A sunroom is the perfect place to relax—and an ideal environment for houseplants to thrive. With abundant natural light, warmth, and protection from the elements, sunrooms can support a wide variety of plants. But not all plants love full sun! Choosing the right greenery based on light exposure is key to creating a lush and healthy indoor garden.
Here’s a breakdown of the best plants for bright, medium, and low light sunrooms—plus tips on placement and care.
Bright, Direct Sunlight Lovers
If your sunroom gets full southern or western exposure, you’ll want plants that can handle direct rays for several hours a day.
Top Picks:
- Cacti & Succulents (Aloe Vera, Echeveria, Jade Plant): Drought-tolerant and love direct sunlight.
- Bird of Paradise: A tropical beauty with large, striking leaves and the potential to bloom.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: Thrives in full sun and adds a bold, sculptural look.
- Citrus Trees (Lemon, Calamondin Orange): Fruiting plants that thrive with ample sunshine.
Care Tip: Rotate plants every few weeks so they grow evenly toward the light.
Medium or Filtered Light Favorites
Sunrooms with east-facing windows or ones shaded by pergolas or trees will be better suited for plants that prefer indirect light or morning sun.
Top Picks:
- Peace Lily: Known for its white blooms and air-purifying abilities.
- Spider Plant: Easy to care for and great in hanging baskets.
- ZZ Plant: Virtually indestructible and thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Areca Palm: Adds a tropical touch and prefers filtered light.
Care Tip: Use sheer curtains or solar shades to diffuse harsh light if needed.
Low Light and Partial Shade Options
If your sunroom gets minimal direct sunlight, or if you’re decorating shaded corners, you can still enjoy greenery with the right selections.
Top Picks:
- Snake Plant: Survives nearly anywhere and is great for air quality.
- Pothos: Fast-growing vine that thrives in lower light and minimal care.
- Chinese Evergreen: A decorative plant with colorful foliage that tolerates low light.
- Cast Iron Plant: True to its name, it’s incredibly tough and low maintenance.
Care Tip: Avoid overwatering in low-light areas; soil tends to stay moist longer.
Bonus Tips for a Thriving Sunroom Garden
- Group plants by light needs to simplify care and avoid sunburn.
- Use humidity trays or misting to boost moisture for tropical plants.
- Consider plant stands, hanging baskets, and vertical planters to make the most of your space.
Bring Your Sunroom to Life
At Sunshine Sunrooms, we help you create spaces that are not only bright and beautiful—but functional and inspiring. Whether you’re building a new sunroom or upgrading your current one, we’re here to help you design a space that’s perfect for you (and your plants!).
Call us today to start your sunroom project.
Let’s make your home a sunnier, greener place.
