Helping potted trees thrive inside your home might seem like a dream; after all, very few of us have greenhouses to offer bright light or south-facing walls with huge windows. Fortunately, there are other options if you're trying to create your own urban jungle with indirect sunlight. Add these low-light indoor plants to your list and brighten up every corner of your home.
"Indoor trees add texture, dimension and drama to any room," shares Rebecca Sterling, easyplant’s resident plant expert. "While many require bright, direct sunlight to thrive, there are a wide range of varieties that can live in rooms with indirect light. This is a popular choice for homes, as low-light plants also tend to be low-maintenance and prove to be some of the hardest to kill, for even those lacking a green thumb."
Indoor Plants That Thrive in Low-Light Rooms
Choose the Parlor Palm if you need an adaptable plant.
"Native to the rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala, the Parlor Palm thrives where other palms can’t, adapting to the indoors and low light conditions quickly," cites Sterling. "Its lush texture and delicate-looking leaves have made this plant a go-to for centerpieces throughout the house, making it a natural choice for those looking to bring a bit of the tropics to their indoor spaces."
She adds that it's also a great natural humidifier.
The Dracaena Janet Craig was a popular choice a few years ago. It hails from Africa and is named after the Derema Forest in Tanzania. We're happy to say that it won't mind the partial shade in your indoor environment.
"It thrives in low-light environments and is widely known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an easy choice to elevate any space," recommends Sterling. "Its tall, yet narrow shape makes it a great fit for smaller spaces, while still making a bold statement indoors."
The ZZ Plant has been gaining popularity with indoor gardeners for years, and it's an easy way to add lush foliage into the darkest corners of your home with minimal maintenance.
"[It's] is another go-to plant notorious for thriving in low-light rooms," agrees Sterling. "It’s known for its dark, leathery leaves that fan out, with proper care it can reach 2-3 feet tall at mature size. It has an inherent ability to infuse spaces with a sense of both tranquility and mystery."
Bonus: It doesn't need regular waterings or moist soil. "The ZZ Plant is very drought-tolerant, only requiring watering every 2 months. The ZZ Plant comes with its traditional dark green leaves, or its more rare sibling, the Black ZZ Plant, with blackish, purplish leaves that make it stand out in any space."
Other Popular Houseplants For Your Home
- Money Tree
- Snake Plant
- Rubber Plant (a.k.a Rubber Tree)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
- Ficus Tree (Ficus Altissima)
- Dragon Tree
How to Care For Your Low-Light Plant
- Light It Up (Just Not Too Much). Even shade-loving plants have some natural light requirements. Find a spot with natural sunlight near a north-facing window, or supplement with a gentle plant light source for 6-8 hours per day. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate leaves. Also, avoid putting it near drafty windows during the winter!
- Hydration Hero. Low light conditions mean low growth, so hold off on frequent watering. You don't always have to keep the soil moist! Monitor the moisture levels and wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before giving your plant a deep soak. Overwatering is the enemy of even the most resilient green buddy.
- Food for Thought. Fertilizer isn't essential for healthy growth, especially during winter. In fact, overfeeding can stress them out. A light feeding once a month during spring and summer is plenty. Choose a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
- Pot Party Time. Plant parents: Don't let your plant babies get rootbound! Use well-draining soil and choose a pot with extra drainage holes that's just a bit bigger than the root ball. Upgrade your potted plants into fresh potting mix every 2-3 years to keep it happy and healthy.
- Leaf Love. Give your plant a little TLC! Wipe down dusty leaves with a damp cloth. Glossy leaves can breathe easy. Snip off any brown or yellow leaves to encourage new growth. And remember, a gentle misting every now and then can be a refreshing treat.
Bonus Tip: Rotate your plant occasionally so all sides get their share of light and grow evenly. With a little love and attention, your low-light plant will thrive and bring a touch of green magic to your home.
Remember, every plant is different, so research your specific variety for any special care needs. Happy planting!
FAQ
What happens if I forget to water my low-light plant for a month?
Most low-light plants will forgive and forget. For example, the ZZ Plant and Snake Plant can go upwards of 6-8 weeks without water. Dracaenas and palms might droop a bit, but watch for them to bounce back after a good drink.
The real danger is overwatering, not underwatering. Brown, mushy stems mean you've watered too much. Wrinkled or curling leaves mean your plant needs a drink. When in doubt, add another week to your watering schedule.
Do low-light plants actually clean the air in my apartment?
Plants do filter air, but you'd need dozens to make a real difference. One Dracaena won't replace an air purifier.
That said, they do remove small amounts of toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. They also release moisture, which helps during dry winters. The mental health boost from having greenery around might be their biggest benefit.
Can I put my low-light plant in the bathroom?
Bathrooms work great for humidity-loving plants like palms and ferns. The steam from showers mimics their natural rainforest habitat.
Just make sure your bathroom gets some natural light. A small window provides enough. If your bathroom has zero windows, the plant will struggle without a grow light.
