If you are here, you probably have killed your fair share of houseplants over the years. OR maybe you are just a responsible plant owner and want to know what plants would best suit your low light home. Whichever the case may be, I am glad you are here because we are going to learn together which house plants would fair best in the low light conditions provided by your dark home.
I know I am guilty of having a dark home probably 85% of the time. The only real-time I open the blinds to let in some extra light is when it’s cloudy and gloomy outside… But hey, can you blame me? I am a gal who prefers cold, dark, and rainy days over a bright spring sunshine-filled day.
After a few tragic losses of some beloved house plants, I realized it was time to do some research and get to know my indoor plants a little better. Indoor plants help serve us by keeping the air in our homes clean and healthy. These are the house plants I discovered that fare best in the low light conditions of my home.
Elephant Ears (Alocasia)
Elephant Ears are popular for their dramatic appearance. They are a tropical plant native to Asia and Australia. This particular variety the Alocasia prefers bright indirect light, shaded areas, and filtered light. This makes it perfect for low light homes placed in corners that do not get direct light.
Elephant ears are fairly hardy, and prefer moist soil, and have varying degrees of humidity. I know my mother-in-law has had one of these bad boys for nearly 10 years and it has survived a move from California to Texas! These plants can also grow to be quite large, so be prepared to re-pot this beauty every so often.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This is one of my all-time favorites. The snake plant, aka mother-in-law’s tongue, officially named Sansevieria is hard to kill low light plant. I remember during a trip to Mexico, I saw some native and naturally growing snake plants on the bottom of a dark forest floor where there was virtually zero sunlight.
These plants prefer shaded areas out of any direct sun, and they do enjoy a bit of humidity. I keep mine in dark corners of my home and in my bathroom where there is literally no sun… I’m not sure how these plants survive like that but mine is absolutely thriving in my dark bathroom. Be sure to allow the soil of these plants to dry before watering. They prefer dry soil.
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia Argyreia)
This is a plant I think is just fun and lovely. It has a beautiful pattern on its leaves reminiscent of a watermelon thus the name Watermelon Peperomia. It is officially called the Peperomia Argyreia, but I have also seen it termed the Watermelon Begonia.
This plant is a tropical plant and loves humidity and shaded areas. It does best with bright indirect light. Too much light can cause this plant to fade in color. Also, be sure not to overwater this plant as it is prone to root rot. Only water when the top inch or two feels dry. Make sure to plant this in well-draining soil, because it should never be allowed to sit in water.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
This is another fun plant. It provides a lot of interest for the eye. This is called the Fittonia officially, but most people probably know it as the nerve plant due to its veined appearance. The veins of this plant range from pink, green, and silver, to white.
It is yet another tropical plant that prefers shaded low light areas. Preferably it should be placed in an area that gets bright indirect light such as a room with a north-facing window. The soil of this plant should be kept moist, but well-drained. It is helpful to have a soil moisture meter for plants like these to make sure they aren’t over or under-watered.
Monstera (Deliciosa)
This is another beauty that has become increasingly popular for millennial households. It is known as the Monstera Deliciosa or the Swiss Cheese plant. It is just a beautiful green leafy plant that will grow and thrive in low light conditions.
The Monstera does best with indirect sun and the soil should be allowed to slightly dry in between waterings. This plant prefers humidity and would fair well in a humid area such as your kitchen or dimly lit bathroom.
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea Lancifolia)
I think this is another one of those fun lively house plants. It is called the Rattlesnake plant or the Calathea Lancifolia because of its wiggly leaf appearance similar to that of a rattlesnake rattle.
This is a plant native to Brazil and prefers humid and low light conditions. It should be placed out of any direct sun and the soil should be kept evenly moist but never soggy. Avoid overwatering this plant and be sure to pot it in well-draining soil.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a lovely large house plant. It is one of the best plants for air purifying the home. While the Peace Lily can be quite fickle at times, it will thrive in dark and humid areas.
The soil should be kept consistently moist, but should not be overwatered. It would serve this plant best to be placed near an east-facing window where it can receive both warmth and indirect lighting from the sun. To increase humidity for this plant it is beneficial to keep a plant mister on hand or to place the plant on top of a tray of pebbles covered in water.
Pothos
I absolutely adore the pothos, in any variety. The most popular varieties are the Neon, the Marble Queen, the Golden, and the Satin. Featured below you have the Golden Pothos. This is a plant that I keep in my bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. I am a pothos junkie…
This plant does well in humid and low light conditions. They will grow less in darker areas, but they still fare well. I tend to keep mine in areas with bright indirect sunlight. I find these plants do best when the soil is allowed to dry in between waterings, and planted with well-draining soil. However, this plant can be grown completely in just water… I do this with the propagation of my pothos until they are large enough to re-pot.
Indoor plants have been ever so helpful in creating a peaceful and welcoming environment in my home. They are incredible air purifying machines and help rid my home of negative energy and unwanted bacteria.
House plants help clear your mind and prepare you for receiving positive energy. The mind has a lot more power than we think sometimes.
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