If you’re looking for a way to spruce up different areas of your apartment or home, but don’t have much light coming in, here is a breakdown of a few really nice low light houseplants which require very little light to look great. They also require very little to no maintenance at all to keep them looking their best.
Drainage is Key
All you will need is well draining potting soil if you intend on re-potting them into a nicer looking container and a bit of slow release fertilizer.
Make sure your new container has a drain hole if possible, and a dish beneath it to catch excess water that drains though. It’s possible to have houseplants with no drain hole but you will have to be very careful and watchful of your watering habits if you go this route.
Potting Soil Tips
I would vote against any type of “water saving” potting soil. In my opinion and experience, the most likely way you’re going to kill a houseplant is with overwatering.
Possible Pests
The only other really common problems are the possibility of spider mites that may be transferred into your home from the nursery or home improvement store.
To make this decision of bringing a little of the outside into your home a little easier, I have put together a list of a the more popular and readily available houseplants that fall into the category of low light.
Low Light .. Not NO Light
Low light houseplants does not mean “no light” mind you. You can’t grow these in a closet. But if there is enough light in a room that you can walk around and see pretty well without falling over a chair, these plants will fare well enough.
Snake Plant
Also known as “Mother-in-Laws Tongue”, these plants are great for any beginner. The require almost no maintenance. They can go for days without water in most homes and still retain their shape, unlike other plants that will tend to wilt and shrivel up if not given the proper amount of water.
Z Z Plant
Z Z Plant is short for Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, so yeh , that’s why we call the ZZ Plant. They will grow to about 3 or 4 feet tall, have glossy interesting leaves. They are known for being very pest free and disease free, so little care is needed besides the occasional watering.
POTHOS
Who hasn’t seen a Pothos around somewhere in a restaurant or at your Grandma’s house? These easy to care for little guys have been a household staple for years. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If your leaves are getting lighter, it is getting too much light, so move into a darker area if you are looking for the darker green on the leaves
STAGHORN FERN
These unusual plants will surely catch your eye. They used to be fairly rare but now are more readily available. You will see young ones sold in pots but you’ll definitely want to transfer them to their more dramatic placement of plaques mounted on a wall to mimic their natural growing environment. They are basically giant air plants that absorb nutrients through their fronds.
WANDERING JEW
Also called Spiderworts, these plants are prized for the stripes of white, green, and silver foliage. The colors will be a little more brilliant if placed in a little more light but will still look pretty amazing in a very low light situation.
NERVE PLANT
Nerve Plants have vivid vein patterns in dark green leaves. The veins come in shades of bright red and white. Keep them pinched to remain bushy and full. They love to be misted and kept humid but be sure to not overwater, for they do not like soggy feet at all.
PEACE LILY
The ever popular Peace lily is an all time favorite mainly because of the beautiful white flower that it will produce in Spring. It will thrive in indirect light. It is aid to be a great air purifier. Low light will keep the foliage dark.
MONSTERA
The Monstera is native to the canopies of the central American rain forest. I have a great care guide for it here.
PRAYER PLANT
Several varieties of this plant provide variegation. Splashes of pink and dark green will draw interest to this beauty. The name is derived from the way the plants leaves will fold up as if in prayer for the evening then re-open in the morning.
PHILODENDRON
Another well known plant that is easy to care for. Stake them for more height. Many are used in hanging baskets but there are many different species to handle any situation you may need them to fill. Often valued for their ability to clean the air in the home. These will also do well in moderate light but can do just as well in indirect low light.
These low light houseplants should do well in most any home.
When buying houseplants always check for major damaged leaves, as these will take a while to grow back. Check for signs of insect damage or disease because you can bring home unwanted problems that will quickly spread to your other plants.
None of these plants like direct sunlight. It will usually badly damage or wither them beyond repair. If a plant seems to be considerably unhappy in its spot, try moving it to a different location in your home.
So many factors can change and effect a plant but for the most part these plants are all easy to care for and should provide months of enjoyment and add beauty to your home.
