It’s lovely to have a home where plants thrive, but it can be hard to know where to start when window real estate is limited. All plants need sunlight to survive, but some need more (or less) than others.

If you only have north-facing windows and want some plants to decorate your sills, we’ve tapped a few experts to let us know which potted friends would love to move in.

Pothos

Pothos plants are a great choice for beginner plant parents, and a classic houseplant for a reason—they’re fast-growing, live five to 10 years, and make for great living home decor on a sill or in a basket.

“They need their leggy growth to be consistently trimmed back and moderate watering,” Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery, says.

There are many kinds of pothos, some of which a variegated, but all share the staple heart-shaped leaves. Just keep an eye out for hungry pets as these are toxic to animals.

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Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plant is a slow-growing plant native to China and Japan. These plants thrive regardless of neglect, including low light, a wide range of temperatures, and irregular watering.

“The cast iron plant is virtually indestructible; north-facing windows provide just the right amount of indirect light for it to flourish,” Valeria Nyman, chief product officer at Taim.io, says. “Its broad, dark, and green leaves add a touch of classic elegance to any room.”

Maidenhair Fern

Most ferns would love to sit on a north-facing windowsill, but try out a maidenhair fern if you’re looking for a challenge.

“They’re notoriously fussy plants, but they can reward you with some stunning frilly foliage if you get it right,” Dan Jones, founder of Terrarium Tribe, says. “That delicate foliage is a natural fit for the soft lighting a north-facing window can provide.”

Be sure to keep these plants well-watered, and consider putting them in a north-facing bathroom window as they adore humidity.

Calathea

For less of a challenge, try a calathea. These also come in many varieties, and can be a bit finicky, but quite beautiful when you find the right balance.

“They prefer consistent humidity and gentler light, but reward diligence with ornate leaf patterns that look hand-painted,” Nyman says.

Lightning Jewel Orchid

Orchids are notoriously hard to care for, but even just the leaves on a lightning jewel orchid are rewarding.

“This little electric number has the most incredible leaf venation, and it really brightens up a room. It’ll appreciate the consistent light of a north-facing window to really help its colors pop,” Jones says.

Ensure that it gets airflow to its aerating roots by using a light and airy tropical soil mix, Jones suggests, and in no time your new plant will be thriving.

Peace Lily

For another stunning flowering plant, put a peace lily on your windowsill. One great thing about these is that with the amount of light you provide (should you choose to move them to a different window), you can decide whether your new houseplant flowers or not.

“While they can tolerate brighter indirect light, many peace lily varieties do well in the lower light conditions of a north-facing window,” Nyman says. “Their elegant white blooms (though not always *guaranteed* in lower light) and glossy green leaves bring a touch of tranquility indoors.”

These are common houseplants that work to purify the air around them.

Prayer Plant

A prayer plant is sure to add visual interest to your sill with its multi-colored leaves and fun behavior.

“Its velvety leaves feature striking patterns of contrasting colors, and they have a unique habit of folding their leaves up at night, resembling praying hands,” Nyman says.

Though they’re slow to grow, a prayer plant can reach up to a foot in size at full maturity.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are a great addition to a north-facing window if you’re missing some height. They have upright, stiff leaves with different varieties that add white, cream, and yellow colors to their leaves.

“These plants tolerate neglect, if you tend to forget to water your plants from time to time,” Sons says.