Succulents

• Succulents such as cacti, aloe vera and jade plants thrive in sunny conditions. Succulents have thick leaves and stems that store water. They are easy to care for, since they need little maintenance and can handle dry conditions. While some tropical succulents can thrive in low light, most species need full sunlight to grow properly. Aloe plants can also double for medicinal purposes, as their moisture can help soothe burns and other skin maladies.
  
  

Small Trees

• The Norfolk Island pine is a small tree that can thrive indoors in a bright location. Native to an island near New Zealand, the Norfolk Island pine thrives at temperatures found in most homes. When growing the plant near a window, be sure to rotate it a quarter-turn once a week so all of it gets sunlight. Ponytail palms are another species that can thrive indoors in good levels of sunlight. When grown indoors, they are still quite large and have a unique swollen base. Bright light is the most important consideration when growing ponytail palms.
  
  

Flowering Plants

• The Christmas cactus is a flowering plant native to Brazil and will thrive in high levels of sunlight. It grows in arching stems and produces purple flowers. It can be grown as a hanging plant or in a pot set near the window. Keep the soil moist at all times, though, if you want this plant to thrive. The Chinese hibiscus is another plant that needs high levels of light to grow. Known for its large, showy flowers, the hibiscus needs plenty of direct, bright light to truly impress.
  
  

Other Plants

• Joseph's coat is another plant that grows well in full sunlight. Thriving outdoors during the summer, many people bring their Joseph's coats inside during the winter. It grows in mounds that reach about 8 inches with distinctive, slender leaves that are a rich burgundy color. Another plant with rich-colored leaves that loves the sun is the blood leaf. This evergreen perennial has veiny, ovate leaves that are bright red in color.