21 of the Best Houseplants for Bright Light

21 of the Best Houseplants for Bright Light

One of my favorite times to garden is when it’s still cool in the morning, and as I work, I feel the sun begin to warm my back.

And because I live in the northeast, I savor these moments because once the first frost arrives in late fall, my outdoor gardening is on hold until the spring thaw.

Fortunately, I have a few sunny windows in my home, and I make the most of them by displaying a variety of bright-light-loving houseplants.

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This article discusses 21 houseplants that thrive in bright light, to cultivate in the most cheerful rooms in your home to keep your green thumb happy all year round.

You’ll find links to complete growing guides and purchase opportunities for each entry.

Here’s our exciting lineup:

The pros at the New York Botanical Garden advise that plants within two to three feet of a south-facing window receive direct sunlight, while those at a distance of three to five feet are exposed to bright, indirect light.

Unless you grow a desert cactus, bright, indirect sunlight is best for most houseplants to prevent the intense rays that penetrate window glass causing leaf discoloration or scorching.

If you place pots on a windowsill, monitor them for overexposure symptoms and adjust the distance as needed. Occasionally, rotate the pots to expose all parts of the foliage to sunlight.

Note that some of the entries in this may also be suitable for medium-light situations – and if you want to learn more about low-light houseplants, check out our guide!

Read on for 21 exciting houseplant options for bright areas of your