The most important factor in placing a houseplant is light, matching the plant's light requirements to the light available in a given position. Most common houseplants labelled as tropical or indirect-light plants do best within 1 to 2 metres of a window that receives several hours of daylight, ideally east or west-facing, or a metre or more back from a south-facing window to avoid direct summer sun. North-facing rooms are suitable only for the most shade-tolerant species. Secondary factors, temperature, humidity, and distance from draughts and radiators, matter significantly but are harder to optimise than light, and most healthy plants in good light will tolerate reasonable variation in these conditions.
Understanding Window Direction in the UK
In the UK, window direction determines what kind of light enters a room and at what intensity. South-facing windows receive the most light overall and the longest period of direct sun, particularly in summer. East-facing windows receive direct morning sun, which is gentler and cooler than afternoon sun, and are well-suited to a wide range of tropical houseplants. West-facing windows receive direct afternoon sun, which is brighter and hotter than morning sun. North-facing windows receive no direct sun at all and only ambient indirect light throughout the day.
For the majority of popular houseplants, an east or west-facing window, or a position up to 1.5 metres from a south-facing window, provides ideal conditions.
For succulents and cacti, nearer to a south-facing windowsill is optimal.
For shade-tolerant plants like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Cast Iron Plants, even a north-facing room works adequately.
How Far From the Window?
Light intensity falls off rapidly with distance from a window. A plant sitting on a windowsill receives far more light than one positioned even a metre back into the room. For plants that need bright indirect light, position them as close to the window as practical, on the sill, on a shelf in front of the window, or within 50 to 80cm of the glass.
The main exception is direct sun in summer through south-facing glass, which can scorch tropical foliage. In this case, positioning the plant a metre back from the window or using a sheer curtain to filter the light achieves bright indirect light without burn risk. See our guide on how to tell if a plant is getting too much light for the signs of sun scorch.
If you want to place plants further from windows for aesthetic reasons, a grow light mounted above the plant maintains adequate light levels regardless of distance from natural light sources. See our guide on grow lights for houseplants for options. Our grow light collection includes units suitable for everything from a single shelf to a full-room display.
Temperature and Draughts
Most tropical houseplants prefer a stable temperature between 15 and 25°C. Avoid positions near exterior doors that open frequently in winter, single-glazed windows on cold nights (the glass surface near a plant can be significantly colder than room temperature), or air conditioning units that blast cold air. Cold draughts cause rapid leaf damage in tropical species, presenting as brown blotches and sudden leaf drop.
Radiators create a different problem: they produce warm, dry air that rises and can desiccate plants positioned directly above or immediately beside them. The warm air itself is not harmful, but the very low humidity it creates causes brown tips, leaf curl, and spider mite pressure. Do not place plants on top of radiators or in the direct warm air stream. A position beside (not above or directly adjacent to) a radiator, with a humidity tray, is manageable for most tropical plants. See our guide on draughts and radiators.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens can be excellent positions for plants, if they have adequate light. The higher ambient humidity in these rooms, from steam and cooking, is genuinely beneficial for tropical moisture-loving species. Calatheas, Fern, and Anthuriums all do well in humid bathroom conditions provided there is adequate natural light. A bathroom with a frosted north-facing window is not a good position regardless of the humidity, light remains the primary limiting factor.
Kitchens near hobs should be checked for gas fumes and temperature spikes from cooking. Most plants tolerate these conditions well with adequate ventilation.