14 Window Plants to Brighten Your Views

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Pothos is also known as the Devil's Ivy, in reference to how hard the plant is to kill. Native to Polynesia, it is now wild in many countries with tropical environments, growing along forest floors and tree trunks utilizing an aerial root system.

The golden pothos species features variegated leaves of green and yellow, with the level of variegation increasing with the amount of sunlight exposure the plant receives.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera is also grown for decorative purposes, now a popular houseplant far from its native environment, the Arabian peninsula.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

This popular flowering houseplant is known for its large, vibrant blooms, and is native to warm, temperate, tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Hibiscus flowers can vary widely in color, from white to pink, orange, red, yellow, or purple. The trumpet-shaped blooms are more likely to flourish away from cold drafts in the home and with the addition of fluorescent lights in winter months.

Hens and Chicks (Echeveria elegans)

Native to southern Europe and northern Africa, hens and chicks thrive in rock and container gardens, growing close to the ground with leaves formed around each other in a rosette shape. The "hen" is the main, or mother, plant, and the "chicks" are the offspring that grow nearby.

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

Also known as umbrella grass or nile grass, papyrus is native to Africa, and is an herbaceous perennial that often grows in shallow water, forming tall stands of reeds. Fond of swampy, tropical, conditions, the plant is now considered invasive in Florida, and care should be taken if you move it outdoors in areas that don't have a winter freeze.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and islands in the western Pacific Ocean, the Croton plant is known for its vibrant foliage, and typically grows in open forests and scrub. The tropical evergreen has thick, shiny, variegated leaves, and is often found in hedgerows and patio planters in its native habitats.

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

A quick-growing and cascading perennial succulent, the string of pearls plant is native to drier parts of Africa, and as a result is sensitive to over-watering. In the wild, the plant grows in the shade of other plants and rocks, its pea-shaped leaves avoiding direct sunlight. Its trailing stems can grow to be 2-3 feet in length and are featured well in hanging planters.

Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)

Native to central Mexico, this compact cactus produces light yellow or white flowers in spring and summer, and features delicate spines surrounding each stumpy stem in attractive, symmetrical patterns. Like most cacti, this plant is drought tolerant and can withstand extreme heat. Make any gradual adjustments to the thimble cactus' placement in your home.

Amazonian Elephant's Ear (Alocasia amazonica)

A fairly popular ornamental houseplant, the Amazonian elephant's ear has striking, dark green leaves with brightly contrasting ribs and margins. Tropical plants native to southeast Asia, this variety of elephant's ear is also called African mask and enjoys heat, moisture, and humidity.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Also known as "stick of fire," a pencil cactus is a succulent that produces thick branches with narrow stems and yellow flowers in the warmer months. Prepare for a tall plant—pencil cacti can reach about 30-feet tall in the wild, and they'll strive for great heights indoors as well.

Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)

These small perennial herbs are some of the most recognizable plants in the country. Native to wetlands on the eastern coast of the United States, Venus fly traps are carnivorous, feeding on beetles, spiders, and other crawling arthropods.

While currently commonly cultivated as an indoor plant, the Venus fly trap's native range has declined considerably in the 50 years, and the plant is under consideration for endangered species status in the United States.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Native to the Mediterranean, this woody, perennial herb thrives in window gardens that mimic the conditions of its ideal environment: sunny and arid. Avoid keeping this plant in a bathroom or other humid environment, and trim the stems back when it threatens to overwhelm its container's size.

The leaves can be used in an endless number of recipes, or stored in sachets or glass jars around the house to release a delightful scent.

Goldfish Plant (Columnea gloriosa)

Native to Central and South America, goldfish plants get their names from the shape and color of their vibrant blooms. These plants thrive in containers and bright windowsills from which they can cascade downward, and live around ten years indoors when repotted occasionally.

Urn Plant (Aechmea fasciata)

Also known as the silver vase plant, this flowering plant in the Bromeliad family is native to Brazil. In its rainforest habitat, the plant's leaves funnel water to its urn-like center, which should be kept full of water indoors. Brown leaf tips are a sign the urn plant is too dry.