10 Plants That Will Transform Your Window Sills | Tillandsia Air Plant
There are many ways to spruce up a window sill, but only a few ways to add life to them.
Plants instantly give life to a window and the entire interior! But the type of plant and the type of window sill you choose are more important than you think!
Not all houseplants are suitable for the window sill and some window sills are prone to moisture and mould. Read on to find out which plants thrive near your windows and why!
Best Plants for Window Sills
Succulents (e.g., jade plant, echeveria, sedum)
Climate: Arid, warm
Window Sill Suitability: 9/10
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight)
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, water sparingly when soil is completely dry
Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Maintenance: Low, prune occasionally
Growth Rate: Slow
Air Purification: Low
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 8/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light to low light
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, water every 2-3 weeks
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Low, wipe leaves occasionally
Growth Rate: Slow
Air Purification: High
Pothos
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 7/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light
Water Needs: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Medium, prune regularly
Growth Rate: Fast
Air Purification: High
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 8/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light to partial shade
Water Needs: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Medium, remove brown leaves
Growth Rate: Fast
Air Purification: High
Aloe Vera
Climate: Arid, warm
Window Sill Suitability: 9/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect sunlight
Water Needs: Allow soil to fully dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Slow
Air Purification: High
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 7/10
Light Needs: Low to bright, indirect light
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, water every 2-3 weeks
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Very low
Growth Rate: Slow
Air Purification: High
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 8/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light to low light
Water Needs: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Low, wipe leaves occasionally
Growth Rate: Moderate
Air Purification: High
Peperomia
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 8/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light to low light
Water Needs: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Air Purification: Moderate
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Climate: Tropical, subtropical
Window Sill Suitability: 9/10
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light
Water Needs: Soak in water every 1-2 weeks
Soil: None, grow on bark, driftwood, etc.
Maintenance: Very low
Growth Rate: Slow
Air Purification: Low
Herbs (e.g., basil, mint, thyme, rosemary)
Climate: Varies, generally warm
Window Sill Suitability: 9/10
Light Needs: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)
Water Needs: Keep soil moist, not saturated
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Maintenance: Medium, regular pruning/harvesting
Growth Rate: Fast (annuals)
Air Purification: Moderate
Does The Material Of My Window Sill Matter?
When it comes to selecting the ideal window sill material for hosting plants, high-density moisture-resistant MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) stands out as the best choice. Unlike traditional wood or porous materials, MDF is engineered to be highly resistant to moisture, swelling, and warping, ensuring a stable and long-lasting surface for your indoor garden.
Natural Materials
While natural materials like wood or marble may have an aesthetic appeal, they can be susceptible to water damage, rotting, or staining over time, especially when exposed to the elevated moisture levels associated with potted plants. Wood, in particular, can also harbour insect infestations, posing a risk to your plants and indoor environment.
PVC Window Sills
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) window sills are another moisture-resistant option, but they may not offer the same warmth and natural look as MDF, and they can potentially crack or discolour over time due to exposure to sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
High-Density MDF: The Ideal Choice
High-density MDF, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds – it's moisture-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain, while still providing a sleek and modern appearance that complements various interior design styles. Its smooth surface is easy to clean and won't harbour mould or bacteria, making it a hygienic choice for your indoor plants.
With proper drainage and care, MDF window sills can provide a stable and long-lasting foundation for your window sill plants, minimising the risk of water damage, insect infestations, or structural issues. Additionally, their affordability and ease of installation make them an excellent choice for homeowners and renters alike.
Best Practices
Of course, no matter the window sill material, it's essential to follow best practices for indoor plant care, such as using containers with drainage holes, monitoring watering schedules, and addressing any pest issues promptly. By combining the right window sill material with proper plant maintenance, you can create a beautiful and thriving indoor oasis that enhances your living space and brings the joy of nature indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to protect window sills from plants?
To protect window sills from plants, use waterproof trays or saucers beneath the pots to catch any excess water. Also, consider placing a moisture-resistant mat or tray directly on the window sill to protect the surface from water damage.
What plants are good for window sills?
Some good plants for window sills include succulents, snake plants, pothos, spider plants, and herbs like basil and thyme. These plants can tolerate varying light conditions and don't require excessive watering.
How to extend a window sill for plants?
To extend a window sill for plants, consider using bespoke moisture-resistant MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). MDF is durable, easy to install, and resistant to water damage, making it an ideal material for a window sill extension to accommodate more plants.
Which indoor plants like direct sunlight?
Some indoor plants that thrive in direct sunlight include succulents like jade plants and echeverias, herbs like basil and rosemary, and flowering plants like geraniums and petunias. These plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.