Many of us feel the need to have greenery about the house, but don’t successfully manage it due to lack of sunlight.
Lots of us live in environments with scant natural light. This makes growing healthy houseplants seem like an impossible mission. We have good news, though!
There are many low-light houseplants that not only survive but downright flourish in darker situations. These tough plants are ideal for dark nooks that require a little dose of nature, like shady offices or poorly lit rooms.
Let’s explore the amazing world of simple low-light houseplants.
The best low-light houseplants for your home
Understanding why these specific plants thrive without much sunlight helps us appreciate them.
Usually native to the forest floor, where they grow organically under the cover of larger trees, low-light plants usually depend on filtered or indirect light for survival. They’ve adapted remarkably well to flourish with little light.
These plants are your perfect choice if you’ve been cursed with low-sunlight rooms.
Sansevieria trifasciata
Often called the ‘unkillable plant’, snake plants are the ultimate survivors.
Their broad, straight leaves not only look amazing, but also help to effectively clean the air. Not only that, they can survive just fine if you forget to water them occasionally. A snake plant can withstand neglect like a pro!
Put them in a dark corner and their sword-like leaves will still look amazing.
Just be careful to not overwater them. They prefer dry soil, which is ideal for those of us who sometimes inadvertently overlook our plants.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Novice and experienced gardeners alike love the ZZ plant with its shiny, waxy leaves.
It thrives on neglect and only needs water when the soil is totally dry. This low-light marvel can manage the most negligent of plant parents. It can also brighten the worst of interiors and is quite tolerant of low light.
The strong, nearly indestructible character of the ZZ plant is fantastic for low-light environments. It’s perfect for busy people, too, as it’s extremely self-sufficient. It’s also pest-resistant, requires no pruning and can survive for long periods without water.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, sometimes known as Devil’s Ivy, is a vine that almost seems to be designed for low-light conditions.
Whether on shelves, in hanging baskets, or even cascading from a high point, Pothos looks amazing with its trailing green and often variegated leaves. This one requires little maintenance and thrives even under fluorescent illumination. It is a beautiful plant and one of the easiest to cultivate.
Pothos eliminates impurities that are prevalent in offices and homes, therefore cleaning the air. They’re usually added in highly polluted areas.
It is also extremely enduring when it comes to dry spells or total darkness.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are making a major comeback, thanks to their laid-back nature and odd look.
Their arching green and white striped leaves are ideal for hanging baskets where they can dangle free. Perfect for any place, spider plants are tolerant of low light and flourish in less-than-perfect conditions.
Seeing a spider plant create plantlets, which you can propagate and present to friends or put around your house, is one of the pleasures of owning one. In addition, it also naturally cleans your environment by acting as an air filter.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Loved for its elegant white blossoms and glossy green leaves, the peace lily is a classic houseplant.
If you want a little elegance in your room, this is one of the few plants that blooms in low light. Low-maintenance peace lilies communicate nicely with their carers. If they’re thirsty, they will droop slightly to indicate it’s time for a drink.
These plants are also well-known for their air-purifying properties. They address typical indoor contaminants and help to create better surroundings.
Just keep the soil moist and give them the odd wipe-down to maintain the brightness and health of their leaves.
Tips for caring for low-light houseplants
These laid-back plants still need some care, even though they’re low maintenance.
These basic ideas will help you to keep your low-light plants in perfect shape:
- Most low-light plants prefer dry soil between watering. The fastest method to harm a low-light plant is overwatering, so always inspect the soil well before adding extra water.
- Dust the leaves gently every now and again to ensure they look their best. Dust can prevent light from reaching them and remarkably impact their health. Use a moist cloth to clean them.
- Plants often grow towards the light. Rotating them every few weeks helps them grow uniformly and preserve a balanced form.
Bringing greenery into every room
Low-light plants enhance air quality, add life and create a calming environment that will raise your mood.
From bathrooms to basements, these flexible plants find a home almost anywhere and brighten even the darkest nooks.
If you need help growing these shade-loving plants, schedule an appointment with a professional gardener.
Conclusion
Adding houseplants to your home doesn’t need to be a war against sunlight. With the right choice and care, you can turn your darkest room into a green haven. There’s always a low-light plant that will embrace the shadier parts of your home.
Whether it’s a simple ZZ plant or an extravagant snake one, your house will have a fabulous green vibe.
These plants are bred to survive dry spells and scarce light. Choose your preferred type and let your house blossom regardless of its apparent darkness.
