Can Indoor Plants Thrive in a North-Facing Room?
Lee-Anne FerrariWhen choosing indoor plants for your Melbourne home, one of the most important factors to consider is light—specifically, the kind your space receives throughout the day. A north-facing room in Melbourne is typically blessed with gentle morning light and bright afternoon sun, making it an ideal setting for many light-loving plant varieties. But not all indoor plants will flourish in these conditions. If you're planning to create a leafy sanctuary in your north-facing space, choosing the right species is key to long-term plant success.
In this guide, we explore which Melbourne indoor plants are best suited to north-facing rooms and how to set them up to thrive—plus where to shop the healthiest range at unbeatable prices.
What Makes a North-Facing Room Unique?
In the southern hemisphere, north-facing rooms get the most consistent natural light throughout the day. During summer, the sun can be strong and intense in the afternoons. In winter, light is gentler but still plentiful. This consistent brightness means many indoor plants will love a spot in your north-facing room—but some may need protection from direct rays, especially during Melbourne’s warmer months.
Best Indoor Plants for North-Facing Rooms
Whether you're styling a living area, home office or a cozy bedroom, these plants will thrive in the reliable light of a north-facing room:
🌿 Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
A Melbourne indoor plant favourite for good reason. Loves bright light but appreciates a bit of protection from harsh direct sun in peak summer.
🪴 Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Perfect for making a bold statement. This hardy plant thrives in bright, indirect light—just rotate it occasionally for even growth.
🌴 Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Low-maintenance and sculptural. Ideal for those wanting a tropical touch without the fuss.
🌵 Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Golden cane Palms adore bright afternoon sun. Just ensure they’re not too close to the window glass where light intensity can scorch.
🍃 Monstera Deliciosa
While typically known for medium light preferences, Monsteras do well in bright spaces—as long as direct afternoon sun doesn’t hit their leaves too strongly.
Tips to Help Your Indoor Plants Thrive
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Diffuse harsh light: Use sheer curtains or place plants slightly off to the side if afternoon rays are strong.
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Monitor your plants: Scorched or curling leaves can indicate too much direct sun, while leggy growth suggests not enough.
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Rotate regularly: Encourages even growth and prevents plants from leaning toward the window.
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Use the right pot and soil: Good drainage is essential for most indoor plants—check out The Grow Centre’s range of pots and plant mixes here.
Where to Find the Best Indoor Plants in Melbourne
At The Grow Centre, we stock a carefully curated range of indoor plants perfect for Melbourne homes—including varieties that love a north-facing room. Whether you're just getting started or you're an experienced plant parent, our expert team can help match you with plants that suit your space, light, and lifestyle.
With lush home grown plants, unbeatable prices direct from the grower, and knowledgeable staff ready to assist, there’s no better place to green your space.
Ready to transform your north-facing room?
Browse our full selection of Melbourne indoor plants online or visit us in-store. With the right plants, your north-facing room can become your home’s most vibrant, feel-good space.