Indoor Plants for Window Sills: 12 Easy-Care & Beautiful Options

A few years ago, I moved into a sunny, white-washed apartment with windows that bathed my kitchen in soft morning light.

I spruced up the window sills with a few plants, hoping to add some life to my space. Little did I know, those small additions would become my favorite reason to come home.

Indoor plants for windowsills include Aloe vera, Jade plants, English ivy, African violets, herbs, ZZ plants, string-of-pearls, cacti, Boston ferns, orchids, peace lilies, succulents, spider plants, and pothos. From hardy succulents to tropical beauties, they’ll add depth and beauty to window sills.

12 Light-Loving Houseplants for Window Sills

Are you ready to learn which indoor plants will happily adorn your windowsill, turning it into a lush haven? Here are light-loving plants that will create a vibrant, living showpiece that can improve your outlook – literally and figuratively.

#1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a must-have for a window sill as it serves multiple purposes.

My landscaper friend has many aloes in her garden, so every few weeks, she unearths one and puts it in a pot without soil or water. She then replants it and replaces the one on her windowsill with a freshly unearthed one for a dynamic aloe display.

A resilient plant that loves soaking up the sun, Aloe vera also has medicinal properties, including soothing gel for sunburns and minor skin ailments.

Place it on a sunny windowsill and watch this succulent thrive. It prefers dry soil that emulates its place of origin, so water it sparingly.

#2. Jade Plant

The Jade plant goes by a few names, but one is the money plant! Often used in Feng Shui, this classic succulent symbolizes good luck, wealth, and friendship.

Jade plants love bright, direct sunlight, making a windowsill their happy place. Keep their soil well-drained and allow it to dry out between waterings.

Their thick, shiny leaves store water, so they’ll forgive you for forgetting to water occasionally.

#3. English Ivy

English ivy has a classic feel and is an ideal choice for giving an elegant touch to your windowsill. This creeper prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light.

Keep English ivy’s soil moist and mist occasionally to mimic its native damp environment. Potting it indoors will limit its growth, but its cascading vines are ideal for hanging pots or softening a windowsill’s edges.

#4. African Violets

African violets are compact, flowering plants that bring vibrant color to your windowsill.

My favorite coffee shop has an assortment of them on the window ledge, looking across the street. Their cheery, robust little flowers boost me every time I see them.

These plants love indirect light because too much sun can scorch their leaves. Keep their soil moist, but avoid wetting the fuzzy leaves—they’re a bit fussy about that, too! With a little care, African violets will reward you with blooms year-round.

#5. Herbs (e.g., Basil, Thyme, Parley)

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, cilantro, parsley, and rosemary make your windowsill fragrant and functional. Each plant craves bright, direct sunlight, so a sunny kitchen window is ideal.

Water your herbs regularly, keeping their soil moist but not soggy. This will also ensure they are perky and flavorful when you snip a few leaves for food preparation.

Frequent harvesting encourages these herbs’ growth, so they’ll keep producing.

#6. ZZ Plant

If you’re looking for low-maintenance foliage for your windowsill, the ZZ plant may be a good bet. They tolerate low light but thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. ZZ plants have waxy, dark green leaves that add a polished look while preventing moisture loss.

Water these plants infrequently, as their rhizomes store water. If you’re a serial plant neglecter, the ZZ plant might be your botanical soulmate.

#7. String of Pearls

String of pearls is a quirky, robust succulent that looks like a living bead necklace.

One of the ladies at my mother’s craft group has a gorgeous string-of-pearls spilling over from a hanging basket by her glass front door—the first thing that grabs your eye and adds a sense of opulence and intrigue.

This plant is perfect for trailing along a windowsill, either by itself or around other plants’ pots.

Water it sparingly during fall and winter, and let the soil dry out between drinks. Its unique looks are sure to spark conversation with visitors.

#8. Cactus

Cacti typically originate from arid regions, meaning they’re like little sun worshippers that thrive on bright, direct sunlight. They’re perfect for windowsills and come in countless shapes and sizes, meaning you can decorate even the tiniest ledge with them without overwhelming a space.

Water cacti sparingly—about once a month—and use well-draining soil to prevent them from rotting.

Their spiky textures and unique forms make them striking conversation pieces and quirky companions for any space.

#9. Boston Fern

Boston or sword ferns love bright, indirect sunlight and a touch of humidity to emulate the shady, moist patches they love to grow in. They’re great for adding lush greenery to your sill and can get quite full, contributing tropical vibes to a room.

Keep Bosten ferns soil moist, and mist them regularly to keep them fresh and perky. If you’re a fan of vintage charm, these ferns bring a classic, old-world charm to your home.

#10. Orchids

My friend is a hotelier, and orchids adorn the sash window ledges of his 4-star hotel reception area. I asked him why he chose orchids, and he said they’re like divas that give the space a sense of luxury, which I agreed with.

A large variety of orchids exists, so you can choose the perfect diva for your windowsill. Place them in bright, indirect sunlight and water them weekly, but not excessively.

Orchids enjoy humidity, so placing them on a windowsill in your kitchen or bathroom can encourage their exotic blooms to last for months.

#11. Spider Plant

Spider plants add a spunky flair to any windowsill, especially with their arching leaves, baby “spiders,” and cute white flowers. They’re pretty hardy too; whenever I take my kids to visit their dad, I marvel at how his thrive and flower in harsh sunlight and poor soil.

Spider plants are also known to improve air quality, so they’re much more than pretty foliage—they’re hardworking, too.

These low-maintenance plants enjoy medium to bright sunlight, preferably indirect. You only need to water them when the top inch of soil is dry.

#12. Pothos

Pothos is an indoor gardener’s best friend because it’s easy-going and dependable. These trailing plants are perfect for beginners and adapt to low or bright light.

Place your pothos near your window in a hanging basket or on a sill and enjoy its cascading vines that add color and depth to your walls.

Water the soil only when it feels dry, and appreciate how its lush, heart-shaped leaves bring cheer and life to your space.

Final Thoughts

Transforming a windowsill in your home into a thriving indoor garden is easier than you think. These plants offer something for everyone, including fickle orchids, low-maintenance cacti, vintage ivy and ferns, and easy-growing spider plants and pothos.

You can create a beautiful and uplifting space with the right plants, a little care, and a sunny spot on the ledge. So pick your favorites, place them on the ledge, and enjoy tending to your green windowsill friends.

Related Articles: