Not all plants can handle the intensity of the direct sun. It’s important to know which species will thrive in these conditions. Fortunately, several varieties delight in basking in bright, sunny windowsills and balconies. They make excellent focal points or home decorations and can help purify the air inside your home or outdoor space.

If you love greens, why not choose a plant to grow indoors or outside that will benefit from direct sunlight? Dozens of plants like and thrive on sunny days. You can be tension-free about sunlight with aloe vera, jade plant, and sweet basil. Read on to learn more about the best plants for direct sunlight.

15 Plants That Like Sunny Days

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with a long history of medicinal use. It has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions and digestive issues and even as an immune system booster. The botanical name for Aloe Vera is Aloe barbadensis Miller, and it is native to the Arabian Peninsula.

Aloe Vera thrives in direct light and requires well-draining soil with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5. It can be grown indoors and outdoors, making it an easy addition to any home or garden. The spiny rosette shape of the leaves gives off a desert vibe that adds character to any space. Aloe Vera is also known for its ability to survive in dry, sunny conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who live in arid climates or have limited access to water sources.

2. Jade Plant

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent native to South Africa known as the money plant or lucky plant. It has thick, glossy leaves shaped like coins, giving it its common name. The leaves are usually green but can sometimes be variegated with shades of pink, yellow, or white.

Jade plants prefer direct sunlight and must be watered only when the soil is completely dry. They are easy to care for and can survive in various climates, making them an ideal choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant.

3. Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb native to India and widely used in cooking worldwide. It has a sweet, spicy aroma, and flavor adds depth to various dishes. Sweet basil is easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

Sweet basil prefers direct sunlight and needs well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It should be watered regularly but not too often, as it can easily become waterlogged. Sweet basil is an excellent choice for those who want to add flavor to their dishes without buying fresh herbs from the store.

4. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an herb native to the Mediterranean and is widely used in cooking, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. It has a sweet, floral aroma that is both calming and uplifting. Lavender prefers direct sunlight and needs well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It should be watered regularly but not too often, as it can easily become waterlogged.

Lavender is an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to their garden or home. It is also known for repelling pests, making it an ideal choice for those who want to keep their plants healthy and pest-free.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb native to the Mediterranean and is widely used in cooking, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. It has a woody, pine-like aroma that adds depth to various dishes.

Rosemary prefers direct sunlight and needs well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It should be watered regularly but not too often, as it can easily become waterlogged.

Rosemary is an excellent choice for those who want to add flavor to their dishes without buying fresh herbs from the store. It is also known for repelling pests, making it an ideal choice for those who want to keep their plants healthy and pest-free.

6. Cactus

Cacti are a type of succulent native to the deserts of North and South America. They are known for their spiny, drought-resistant leaves that can survive in extreme temperatures and arid climates. Cacti prefer direct sunlight and need well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. They should be watered only when the soil is completely dry, as they can easily become waterlogged.

Cacti are an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant that can survive in harsh climates. They are also known for their ability to store water, making them an ideal choice for those who want to conserve water in their garden.

7. Daylily

The daylily is a beautiful, hardy plant that can thrive in direct sunlight. It is an easy-to-care-for perennial flower that blooms in the summer months with large, vibrant flowers. Daylilies come in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple.

They are also available in both single and double-bloom varieties. Daylilies prefer direct sunlight and need well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. They should be watered regularly but not too often, as they can easily become waterlogged.

Daylilies are an excellent choice for those who want to add color and beauty to their garden without much effort. They are also known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, making them ideal for bringing more wildlife into their garden.

8. Delphinium

Delphinium elatum, commonly known as Delphinium, is an eye-catching perennial flower that adds color to any garden. These tall and majestic flowers have beautiful blooms on long spikes and can easily tolerate hot climates. Delphiniums require full sun for up to eight hours a day to thrive, and they will repeatedly bloom throughout the summer months.

When planting Delphiniums, using well-draining, moist, and nutrient-rich soil is important. The ideal soil pH for these plants is neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0). Delphiniums can be a stunning addition to any garden or landscape with proper care and maintenance. They are sure to bring beauty and life wherever they are planted.

9. Snake Plant

The Snake Plant, also known as Dracaena trifasciata, is a popular houseplant due to its low maintenance and hardy nature. It can tolerate direct or bright, indirect sunlight and prefers well-draining succulent or cacti soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5.

This plant is perfect for those who don’t have the time to tend to their plants regularly, as it can go weeks without needing water or attention.

Snake Plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them an ideal choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home. They absorb toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air while releasing oxygen into the environment.

