It is important to note that not all windows are created equal. The size and type of window you have, in addition to any obstructions such as trees or other buildings, can have a great impact on the quality and amount of light that comes through. If your plant growth is weak or spindly, move it to a brighter location.
Indoor Plants for East Window Light
There are many indoor plants for east-facing windows. Great choices for flowering houseplants in an east-facing window include:
Phalaenopsis – Moth orchids are among the best indoor orchids and can be kept in bloom for many months of the year. These are epiphytes and are typically grown in a bark mix or sphagnum moss.
Bromeliads – Various bromeliads (Aechmea fasciata and Neoregelia) are great choices and have beautiful form and striking flower bracts.
Cyclamen – Cyclamen is often sold as a seasonal plant but can grow well in eastern windows.
Streptocarpus – Also known as cape primrose, Streptocarpus freely blooms in eastern windows and come in pink, white, and lavender colored flowers.
Gesneriads – Any Gesneriad will thrive in east-facing windows and produce a multitude of blooms. These include African violets, Episcia, and Sinningia.
Some great foliage selections for east window plants include:
Cast iron plant – The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a great foliage houseplant that can tolerate quite a bit of neglect.
Dieffenbachia – Dieffenbachia, or dumbcane, is an easy-to-grow foliage houseplant with stunning variegated leaves and comes in various sizes.
Peacock plant – Like many Calathea species, peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) has beautifully patterned leaves. Be sure to keep this plant on the moister end for best results.
Philodendron – Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is a robust climber, but is very popular as a hanging plant.
Monstera – The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) can make a dramatic statement if you have the room. Beware because these plants can quickly take over your space!
Pothos – Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an easy-to-grow and propagate climber which is commonly grown as a hanging plant.
Spider plant – Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) offers easy growth, beautifully arching variegated leaves, and pups which are easily propagated.
Fiddle leaf fig – Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a more finicky plant to grow indoors, but a well-grown specimen makes quite a dramatic statement.
Boston fern – Boston fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata) is a great choice but keep the soil evenly moist for best results! This is the key for ferns.
These are just some of the houseplants that you can easily grow in eastern-facing windows. There are many more, so experiment and see what works best for you!
