We all have that one room where plants just don’t seem to thrive, and often, it’s because it’s darker than the other rooms in the house. That’s where you’ll need a list of low-light houseplants handy.
That’s right — a lot of indoor plants actually can tolerate shadier spots in the home, especially if you choose unkillable houseplants like the snake plant.
There are plenty of others that thrive in shadowy corners of the house, too, so we’ve spoken to the experts to get an idea of the best low-light houseplants money can buy.
7 best low-light houseplants
Whether you have a north-facing room or one with fewer windows, it can be tricky to know which houseplants will survive in darker conditions.
Of course, no plant will survive in a room without a source of natural sunlight. ‘Plants cannot thrive in environments with no natural light at all, despite how much we would like them to,’ says Patch’s plant doctor Kelly Dyer. ‘So, even in a darker room with low light, it’s important to position your plants as close to the natural light source as possible.’
So which low-light houseplants are we looking at? These are the seven best indoor plants to add to your list.
1. Philodendron
Philodendrons are among the best fast-growing houseplants, quickly filling up space in the home. They’re also brilliant if you’re looking for low-light houseplants.
‘For those seeking a touch of verdant life in dimly lit corners, the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum) emerges as a top contender,’ says Monique Kemperman from The Joy of Plants. ‘This elegant vine, renowned for its vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves, cascades gracefully from hanging baskets or shelves.’
These plants thrive in low to moderately lit spots, so they’re perfect for shadowy corners.
Where to buy a philodendron:
2. Peace lilies
Another super example of low-light houseplants, peace lilies are easy to care for and also make our list of the best air-purifying indoor plants.
‘Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) tolerate low light and produce beautiful white flowers,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.
Kelly from Patch Plants also agrees that peace lilies are brilliant houseplants for darker spots, especially in bathrooms.
Where to buy a peace lily plant:
- Gardening Express: Add a peace lily to your basket.
- Dunelm: This beautiful potted peace lily comes with a plant mister.
3. Snake plant
Not only is a snake plant one of the best houseplants that reduce dust, but this almost impossible-to-kill houseplant is also able to survive when light is sparse.
‘Dracaena trifasciata, more commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue or the snake plant with its vertical leaves, is incredibly easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions,’ says Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.
Snake plants are also incredibly stylish, adding architectural interest to the home, so they’re a great choice all-round.
Where to buy a snake plant:
4. Spider plant
There are very few things a spider plant can’t do — it’s one of the best bathroom plants that absorb moisture, it’s an indoor plant that reduces dust, and it thrives in spaces with very little light, too.
‘Incredibly tolerant of low light, the only thing you really need to be careful with with a spider plant is excessive watering,’ says says Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench. ‘They are prone to rot if over-watered, so just be careful.’
In fact, as a low-maintenance houseplant, caring for a spider plant is easy — just don’t water them too much.
Where to buy a spider plant:
5. ZZ plant
The Zanzibar gem plant, also known as the ZZ plant, is a tough cookie that’s very difficult to kill for more reasons than one.
‘The ZZ plant thrives in shady areas and is drought-resistant,’ explains Jo from Beards & Daisies.
It’s also a great houseplant for reducing stress, so it’s a must-have if you’re looking for a new addition to your indoor plant collection.
Where to buy a Zanzibar gem plant:
6. Cast iron plant
This plant has several names — the cast iron plant, bar room plant, Aspidistra elatior and more. And no matter where in your home you place it, it will be just fine due to its versatility and adaptability.
‘The cast iron plant can tolerate low light level conditions, as well as thrive in brighter light,’ says Steve. ‘It also helps with air purification.’
Where to buy a cast iron plant:
7. Dragon tree
If you’re a fan of larger, palm-style plants, then you will love the dragon tree.
‘The dragon tree is a plant that dislikes direct sunlight and has a unique and beautiful shape,’ says Petar Ivanov, Fantastic Gardeners‘ gardening and plant expert. ‘It thrives in rooms with low light and, because of that, is a great choice for dark workspaces.’
He suggests this variety for home office spaces which, more often than not, are not treated to a lot of natural light.
Where to buy a dragon tree:
FAQs
What plants are good for a dark bathroom?
If you’re looking for bathroom plant ideas that thrive in low light levels, there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from.
‘We recommend spider plants, aloe vera, tillandsia air plants, and any house ferns for dark bathrooms,’ says Andy from British Garden Centres. ‘All of these are hardy plants that are known for their tolerance of low light and their ability to survive in humid conditions like a bathroom.’
What are the best indoor hanging plants for low light levels?
Thinking about filling a shadowy corner with a hanging houseplant? Patch’s plant doctor, Kelly, says you should go for pothos, Philodendron scandens or Philodendron ‘Brazil’, which all tolerate low light levels better than other indoor plants.
There’s no need for those darker rooms in the house to go greenery-free — instead, they can be little plant jungles just like any other room, just filled with the right houseplant varieties.
Read the full article here