What Houseplants Like Low Light: A Comprehensive Guide
What Houseplants Like Low Light?
Houseplants that thrive in low-light conditions include Fernwood mikado, Peperomia obtusifolia, silver philodendron, Arrowhead vine, Bird’s Nest Fern, footed ferns, neon pothos, and grape ivy.
These plants have different needs but can adapt to low-light environments.
It is important to keep ferns and Arrowhead vine moist, while neon pothos and grape ivy prefer to dry out between waterings.
Overall, these houseplants can survive and thrive in low-light rooms.
Key Points:
- Fernwood mikado
- Peperomia obtusifolia
- Silver philodendron
- Arrowhead vine
- Bird’s Nest Fern
- Footed ferns
- Neon pothos
- Grape ivy
These houseplants thrive in low-light conditions.
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These plants can adapt to low-light environments.
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Ferns and Arrowhead vine should be kept moist, while neon pothos and grape ivy prefer to dry out between waterings.
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These houseplants can survive and thrive in low-light rooms.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that the snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, not only thrives in low light conditions but is also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality?
2. The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is known for its ability to tolerate low light levels and neglect. Interestingly, it was only discovered and introduced as a houseplant in the late 1990s.
3. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) not only prefer lower light conditions but they can also help remove harmful toxins from the air, making them an excellent choice for indoor environments without much natural light.
4. The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular houseplant that can adapt well to low light conditions. This plant has vibrant and colorful foliage, making it an attractive addition to any room.
5. If you’re looking for a unique low light houseplant, consider the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior). This tough and resilient plant can tolerate both low light and neglect, earning it its nickname as the “cast-iron” plant.
Overview: Houseplants That Thrive In Low-Light Conditions
When it comes to choosing houseplants, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions of your home. While many plants require bright light to thrive, there is a wide variety of houseplants that can adapt and flourish in low-light conditions. These low-light tolerant plants are the perfect solution for spaces with limited access to natural sunlight, such as north-facing rooms or spaces with few windows.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 30 indoor plants that can thrive in low-light conditions, allowing you to bring a touch of greenery into even the darkest corners of your home. We will also discuss the different lighting levels and recommendations, as well as provide care tips for low-light houseplants, including:
- Ferns
- Pothos
- Grape ivy
“Bringing nature indoors can have a positive impact on our well-being.”
Lighting Levels And Recommendations
Understanding the different lighting levels and recommendations is crucial when selecting houseplants for low-light areas.
- A south-facing room with plenty of windows is considered to have high light, receiving direct sunlight for a significant part of the day.
- On the other hand, an east- or west-facing room is considered to have medium light, with indirect sunlight filtering through the windows.
North-facing rooms or spaces without windows are considered low-light environments, where natural sunlight is scarce or non-existent.
To compensate for the lack of sunlight, it is recommended to leave grow lights on for 12 hours a day in these rooms.
While plants can still thrive in low-light conditions, it is important to note that they will grow slower compared to those in brighter areas.
- Use grow lights for 12 hours a day in low-light rooms.
- Low-light conditions may result in slower plant growth.
Houseplants That Adapt To Low-Light Conditions
Low-Light Houseplants
Now that we understand the lighting levels, let’s dive into the world of low-light houseplants. Among the numerous plants that can adapt to low-light conditions, a few notable ones include:
- Fernwood mikado: a beautiful plant with delicate fronds that can thrive in low-light conditions.
- Peperomia obtusifolia: can live in spaces with low, indirect light and is equipped with fleshy stems that allow it to store moisture.
- Silver philodendron: a resilient plant with striking foliage that can survive in shady rooms without requiring direct light.
Other low-light houseplants that are worth considering include:
- Arrowhead vine
- Bird’s nest fern
- Footed ferns
- Neon pothos
- Grape ivy
These plants have various needs and characteristics, making it possible to find the perfect match for your low-light space.
