A west-facing window is a common source of natural light for many indoor spaces, but it presents a distinct challenge for houseplants. While the significant amount of light is beneficial for growth, the intensity and heat during the afternoon hours can damage many common foliage plants. Understanding this unique light profile is the first step toward selecting plants and managing their care.
Defining the Light Conditions
The light from a west-facing window follows a specific daily pattern. During the morning, the room receives only gentle, indirect light. Direct light begins to enter the window from mid-afternoon until sunset, typically lasting for several hours. This late-day sun is significantly more intense and warmer than morning light because the atmosphere has already warmed up. The combination of direct sun and elevated heat can cause rapid leaf scorching and moisture loss, especially during the summer.
Plants That Thrive in Direct Afternoon Sun
Plants naturally adapted to harsh, arid environments are best suited to withstand the intense, direct afternoon sun. Many succulents and cacti are excellent choices because their physiology handles high light and heat. The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to tolerate rapid drying and heat exposure. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) and various cacti species are true sun worshippers whose native desert conditions match this intensity.
For robust foliage, the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) prefers the bright light, often requiring several hours of direct sun daily for vigorous growth. The Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) also flourishes, storing water in its bulbous trunk to survive high heat and low water. The Croton is another excellent option; its vibrant, multicolored leaves develop the best color saturation when receiving several hours of direct sunlight. Placing these species directly on the windowsill or within a few feet of the glass allows them to fully utilize the strong light.
Plants That Prefer Bright, Indirect Light
Many popular houseplants require the brightness of a west-facing window but will suffer if exposed to direct afternoon rays. These plants need bright, ambient light, achieved by strategic placement away from the glass. Positioning plants a few feet back or off to the side allows them to receive intense light reflected off surrounding surfaces. A sheer curtain placed over the window also effectively diffuses the light, mitigating the risk of leaf burn.
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) and the Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) prefer intense light but require protection from the direct, scorching sun. Exposing their large, thin leaves to unfiltered afternoon sun often results in brown, dry patches known as leaf scorch. Vining plants like Pothos and Philodendron also do well. However, their variegated forms, such as the Pothos N’joy, should be kept protected to prevent the white or yellow sections from burning. Trailing succulents, like the String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii), thrive near the window, receiving light intense enough to encourage a pink hue without causing them to become limp or shriveled.
Adjusting Plant Care for High Heat
The high temperature accompanying direct light necessitates specific modifications to standard houseplant care. Elevated heat accelerates water evaporation from the soil and transpiration from the leaves, meaning plants require more frequent watering than in other exposures. Monitor the soil moisture closely, checking the top inch of soil often to ensure plants are not drying out completely, which leads to wilting and stress.
The heat radiating off the glass can also drastically lower the humidity immediately surrounding the plants, which is problematic for tropical varieties. Grouping plants together helps create a microclimate with slightly higher local humidity as they release moisture. Rotating plants every few days is also beneficial because it ensures all sides of the foliage receive light and minimizes the risk of leaf burn from prolonged exposure.