Bright indirect light houseplants are plants that thrive in conditions where they receive plenty of natural light without direct exposure to the sun. These plants are great for areas near windows that provide just the right amount of light so they flourish and grow from the filtered sunlight or light reflected off nearby surfaces. In indoor spaces, finding the right plants that thrive in bright indirect light is key to bringing greenery into your home.
1. Peperomias
Peperomias are one of the many houseplants that prefer bright indirect light. These plants are easy to grow since they don’t require a ton of care, and they can add visual interest to a space. They are able to tolerate low indirect light and aren’t suited for intense, direct sun as it can burn the plant’s leaves.
2. Orchids
While orchids can be easy to grow, make sure to provide the right conditions. The direct sun can burn the plant’s leaves, so a south- or east-facing window is ideal for orchids that flourish in bright areas indirectly.
Additionally, make sure to let orchids fully dry out between watering. There are many kinds of orchids, but some popular and commonly sold orchids are Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Dendrobium.
3. Rubber Plants
Rubber plants are known for their large, glossy leaves and do best in areas which bring in indirect, bright light. In the right conditions, these plants can grow to be 3 to 4 feet tall.
Make sure to put rubber plants in an east- or west-facing window or anywhere they can receive bright, indirect light. Also, allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry before watering.
4. African Violets
African violets are a popular houseplant that prefer bright, indirect light. These plants are compact, low-growing, and if exposed to too much sunlight, their leaves can become damaged and turn light green.
Additionally, African violets like warm and humid spaces. These houseplants can add a pop of color to a space because of their purple or pink blooms.
5. Philodendron
Philodendrons can tolerate low light, but they thrive in bright indirect light. These plants are easy to grow and come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Philodendrons have heart-shaped leaves and can live for decades with proper care.
6. Pothos
Pothos come in a variety of different foliage patterns and will tolerate low light but are easy to grow in indirect bright light. Make sure to let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Since its vines can grow to be 6 to 10 feet long, pothos fit in hanging baskets but you can also keep it small and compact by trimming its stems.
7. Fittonias
Fittonias are a petite and dense houseplant that prefers bright light indirectly. They can grow to be 3 to 6 inches tall and come in red, pink, white, and green varieties. Known for their veiny, dark green leaves that make these plants ruffly and also easier to shield from the sun.
8. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are easy to care for as they don’t even need soil to grow and thrive in indirect bright light. If they receive too much light, their leaves can become stumpy, but if they receive too little light, their leaves might elongate and become floppy. With the proper lighting, bromeliad leaves can be brighter colors.
9. Tradescantia
Tradescantia is bright, indirect light-loving genus of plants known for their colorful foliage. Too much sunlight can scorch its leaves, so placing it in an east- or west-facing window is good. Make sure to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
10. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are low-maintenance plants that don’t need direct sunlight. They have shiny, waxy leaves that grow on thick succulent stalks, and their roots can store water. They are slow-growing plants that grow from the water stored under the soil making them drought-tolerant plants.
11. Jade Plant
Jade plants can live a long time with proper care and indirect, bright sunlight. They are known for their oval-shaped leaves and tree-like appearance. Make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. Additionally, these plants need to be watered during the growing season and watered less during the dormant season.
12. Anthurium
Anthuriums thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer high humidity and warmth. They are known for their bright red, green, and white colors.
If they receive too much sunlight their leaves can burn. Allow the plant’s soil to dry out between waterings. A bathroom is a good spot for this houseplant.
13. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes prefers bright light indirectly but can tolerate unfiltered bright light. These plants are known for their thick, fleshy leaves, and they are easy to care for since they don’t need to be watered often. Like some other succulents, kalanchoes bloom once a year.
14. Aloe Vera
Aloe veras are happiest when placed near a south-facing window, or wherever they can receive diffused light. They are a popular house plant for several reasons, including the fact that it’s an air-purifying plant and can have health benefits. Aloe vera may bloom if it receives enough light, whereas it can become leggy if grown in low light.
15. Aglaonema
Aglaonemas, also known as the Chinese Evergreen, is a tropical, evergreen perennial that grows best in bright, indirect light. It’s an excellent houseplant, but low light conditions can negatively impact the plant’s growth.
They have pink, red, cream, white, or gold variegation and can vary in shape and size. Aglaonemas can tolerate periods of drought, but it prefers evenly moist soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
16. Snake Plant
Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is happiest receiving bright light indirectly near a south- or east-facing window. Snake plants are easy to care for and are considered good plants for an office. They’re nearly indiscernible since they store water in their leaves.
