Whether you’re living in an apartment building with minimal natural light or you want to beautify those darker corners of your house, finding the right indoor plant that can survive, or better yet, thrive in low light conditions feels like hitting the jackpot. But, with a bit of knowledge, there’s no need to solely rely on luck. Introducing a variety of plants perfect for those darker rooms, this article seeks to shine a light on fourteen game-changers in the realm of indoor flora—each one adaptable, resilient and simply stunning, promising to brighten up your space, no matter how dimly lit it might be.
The
Snake Plant
, which goes by the more dignified scientific name of Sansevieria trifasciata, is the perfect addition to any low-light room. These hardy creatures thrive in less ideal lighting conditions; it’s why they earned their nickname as ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue’. Snake Plants are nearly indestructible and display tufted, upright, sword-like leaves that have a striking light pattern, adding a contrasting texture to your indoor space.
Not only is the Snake Plant a fantastic aesthetic addition, but it’s also low-maintenance by plant standards, needing only occasional watering (once every 2-3 weeks). Keep in mind, though, that they’re not as fond of the cold, so room temperature should be above 50°F (10°C). As for the cons, the Snake Plant can grow quite large if not managed properly— some varieties can reach up to 4 feet tall!
Meanwhile, the hanging or upright
ZZ Plant
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another ideal buddy for low-light rooms. Recognizable by its fleshy, glossy green leaves, the ZZ Plant can grow impressively large in the right conditions – and even low light is ‘right’ for them. ZZ Plants are not picky about their light and will happily live in a range of conditions.
If you’re worried about being a neglectful plant parent, you’ll be relieved to know the ZZ Plant is incredibly forgiving— it can withstand weeks without water and still look fresh. However, be careful not to overwater them, as they are susceptible to root rot. When compared to Snake Plants, ZZ Plants are a bit slow-growing but equally captivating and resilient.
Another popular choice is the
Peace Lily
(Spathiphyllum). This wonderful plant can bring a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Their glossy green leaves and distinctive white blooms have an unassuming beauty, adding a peaceful charm to any room. They do well in low-light conditions and are known to even purify the air, a double win!
Caring for Peace Lilies is simple— they need water only when their leaves start to droop slightly. However, they are a tad more delicate than the Snake and ZZ plants and need relatively high humidity. In low-light conditions, the trick is to remember not to overwater them, as lower light means slower evaporation.
Moving forward, if you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s both versatile and beautiful, look no further than the
Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum). With arching, fount-like leaves, Spider Plants are adaptable and can tolerate a variety of conditions, including low light. They are graceful, and their baby plants or ‘pups’ can be easily propagated, adding to their appeal.
Spider Plants are extraordinarily low-maintenance, needing only to be watered about once a week and even less in winter months. However, they are not fans of tap water due to its fluoride content, so distilled or rainwater is best. Spider Plants grow rapidly, so choosing them as your indoor companion means being ready for a swiftly expanding leafy family! The
Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is another stunning choice. It’s known for its heart-shaped leaves and its versatility. This plant is a climber and can be creatively displayed on bookshelves or hanging from a ceiling.
Pothos are very forgiving and require minimal care, making them a perfect choice for beginners. Similar to the Spider Plant, they thrive in various lighting conditions, including low light, but require watering once the soil is dry. Just note that prolonged exposure to chilly temperatures can make the leaves droop, so keep them in rooms above 50°F (10°C).
Next in line is the stunning
Cast Iron Plant
(Aspidistra elatior). Just like its name suggests, this plant is as tough as they come! It’s an excellent choice for areas where other plants may not thrive due to lack of light. Known for its dark green, glossy leaves, it can add a luxurious touch to any space.
For successful cultivation, keep the soil moderately dry— wait for the top inch to dry out before watering again. Pest issues are rare but watch out for spider mites and treat them immediately if they appear.
The
Dracaena
(Dracaena marginata) is another plant well-suited for low light areas. This plant is a great pick for adding a touch of green and purifying the air in your home or office.