The plant’s long, upright leaves come in various shades of green and yellow, adding a unique touch of color to any room they inhabit. With proper care and attention, these plants can last for years and make an excellent addition to any home or office space.

10. Dragon Tree

The dragon tree is a unique and eye-catching plant that can add a touch of drama to any home. Its long, slender leaves and thick trunk have an exotic look. Its botanical name is Dracaena draco, and it prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth.

It should be planted in a well-draining mix of loam and standard potting soil with pH 6.0 and 6.5. Dragon trees are an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique touch to their home. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them an ideal choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home. These are the ideal indoor plants.

11. Poppy

Poppies are a great choice for direct sunlight, as they thrive in full sun. They come in various colors and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Poppies are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season.

Poppies can tolerate drought conditions but need more water during periods of extreme heat. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them an ideal choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home. With proper care and maintenance, poppies can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.

12. Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is a stunning tropical plant perfect for brightening any space with its vibrant colors and unique shape. This plant thrives in direct sunlight, making it ideal for those looking to add color to their outdoor spaces.

The Bird of Paradise can reach heights of up to 6 feet tall, so it’s best suited for larger gardens or patios. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. This plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home.

13. Foxglove

Foxglove, or Digitalis, is a beautiful flowering plant that adds vibrant color to any garden. It is known for its tall spires of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. Foxglove prefers full sun exposure but can also tolerate some shade.

The soil should be well-draining and moist with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A rich soil will help the foxglove thrive and produce more blooms throughout the season.

Foxglove is an easy-to-care-for perennial that will return year after year if given the right conditions. It does best when planted in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler and there is plenty of moisture in the air.

Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and more flowers throughout the season. Foxglove is a great addition to any garden, providing stunning color from mid-spring through summertime.

14. Snapdragon

Snapdragons are a beautiful and vibrant addition to any garden. Their bright colors and spiky blooms bring instant cheer to any outdoor space. The botanical name for snapdragons is Antirrhinum majus, requiring full sun exposure to thrive.

They prefer well-draining, moist, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.2-7.0. Snapdragons are easy to care for and can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate. 

15. Yucca

Yucca plants are great for those looking to add greenery to their home. These plants are aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance, with thick woody stems and long green leaves. They don’t require much water and will grow in poor-quality soil if it’s free draining. Yuccas are perfect for sunrooms or conservatories, but you can also take them outside when the weather is warm.

These hardy plants can be grown indoors or outdoors in various shapes and sizes. Some varieties have large white flowers blooming in the summertime, adding extra beauty to your garden or home.

Yuccas are also known for their drought tolerance, making them ideal for areas with limited water resources. These plants can last for years with minimal care and add beautifully to any space.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. Is it OK to put plants in direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight is required for plants for at least 6 hours a day. Direct sunlight should be three to six hours daily for plants to thrive. During the midday sun, plants require protection from intense heat, requiring between 3 and 6 hours of sunlight daily.

2. What are some plants that can tolerate direct sunlight?

Some plants that can tolerate direct sunlight include foxglove, snapdragon, and yucca. Foxglove is a beautiful flowering plant with tall spires of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. Snapdragon is a vibrant addition to any garden with its bright colors and spiky blooms.

3. How much sunlight do these plants need?

Foxglove, Snapdragon, and yucca all require full sun exposure to thrive. Foxglove should be planted in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler and there is plenty of moisture in the air. Snapdragon prefers well-draining, moist, and rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.

4. How often should I water these plants?

Foxglove, snapdragon, and yucca all require regular watering to thrive. Foxglove should be watered when the soil is dry, and snapdragons should be watered deeply but infrequently. Yuccas are drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water, but they will need more frequent watering during periods of extreme heat.

5. Are there any other tips for growing these plants?

Yes, there are a few tips to remember when growing foxglove, snapdragon, and yucca. Foxglove should be planted in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Snapdragon should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season and deadheaded regularly to promote new blooms. Yuccas should be planted in well-draining soil and protected from strong winds.

Conclusion

These plants require full sun exposure and regular watering to thrive. They are also low maintenance and drought-tolerant, ideal for areas with limited water resources. With the right care, these plants can provide a beautiful addition to any home or garden. Those plants are perfect for bringing a new look to your home.

About the Author

Virginia E. Hayes is a gardening enthusiast who loves to write about gardening tools, safety issues, and ways to keep gardens clean and safe. With her vast experience in gardening, she provides valuable insights and tips to help fellow gardening enthusiasts to enhance their gardening experience. Her passion for gardening and writing has made her a sought-after author in the gardening community.

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