Windowsill Plants - Discover 4 Great Plants for Your Windowsill
Do you think that plants look beautiful on a windowsill, and they add a natural charm to the interior? It's true. But remember that not all houseplants can grow on a windowsill. Sometimes, the sunlight in that spot is too strong, making them grow poorly. Check the most popular windowsill plants. You will surely find something you'd like to take to your home.
Why keeping windowsill plants is a perfect idea?
It’s not a mystery that houseplants positively affect one’s wellbeing and health, and are a beautiful home decoration. But many people give them up because of a limited space. It’s an issue in small apartments, where it’s difficult to find free space for a planter.
But do you have to completely give up plants in such a case? Absolutely not! Unused windowsills are your solution here. They make perfect spots for potted houseplants.
Plants on a windowsill greatly decorate the space around the window. But keep in mind that not all houseplants can grow on a windowsill. There are various conditions in home interiors - they depend not only on those who live in the house or apartment, but also on the side the window faces. What does it mean? Plants for a western window won’t grow on eastern or northern windows.
Southern windows are an exception, in this case. Thanks to this position, it offers the same conditions throughout the whole year. Because of this, picking plants for a windowsill facing south is easier.
Windowsill plants - southern window
Southern windows are the best illuminated windows in the entire house. It’s not a surprise, then, that that’s where windowsill plants appear most often. You can put all warmth-loving species in there. Why? Because in summer, they are warmed by the sun. In winter (in cold zones) it’s done by a radiator, typically located under the windowsill.
Windowsill plants for a southern window aren’t very demanding. It’s because they love warmth and dislike frequent watering. So, if you forget do to it for a few days - your plants will probably be alright. There’s also no risk that they will get damaged by sunlight.
Aloe - a perfect windowsill plant
Aloe (Aloeaceae) is a unique plant - not only beautiful, but also easy to grow. It’s perfect for a beginner plant-lover and those who quickly lose interest in things.
Potted aloe is a great windowsill plant. There are many variants of this species, so you will surely find something you like. These succulents differ not only by the looks, but also by size. Pay attention to this aspect - some have 1-meter leaves - which is too much for a windowsill.
Aloe plants have one big advantage - they purify the air. It’s a great plant for those who live in big cities, where air quality is questionable.
Echeveria - decorative windowsill plants
Echeveria (Echeveria) is a beautiful decorative windowsill plant originating in Mexico. The characteristic rosettes it forms are not big - typically no larger than a dozen centimeters. Nonetheless, they look beautiful. No wonder then, that their theme often appears on ceramics or clothing.
- Echeveria is one of the plants that don’t like frequent watering.
- The plant needs constant access to sunlight - that’s why a south-facing windowsill is perfect for it.
- The plant doesn’t like repotting - so keep it to the minimum.
Furthermore, Echeverias don’t need fertilizing during the year. Just do it when the plant vegetates.
Flaming Katy - charming windowsill plants
Flaming Katy, also known as Christmas kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a perennial plant that can grow perfectly on a southern, sunny windowsill. These plants are quite small, but they look exceptionally beautiful - because of their many small colorful flowers. They display a wide range of colors:
- red,
- white,
- orange,
- yellow.
Flaming Katy doesn’t like being watered too often and prefers dry soil. For his reason, these are perfect windowsill plants for beginner plant enthusiasts.
Windowsill plants like Christmas kalanchoe don’t require frequent fertilizing. They grow best if you do it once every two weeks. Use succulent mix fertilizers to feed a flaming Katy. You can easily find them in a gardening center. With the right nutrients, the plant will grow well. It might even flower a few times a year - and not just in December.
Trimming is a very important aspect of growing a Christmas kalanchoe. These windowsill plants have to be trimmed right after they finish blooming. Don’t be anxious to do it; you can cut the stem in half. Thanks to this, your flaming Katy won’t grow too large and will retain its miniature shape.
Oleander - challenging windowsill plants
Oleander (Nerium oleander L.) is a plant many associate with a garden by the house. As it turns out, however, oleanders are also perfect windowsill plants - although they are not easy to grow. For this reason, it’s not the best option for beginners.
Unlike most other species, these windowsill plants need a different kind of care in summer and winter. What’s the main difference? First, they require a cold temperature in winter. Because of this, you have two options:
- lower the room temperature to 6-8ºC (42.8-46.4ºF) - which isn’t too comfortable and will surely raise protest from the rest of the family,
- move the plant to a colder place, which should also be in shade - so the plant can rest (a basement or pantry might be perfect for this purpose).
Windowsill plants require regular and quite extensive trimming. It’s crucial, otherwise the plant will grow too large, and you won’t be able to keep it at home. If it happens anyway, don’t worry. You can always move the oleander to a patio or a balcony, where it’s going to look equally good.
📍 What are the best plants for a sunny windowsill?
Sunny windowsill plants are mostly houseplants that love bright spots and don't like frequent watering. Cacti and various succulents are perfect, in this case. You can also pick aloe or a bead plant. Cypress spurge and Christmas kalanchoe are other good options.
📍 Outside northern windowsill - what plants to pick?
Northern windowsills are quite shaded, so plants that dislike bright places and high temperatures are perfect here. Ivies are a perfect choice. You can also pick impatiens, fuchsia or a begonia.
📍 What are the best plants for a southern windowsill?
A southern windowsill is well illuminated through the whole year - plants that love bright spots will grow well here. An oleander might be a good option - although it needs a lot of attention. A Christmas kalanchoe or an Echeveria are easy windowsill plants.
📍 What plants can grow on a western windowsill?
A western windowsill is moderately sunny - pick plants that like such conditions. Experts mentioned dracaenas, begonias, sowbreads and anthurium. It's also a perfect spot for orchids.
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