If you live in a sunny climate or your home has lots of light, some tropical houseplants may not like the high light levels. These species of houseplants that love the sun are perfect for high light areas of the home.
Learn which plants can withstand the scorching rays of the Sun!
Thimble cactus (Mammillaria gracilis)
Cacti might be your best pick if you’re looking for plants that can handle direct sun. Another great example of such a plant is Mammillaria gracilis, sometimes called the thimble cactus.
Many houseplant lovers appreciate this specie because it’s easy to maintain and stays small, allowing it to live on the windowsill. Further, whereas the bunny ears cactus mentioned below hurts you when you attempt to handle it, the thimble cactus won’t.
Thimble cacti naturally occur in arid regions of Mexico where they get little shelter from the sun. They can handle high temperatures as well as temperatures close to frost. It really doesn’t matter if you neglect them, as long as they get lots of light and a well-draining container as well as soil.
It can be propagated by simply removing its “orbs” and replanted, or it can just be allowed to continue growing.
Bunny ear cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Bunny ears are another example of a plant species that thrives in arid, sunny environments. It is a succulent – a cactus – in its most basic form. Opuntia species are ideal for small indoor spaces, especially Opuntia microdasys, which is one of the smaller varieties.
Care of bunny ear cacti is not difficult, as long as you are patient, as it is the same as most cacti. Provide as much sun as possible, water the soil thoroughly once it has dried out, and use a mixture of soil that is well drained with at least 50% gritty material such as perlite or coarse sand.
Don’t let their innocent looks fool you: these cacti don’t have solid spines, they look soft and furry. The fur is actually made up of hundreds of thousands of spiked pads called glochids, which can cause massive skin irritation even if you brush past one.
Echeveria succulent
Most succulent plants, such as the beautiful Echeveria, need a lot of sunlight to flourish. The Echeveria will stretch if it doesn’t get enough sunlight, and it will lose its attractive rosette shape. Sun plants not only tolerate the sun, but prefer it! This makes them the perfect choice for those very sunny spots in your home.
Plants of this type grow naturally in dry habitats, and have evolved to store water in their fleshy leaves. As with all succulents, a well-draining soil mix is required to avoid risk of root rot.
In full sun, water only when the soil is completely dry; you’ll probably need to do this two or three times a week in the Summer and once a month during the Winter.
Venus flytrap (Dionea muscipula)
The Venus flytrap is popular as a house plant, but unfortunately most of them do not live very long. Originally from bogs, mosses require different care than most other houseplants; but they can still be cared for easily if you know what you’re doing.
Additional benefits include the fact that these plants thrive in bright conditions, which makes them love direct sunlight when kept indoors.
When growing Venus flytraps properly, you should keep these three elements in mind: soil, water and dormancy. You want something soil-less like spaghnum moss and perlite instead of the usual potting soil that is loaded with nutrients. Neither tap water nor distilled water are appreciated because they contain too many minerals. In place of tap water, make sure your soil is moist, and always use deionized/distilled water.
Lastly, during the winter months, these plants require dormancy. While this period lasts, the traps will go out of operation and die back. Don’t worry! When spring finally rolls around and your flytrap is moved back to its normal spot new growth needs to appear soon.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Almost any dish or salad can benefit from the delicious flavor of basil. The light plays a large role in preserving its longevity since it is not as easy to grow as other herbs.
Basil lovers often do not realize that this plant requires a good deal of sunshine, ideally at least six hours. That is why it belongs beneath the strongest grow light or on the sunniest windowsill you can provide. Water the plant regularly, too, and if you forget, it starts looking droopy.
So, if you want to ensure healthy and happy basil, make sure to place it in an area with plenty of sunlight and water it once the soil starts feeling dry (which can be as often as one time a day in the middle of Summer). Make sure the plant is placed in a container with drainage holes. Use a well-draining soil mixture.
It is possible for basil purchased at your local supermarket to have been underwatered and left in the dark too long, which will cause it to die. This is why buying basil seeds and growing it yourself will provide a healthier, more long-lived plant.
Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Ponytail palms aren’t really palms, but a type of succulent that grows leaves that look like ponytails. Typically found in arid areas of Mexico, a fat trunk of the tree can store water.
This is a great contender if you’re looking for a hardy plant that enjoys lots of direct sun. These “palms” withstand a lot of sun, don’t require much water (the soil will dry out between waterings) and even withstand low temperatures pretty well.
Plant your ponytail palm in a well-draining soil and planter as you would with any succulent. Consider buying a large ponytail palm if you want a mature plant of this look or be prepared for a long wait.
Sansevieria cylindrica
Sansevierias (snake plants) including Sansevieria cylindrica are also included on the low light houseplant list. Despite the fact that they thrive in both high and low light environments, their preference is high light.
Sansevierias can survive in low light conditions, but they need adequate light to thrive. Direct sunlight is not a problem, and is even welcomed!
All Sansevierias do not respond well to overwatering, and Sansevieria cylindrica is no exception. As the roots rot with too much water, it is always better to have too little water. Always use a gritty mixture and pot with a drainage hole, and make sure the soil has fully dried out before watering. A ceramic pot without glaze works well.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any more questions about the plants on this list or want to suggest another plant!
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