East and West Facing Window Plants: Where to Put Them?

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Tips For Choosing East and West Facing Window Plants

It is often believed houseplants will thrive in a room with a south-facing window.

The fact is, there are a number of interesting or exotic houseplants that thrive in either an east facing window or a west facing window.

Remember that these windows are facing east or west, so they only get sunlight for a short amount of time each day.

Understanding the different types of sunlight in these two locations makes it easy to select the right plants to suit the area.

Our article discusses the light exposure afforded by east and west windows and shares some suggestions for what plants would be best suited for these locations.

Read on to learn more.

What To Do With An East-Facing Window

East-facing windows are similar to north-facing windows, with the difference being that you get more sunlight in the morning on the east side than you do on the north side.

This means that plants placed in an east-facing window are more likely to grow healthy and strong.

One problem many people face with east facing windows is that they are often quite small.

On east-facing sides of houses and buildings, architects tend to put smaller windows, which may mean you’ll have to get creative in selecting plants that can fit in some kind of tight spaces.

You can choose larger plant specimens for the east window if your windowsill is large.

An east facing window in the bedroom provides the perfect opportunity to amass a collection of plants that blend in nicely with the landscape outside.

You should hang plants in your window, but keep in mind that you may completely block your view with large plants in a small window.

Outdoors is the ideal place to observe the plants and observe the surrounding world.

What to Do with Plants For West Facing Windows

Indirect direct sunshine, high temperatures, and intense direct light can be seen through west-facing windows. West-facing windows are very similar to south-facing windows.

It is quite possible for heat and lighting condition to damage several kinds of plants.

This is why you should shade the plants in your west window whenever direct sunlight is present. This is especially important during after-work hours.

It is certain that leaves of more delicate plants will scorch if they are not protected. In fact, some succulents and cacti sitting in a window will suffer under the intense natural light coming through the glass.

In a mere matter of minutes, you could make a sheer curtain, which you can pull across your window, to shield your plants from the sun’s intense heat.

There may not be much you can do to prevent the punishment of the sun’s rays and the high temperatures that come with them.

If your west-facing windows are very large, you might need to install external shades. Deciduous trees outside may also be a good idea if your windows face west.

Architects usually design buildings so that the most natural light can enter through the west windows. Small west windows are usually rare.

The west window in your home is excellent for passive solar requirements and can provide a great view, but the direct sunlight can be harsh on indoor plants.

Choosing West Facing Window Plants

You can choose to stick with indoor plants that thrive in an extremely hot, extremely sunny environment instead of trying to create exterior shade for a west facing window.

If you think of cactus, the idea of such a collection on a windowsill makes you think of an exotic and interesting display, especially in very cold climates.

Plants that look beautiful under bright light and on bold display are best suited to this setting.

By choosing plants with interesting architectural forms, you create an exciting contrast and an engaging window display.

A large west-facing window can accommodate many hanging plants well, making for a stunning view inside and outside.

Make sure that you arrange your smaller plants in the west window in an artistic and attractive manner.

As an alternative, opt for a large wall or hanging plant to occupy the majority of your west-facing window area.

Pay attention to how attractive your plants and containers look when decorating windows facing west.

Windows facing west capture a lot of sunshine and attract a lot of attention, so make sure your plants look their best.

If you are considering the appearance of your plants, don’t forget their impact on the room. For example, a beautiful plant can cast an interesting shadow into your room.

Create a Kitchen Window Garden!

It is possible to grow several herbs and even some vegetables in your kitchen with a large west window. The key is to choose plants that do well in the sunshine and warmth.

Herbs of all kinds will work well, but rosemary, oregano, and thyme are the best ones to use.

A kitchen window garden gives you the opportunity to have an ample supply of fresh produce, particularly during the winter months.

Other Considerations For East and West Facing Window Plant Selection and Care

These considerations are important to keep in mind when selecting plants for windows facing east or west.

Think About What Is Outside

Be sure to select plants that will enhance your view and not obscure it. Consider the appearance of trees, buildings, lakes, and so forth that you can see through your window.

Think About What You Have Inside The Window

Your privacy concerns may already be being addressed by heavy drapes or some other window treatment that could interfere with the maintenance of plants.

Consider the amount of change you will be willing to make regarding your window treatments in order to accommodate your plants’ needs for light.

How Clean Are Your Windows?

In case your windows are dirty, you may not have success with houseplants. The amount of light available for plants is naturally reduced when dirt accumulates on windows, just as leaves get dirty.

Are you willing to keep your windows clean for your plants?

Unless you have a west facing window, you might want to choose lower light plants like bathroom plants.

Pay Attention To Your Plants’ Surroundings

Take note of the colors of the walls, the grains of the tables and other items in the room.

Light traveling through very bright white walls or reflective surfaces can provide your plants with more intense sunlight to be alive. This is either a bad thing or a good thing.

Make sure your room is furnished and decorated appropriately and make adjustments as necessary to provide a healthy environment for your plants.

Know The Warning Signs Of Improper Lighting

The excessive amount of light can cause leaves to curl, fade, or even scorch and turn brown.

A plant that gets too much light may have small and new leaves; on the other hand, if it gets too little light, the leaves become big and floppy, and the coloration may change.

They may develop bizarre variegation, yellowing or pale leaves. The plants may become stunted, lose leaves, and not flower when they are hungry for light.

It may take some time for these problems to develop, so you’ll want to stay on the lookout for any changes or unusual circumstances in your plants.

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