Care Tips For Low-Light Houseplants: Ferns And Pothos
While it’s true that low-light houseplants can survive in environments with limited sunlight, proper care is still necessary for their overall health and growth. Let’s focus on two popular low-light houseplants: ferns and pothos.
Ferns are moisture-loving plants that thrive in humid environments. To ensure their well-being, keep the soil moist at all times and consider providing extra humidity through pebble trays or a humidifier. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this can negatively affect their growth.
Neon pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a versatile low-light houseplant. It should be kept away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Unlike ferns, neon pothos should be allowed to completely dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. This plant is known for its trailing vines, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or cascading down shelves.
Maintaining Moisture And Avoiding Overwatering: Grape Ivy Care Tips
Grape Ivy: A Low-Light Tolerant Plant
Grape ivy, also known as oakleaf ivy or Cissus rhombifolia, is an excellent choice for low-light environments. This resilient plant thrives when kept evenly moist, and with frequent watering, it can grow rapidly. However, it’s important to avoid overwatering by ensuring that the soil has good drainage. Watering should only be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Adjusting the watering frequency according to the plant’s specific needs and the surrounding environment is crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of grape ivy.
In addition to grape ivy, there are several other low-light houseplants worth considering for spaces with limited access to sunlight. These include:
- Fernwood Mikado
- Peperomia obtusifolia
- Silver Philodendron
By understanding the lighting requirements and following appropriate care tips for low-light houseplants, such as ferns, pothos, and grape ivy, you can create a thriving indoor garden regardless of the amount of natural light available.
“Low-light houseplants offer a fantastic solution for adding a touch of nature to spaces with limited access to sunlight.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What houseplants are best for low light?
When it comes to choosing houseplants for low light conditions, several options come to mind. The Fernwood Mikado, with its delicate fronds, is an excellent choice as it thrives in low light environments. Another option is the Peperomia Green, which not only tolerates low light but also adds a pop of vibrant green to any space. Additionally, the Silver Philodendron is a stunning choice with its unique silver foliage that can thrive in low light conditions. For those looking for a trailing plant, the Arrowhead Vine is an ideal option as it requires minimal light yet still displays its attractive heart-shaped leaves. The Bird’s Nest Fern, with its lush and tropical appearance, is another great low light houseplant that can thrive in various indoor settings. Moreover, the Neon Pothos, known for its vibrant and trailing foliage, is a popular choice that can adapt well to low light conditions. Lastly, the Grape Ivy, with its unique leaves resembling grapevines and its ability to tolerate low light, is a beautiful addition to any indoor space in need of some greenery. With these options, there is a variety of houseplants available for those seeking to bring life to low light areas of their homes.
What plants don’t need much sunlight?
If you’re looking for plants that don’t require much sunlight, consider the Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Peace Lilies, Prayer Plant, Air Plants, Money Plant, or Peacock Plant. These plants have adapted to low light conditions and can thrive in areas with limited exposure to sunlight. Whether you have a shady corner or a room with few windows, these plants can bring some greenery and vitality to your space without needing direct sunlight.
Can Monstera grow in low light?
Yes, Monstera Deliciosa can indeed grow in low light conditions. This resilient houseplant is known for its ability to adapt to various light levels, making it a perfect choice for those with shady spaces or rooms lacking natural sunlight. While it may not experience rapid growth in low light, it will still thrive and maintain its striking foliage, adding a touch of retro charm to any urban jungle. So, if you’re looking for a versatile and low-maintenance houseplant that can bring life to even the darkest corners of your home, the Monstera Deliciosa is an excellent choice.
Can a ZZ Plant grow in low light?
Yes, the ZZ Plant can thrive in low light conditions. Although it is not recommended to completely deprive it of light by enclosing it in a closet, the ZZ Plant is well-suited to handle low light environments. It is known for its adaptability and ability to prosper in areas with minimal natural light. Additionally, the ZZ Plant is a fantastic choice for those who prefer low-maintenance plants, as it requires minimal care and attention.