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8 houseplants you should not keep in direct sunlight

Houseplants look luscious in any room. While they don’t require high maintenance, it is best to know how much sunlight they need to avoid damage. Here’s a list of 8 common houseplants that you should completely avoid keeping in direct sunlight.

December 06, 2025 / 08:01 IST
Gardening tips: These indoor plants cannot tolerate harsh sunlight (Images: Canva)

Houseplants add beauty to any space, but they also require proper care. It is important to know how much light a plant needs when you grow it at home or bring it from a nursery. While some plants prefer bright light, others do not tolerate too much sun, as it can cause faded leaf colours, sun scalding, and more.

8 houseplants you shouldn’t grow in direct sunlight

Gardening tips to grow Pothos

How to grow Pothos plants: Protect them by keeping them away from bright windows or installing sheer curtains to reduce the effect of harsh light How to grow Pothos plants: Protect them by keeping them away from bright windows or installing sheer curtains to reduce the effect of harsh light

They are easy to maintain, but do not tolerate excessive sun. If they are placed near a bright window, they may develop bleached-out leaves and show other signs of damage. Protect them by keeping them away from bright windows or installing sheer curtains to reduce the effect of harsh light.

Gardening tips to grow Snake plant

How to grow Snake Plant: Exposing it to the blazing sun may not be a good idea, as it can cause the leaves to fade How to grow Snake Plant: Exposing it to the blazing sun may not be a good idea, as it can cause the leaves to fade

It is a beautiful plant known for its versatility. It is also the easiest to grow in indirect, artificial light. But exposing it to the blazing sun may not be a good idea, as it can cause the leaves to fade.

Gardening tips to grow Peace lily

How to grow Peace Lily: Even though it can tolerate both direct and indirect sunlight, too much sun can scorch its leaves and cause it to fade How to grow Peace Lily: Even though it can tolerate both direct and indirect sunlight, too much sun can scorch its leaves and cause it to fade

Peace lily looks lovely in a room, and even though it can tolerate both direct and indirect sunlight, too much sun can scorch its leaves and cause it to fade. The soil can also get dry under harsh sunrays. If its leaves begin to change colour or look faded, it is time to change its position.

Gardening tips to grow Spider plant

How to grow Spider plant (Image: Canva) How to grow Spider plant: It’s best to keep them in bright, indirect light, as it helps them to produce flowers and baby spider plants.

Spider plants are again fuss-free and elevate a room, but they are also sensitive to direct sunlight. It can cause their leaves to turn brown. So it’s best to keep them in bright, indirect light, as it helps them to produce flowers and baby spider plants.

Gardening tips to grow Rubber plant

How to grow rubber plant: Only a few hours of bright, indirect sunlight is enough for them to thrive How to grow rubber plant: Only a few hours of bright, indirect sunlight is enough for them to thrive

Rubber plants look gorgeous with their shiny, exquisite leaves, but they are also intolerant to excessive sunlight. They should be kept a few feet away from bright windows. Only a few hours of bright, indirect sunlight is enough for them to thrive.

Gardening tips to grow Boston ferns

How to grow Boston Ferns (Image: Canva) How to grow Boston Ferns: Its leaves can turn yellow if they are not kept in shade.

Boston ferns have sensitive, delicate leaves that can be affected by direct sunlight. Its leaves can turn yellow if they are not kept in shade. While they can tolerate higher light levels than most ferns, it is best to keep them away from excess sun.

Gardening tips to grow Dieffenbachia

How to grow Dieffenbachia (Image: Canva) How to grow Dieffenbachia: It is easy to see its glossy leaves changing colour if they are kept in sunlight everyday for a few hours.

It’s a stunning plant with dual-toned leaves that look rich. However, they too cannot tolerate blazing sunlight. It is easy to see its glossy leaves changing colour if they are kept in sunlight everyday for a few hours. To protect this one, keep it away from the sun.

Gardening tips to grow Calathea

How to grow Calathea plant: It is best to keep them away from bright sunlight as it can burn their leaves or cause bleaching. How to grow Calathea plant: It is best to keep them away from bright sunlight as it can burn their leaves or cause bleaching.

This one is another beautiful plant that catches the eye for its distinct leaves and colour. It is best to keep them away from bright sunlight as it can burn their leaves or cause bleaching. They thrive in  bright, indirect light and high humidity.

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
first published: Dec 6, 2025 08:00 am

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