In a sunny climate or if you have lots of light in your home, some tropical houseplants may be unable to tolerate the light levels. Sun lovers are needed! These 5 high-light houseplants are species that don’t mind being in the spotlight.
You will learn which plants are able to withstand the sun’s rays by reading this article!
Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria Gracilis)
If you’re looking for plants that don’t mind being exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, cacti are a great option. Mammillaria gracilis, also known as the thimble cactus, is a good example.
In particular, this species is loved by houseplant lovers because it is easy to grow and stays small, making it perfect for windowsills. Furthermore, unlike the bunny ear cactus, the thimble cactus won’t hurt you when you handle it.
Cacti of the thimble type grow in arid areas of Mexico where they receive little shelter from the sun. The plants can withstand very high temperatures as well as temperatures almost as low as frost. As long as you give them a well-draining pot, soil, and plenty of sunshine, they can pretty much thrive on neglect.
To propagate this cactus, simply break off one of its “orbs” and replant them, or alternatively, just let it grow.
Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia Microdasys)
Cacti such as bunny ear cacti are another example of plants perfectly adapted to survive in arid, sunny environments. Cacti, to be exact, are succulents. Opuntia microdasys in particular remains much smaller than most of its prickly pear cousins, making it the ideal indoor plant.
As with most cacti, bunny ear cactus care is not too difficult – you just need to be patient. You want to provide as much sun as possible, water thoroughly once the soil has dried out, and use a super well-draining soil mixture composed of at least 50% gritty material, such as perlite or coarse sand.
Don’t get fooled by the innocent appearance of these cacti. They are not as innocent as they look. There are thousands of tiny spines (glochids) in that fur that can cause severe skin irritation. Even brushing past one of the pads can be painful.
Echeveria Succulent
A lot of sun is needed for succulents, such as the beautiful Echeveria with its many varieties. In fact, if your Echeveria does not receive enough sunlight, it will stretch and lose its attractive rosette shape. Therefore, these plants don’t just tolerate the Sun, they need and love it! Consequently, they are a wonderful choice for areas that receive a lot of sunlight.
Naturalized in dry habitats, these plants have adapted to store water in their fleshy leaves. Succulents require a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot.
During Summer, water only once the soil has fully dried out; in winter, water once every two or three weeks.
Venus Flytrap (Dionea muscipula)
Venus flytraps are relatively easy to grow indoors, but unfortunately they don’t last very long. Because of their perfect adaptation to nutrient-poor bog environments, they need a different kind of care than other houseplants, but it’s not too complicated if you know what you’re doing.
They are also accustomed to growing in very bright conditions, so they enjoy plenty of direct sunlight when indoors.
Venus flytraps require three important care aspects to grow successfully: soil, water, and dormancy. Potting soil contains too many nutrients, so try something soilless like perlite and spaghnum moss. Mineral-rich tap water is not appreciated either, as it contains too many minerals. Utilize distilled or de-mineralized water instead. Always keep the soil moist under your Dionea plant.
Finally, these plants require a period of dormancy during the winter. As a result, they will die back and abandon their traps, but don’t worry! After Spring arrives and you move your flytrap back to its normal spot, new growth should appear within a few weeks.
Sansevieria Cylindrica
Sansevierias (snake plants) such as Sansevieria cylindrica are also on the list of low light houseplants, despite their strange appearance. As one of the most adaptable houseplants, they can tolerate both high- and low-light environments, although the former is definitely preferred.
If you don’t provide enough light, your Sansevieria will not thrive. Direct sun is no problem and even appreciated!
In contrast to other Sansevierias, Sansevieria cylindrica is a succulent that cannot tolerate being overwatered at all. It is always better to have too little water than too much, since the roots are prone to rotting. You should always wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering and use a very well-draining, gritty mixture and a pot with a drainage hole. It is best to use an unglazed clay pot.