How to Care for Low Light House Plants
The Ultimate Guide to Low Light and Popular Indoor House Plants
Houseplants have taken the spotlight in recent years as essential elements of home decor, wellness, and environmental consciousness.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone new to nurturing greenery, understanding the world of houseplants is key to maintaining a thriving indoor jungle.
This guide focuses on house low light plants, popular house plants, and indoor house plants suited for low light conditions. By the end, you’ll discover the perfect plants for your space, no matter how much sunlight it receives.
Why Choose LowLight Houseplants?
Lowlight houseplants are perfect for homes and offices that have limited natural sunlight. They thrive in areas such as bathrooms, basements, or rooms with small windows.
These plants are usually hardy, low maintenance, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment by purifying the air and adding aesthetic charm.
Characteristics of LowLight Houseplants
Shade Tolerance: These plants adapt to indirect light and often survive on artificial lighting.
Slow Growth: They tend to grow slower since they get less light, and thus easier to maintain.
Air Purification: Most lowlight plants absorb toxins and give off oxygen, purifying the air inside your house.
Versatility: They are small in size and very adaptable. This makes them perfect for placement on desks, shelves, and even corners.
Popular LowLight Houseplants
Here are some of the popular lowlight houseplants that can thrive well in low-light environments:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Light Requirement: Low to medium indirect sunlight.
Care Tips: Water sparingly; prefers dry soil.
Why It’s Popular: Its vertical growth and architectural beauty make it a favorite for modern homes.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Light Requirement: Tolerates very low light; thrives in indirect light.
Care Tips: Water when the topsoil is dry; avoid overwatering.
Why It’s Popular: Fast growing vines and heart shaped leaves give it an elegance.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Light Requirement: Can tolerate low light.
Care Tips: Infrequently water; survives on neglect.
Why It’s Popular: Glossy leaves and minimal upkeep make it the go-to for new plant parents.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light Requirement: Accepts low and indirect light.
Care Tips: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; no direct sun.
Why It’s Popular: Its cascading leaves and baby-plant capabilities add visual interest.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Light Requirement: Thriving in truly low light.
Care Tips: Water soil evenly and mist the leaves sometimes.
Why It’s Popular: Delicate white blooms and air purification make it a tried-and-true classic.
Best-Rated House Plants for Low Light
Among the top-rated house plants, these types are commonly preferred by experts in terms of aesthetics and adaptability:
1. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
This plant is highly indestructible and can even thrive on neglect. It is often found to flourish in dimmest corners.
2. Dracaena
These are highly versatile plants as they can appear in many shapes and forms – from treelike tall shapes to more compact bushy structures. They work well in dimly lit places.
3. Philodendron
Versatile and easy to care for, philodendrons grow with heart shaped leaves and climbing stems.
4. Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant)
A trendy choice for contemporary interiors with its unique perforated leaves.
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Available in a wide range of colors, this plant thrives in very low light, perfect for adding color to dull spaces.
Houseplants for Extremely Low Light
For rooms that receive almost no light, such as basements or windowless offices, try these superstars of flexibility:
1. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Light Requirement: Thrives on fluorescent lighting.
Care Tips: Water occasionally; prefers well drained soil.
Why It Works: Brings a touch of the tropics to rooms with little light.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Light Requirement: Prefers shaded areas with indirect light.
Care Tips: Can be grown in water or soil; change the water weekly if growing hydroponically.
Why It Works: It symbolizes good luck and brings a Zen Like atmosphere.
3. Ferns (such as Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern)
Light Requirement: Thrives in very low light and high humidity.
Care Tips: The soil should always be moist and misted often.
Why It Works: Soft, feathery fronds make them an elegant addition to indoor spaces.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Light Requirement: Tolerates extreme low light.
Care Tips: Water the soil mostly to not soggy; it prefers cooler climates.
Why It Works: Perfect for hanging baskets or as a climbing ivy.
Best Practices for Indoor House Plants in Low Light
1. Rotation of Plants: Rotate the pots at regular intervals so that even growth occurs.
2. Dust the Leaves: Clean leaves to maximize their ability to absorb light.
3. Use Artificial Lighting: LED grow lights can supplement insufficient natural light.
4. Avoid Overwatering: Lowlight plants use less water due to slower photosynthesis.
5. Monitor Humidity: Some lowlight plants, like ferns, prefer higher humidity levels.
Decorating with LowLight Houseplants
Lowlight plants can elevate your interior design. Here are some ideas:
Fill in the corners with large plants such as the Cast Iron Plant or Dracaena.
Shelves: Add the cascading plants Pothos or English Ivy to add depth.
Bathrooms: It makes a spa like ambiance when using plants that thrive in humidity like ferns or Peace Lilies.
Desks: Plant a few compact plants like the ZZ Plant or Parlor Palm at your desk to breathe some fresh air.
Hanging Pots: Hanging baskets with Spider Plants will fill up lots of vertical space.
Advantages of Indoor House Plants
Benefits
Air Quality: Plants like Snake Plant and Peace Lily purify the air and emit oxygen.
Aesthetic Appeal: Greenery adds warmth and life to any space.
Reduces Stress: Research indicates that houseplants enhance mood and reduce stress levels.
Increases Productivity: Incorporating plants into workspaces may increase focus and creativity.
How to Choose the Right Houseplants for Your Space
Selecting plants is dependent on several factors.
1. Light Levels: Evaluate the level of natural light in your space.
2. Maintenance: Select plants that fit your care routine.
3. Aesthetic Goals: Select a plant whose appearance fits your interior design aesthetic.
Conclusion
Lowlight and popular houseplants are ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of nature to their living or working spaces. From the hardy favorites like Snake Plant to the elegant options like Peace Lily, there is a plant for every light condition and aesthetic preference.
By choosing top-rated varieties and following proper care tips, you can create a lush indoor haven that thrives even in the dimmest corners of your home. So, start exploring the world of indoor plants today and transform your space into a green sanctuary.