Plants that do their best work a metre or two from a bright window or behind a sheer curtain, suited to living rooms, sunny landings and well-lit offices. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
What counts as bright indirect light?
Bright indirect light is a spot that sees plenty of sky but little or no direct midday sun on the leaves. In Irish and northern European homes that usually means within two metres of a south- or west-facing window with a sheer curtain, or right beside an east- or north-facing one. A quick test: at midday your hand should cast a soft-edged shadow, not a sharp one. The plants below grow steadily in that light; in a dim corner they stall, lean and drop their lower leaves.
| Plant | Botanical name | Look | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money tree | Pachira aquatica | Braided trunk, glossy hand-shaped leaves | Pet-safe (ASPCA) |
| Madagascar dragon tree | Dracaena marginata | Slim canes topped with fine, red-edged leaves | Keep away from pets |
| Bird of paradise | Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai | Large paddle leaves, a tall statement plant | Keep away from pets |
| Croton | Codiaeum variegatum | Bold yellow, red and green foliage | Keep away from pets |
| Crispy wave fern | Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave' | Rosette of rippled, lime-green fronds | Pet-safe (ASPCA) |
| Spineless yucca | Yucca elephantipes | Woody stems with sword-shaped leaves | Keep away from pets |
Choosing the right plant for your window
For a statement floor plant, look at the bird of paradise, a tall money tree or Dracaena deremensis varieties such as 'Lemon Lime' and 'Rikki'. Crotons need the brightest spot of the group to hold their colour, while crispy wave ferns and money trees are the most forgiving when the light dips in winter. If you share your home with a cat or dog, use the Pet-safe filter: the money tree and Asplenium ferns are non-toxic according to the ASPCA, while dracaena, yucca, strelitzia and croton are best kept out of reach.
Avoid hot, unfiltered afternoon sun through glass, which can scorch leaves, and keep pots clear of radiators. Give each plant a quarter-turn every few weeks so it grows evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Can bright indirect light plants go in a south-facing window?
Yes, if the sun is softened by a sheer curtain or the plant stands a metre or two back from the glass. Direct summer sun through a window can scorch leaves, especially on crotons and ferns.
Will a bright light plant survive in a north-facing room?
Placed right beside a large north-facing window, many will cope, though growth slows. For darker rooms, a low-light plant is the better choice.
How often should I water plants in bright indirect light?
More often than plants in shade, because they grow faster. Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry, empty the saucer, and cut back in winter when growth slows.
Looking for something else? Browse all indoor plants, plants for low light, or our indoor palms.