Dracaena prefers indirect light and tolerates low light well. They are somewhat drought tolerant, so it’s better to underwater than overwater them. Be aware, though, they are sensitive to salt and fluoride present in tap water.
Philodendron
(Philodendron bipinnatifidum) are great for novice plant parents as they are easy to care for and can survive in low light. Their large, glossy leaves can add a touch of exotic charm to any room.
They prefer the soil to be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Also, the plants may become a little leggy in low light areas, yet they’re still an inviting and low-maintenance choice.
On the list too is the
Maidenhair Fern
(Adiantum raddianum). This delicate-looking fern thrives in the diffused light of darker indoor spaces. It requires a good amount of humidity, so it might need regular misting.
It prefers its soil to be kept moist, but be careful not to waterlog it. One downside is that it might be susceptible to pests like aphids and mealybugs.
Everyone’s favorite, the
Lucky Bamboo
(Dracaena sanderiana), is also a great choice for a low light indoor space. It’s a simple and graceful plant that can grow in a water vase without any soil.
Water should be replaced every two weeks, and it doesn’t require much other care. Just remember to keep it away from direct sunlight as it can lead to leaf burn.
Heartleaf Philodendron
(Philodendron hederaceum) is a hardy climbing plant known for its lush foliage and low-maintenance nature. They are similar to other Philodendrons but have a striking heart shape.
Like other Philodendrons, they prefer moist (not soggy!) soil and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions.
The next plant, the
English Ivy
(Hedera helix), is a classic choice for an indoor plant as it can thrive in a variety of light conditions. However, it might need regular maintenance to keep it from growing too unruly indoors.
Another great choice for a low light indoor plant is the
Arrowhead Plant
(Syngonium podophyllum). This plant can adapt to a variety of indoor conditions, and its unique leaf shape can add visual interest to any space.
Arrowhead Plants are not overly picky about light or water but give them well-draining soil and keep them out of direct sunlight. They might need regular pruning to maintain a neat appearance.
Lastly, we have the easy-to-grow
Hoya
(Hoya carnosa). Hoyas are a fantastic choice for a low light indoor area, and they offer a variety of color options.
They are drought-tolerant, so you only need to water them when the soil starts to feel dry. Additionally, they prefer higher humidity and temperatures above 60°F (15°C). However, they are rather slow-growing as compared to the other plants.
In conclusion, while low light conditions pose specific challenges for indoor gardening,
Key Takeaway:
- The article introduces 14 indoor plants suitable for low-light spaces including Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Pothos, Cast Iron Plant, Dracaena, Philodendron, Maidenhair Fern, Lucky Bamboo, Heartleaf Philodendron, English Ivy, Arrowhead Plant, Hoya.
- Most of these plants require minimal maintenance and can be great choices even for novice plant caregivers.
- The article offers detailed advice on maintaining and caring for each plant.
Stay positive! Low-light conditions are not the end for indoor gardening. You have a wide array of options in plants that not only survive but indeed thrive in low light. With a little attention, you can transform your low-light corners into lush green spaces. Remember, every plant brings a unique charm to your home or office, calming your mind and purifying your air.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to gauge the light conditions in my indoor space?
A: The light conditions can be roughly determined by how well you can read a newspaper in the space without any artificial light. If you can read easily, it’s high-light, if you can read but with difficulty, it’s low-light.
Q: Which plant stated in the article is best for purifying the air?
A: Peace Lily and Dracaena are known for their air-purifying qualities.
Q: I travel often. Which of these plants can withstand long periods with no watering?
A: ZZ Plant, Pothos, and Cast Iron Plant can withstand long periods without water. Still, remember to water them regularly when in town.
Q: I live in a cold region. Which plants are the best choices for my indoor spaces?
A: Snake Plant and Pothos can tolerate colder temperatures, but they should still be kept in rooms above 50°F (10°C).
Q: How often should I fertilize these indoor plants?
A: Generally, you can fertilize these indoor plants once every 1-2 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Always check the specific needs of your plant as some may require less or more frequent fertilization.
Feel free to share this article with your fellow plant enthusiasts. Check out more of our posts for more gardening insights and advice.
