path for the direction you point your phone, then rates each of your plants thrive, cope, or avoid. Point it at the window before you commit a plant to it.
Get Plant Compass LiteFrequently asked
Is a south-facing window too much sun for houseplants?
For sun-lovers it is ideal, often six or more hours of direct light. For shade-loving foliage it can be too intense at midday and scorch leaves. Keep sun-lovers at the glass, and set tender plants a few feet back or behind a sheer curtain.
What plants like a south-facing window?
Full-sun plants: succulents and cacti, herbs like basil and rosemary, and bold sun-lovers like bird of paradise, croton, and citrus. They want the long hours of direct light a south window provides.
Can I keep a Monstera or Fiddle Leaf Fig in a south window?
Yes, with a buffer. Both want very bright light but can burn in harsh direct midday sun. Place them a few feet back, or filter the light with a sheer curtain, and they will thrive.
What about the southern hemisphere?
It flips. The north-facing window becomes the bright, full-sun one and south-facing is the shady aspect. Plant Compass accounts for your latitude automatically, so the ratings stay correct.
See also: Best plants for north-facing windows, the gentlest, lowest light in the house.