If you’re looking for some greenery to brighten up your home or office but don’t have much natural light, don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor plants that thrive in low-light conditions. In this post, I’ll share some of the best indoor plants for low light and provide some tips for keeping them healthy and happy.
I’m interested in learning more about indoor plants because settling into Chicago has made me see how much I took greenery for granted in my native home of sub-tropical Texas. Plants were plentiful and lively all year long, and having plants indoors was not something I ever thought about. Plants grew wild outside my window, including fig trees, roses and small chili pepper plants.
With Chicago winters, the trees in my view are bare for most of the year; snow covers the grass for months on end; and the flower’s beautiful colors are absent for what seems like forever. So, I’ve been adding plants as I can into spaces in my home, but I especially look for those that will do well on the months of cloudy days in the Second City.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a popular choice for low-light environments because they’re easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. These plants have long, slender leaves that arch gracefully and produce small, white flowers in the right conditions. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also grow in low-light environments. They’re also great for purifying the air, which can help improve indoor air quality.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are another great option for low-light environments. These plants have glossy, dark green leaves and produce beautiful, white flowers that can last for weeks. They prefer low to medium light and can even grow in areas without any natural light. Peace lilies are also known for their air-purifying properties, making them a great addition to any indoor space.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a popular choice for low-light environments because it’s extremely hardy and can tolerate neglect. These plants have shiny, dark green leaves that grow in a zigzag pattern, giving them their unique appearance. ZZ plants prefer low to medium light and only need to be watered occasionally. They’re also great at removing toxins from the air, making them a great choice for offices or homes with poor air quality.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a diverse group of plants that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re also great for low-light environments because they can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Philodendrons have large, glossy leaves that come in a variety of shades of green. They prefer medium to low light and can also tolerate artificial light. Philodendrons are also known for their air-purifying properties, making them a great choice for any indoor space.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are another hardy option for low-light environments. These plants have long, upright leaves that come in a variety of shades of green and yellow. Snake plants prefer medium to low light and can even tolerate artificial light. They’re also great at removing toxins from the air, making them a great choice for any indoor space. I have a large snake plant in my dining (soon-to-be library/ guest room), and we put it in a beautiful basket from Target.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a trailing plant that’s great for hanging baskets or training to climb a trellis or wall. These plants have heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of shades of green and can also have variegated or marbled patterns. Pothos prefer low to medium light and can tolerate artificial light. They’re also great at removing toxins from the air, making them a great choice for any indoor space.
Tips for Keeping Indoor Plants Healthy in Low-Light Environments
While these plants are great for low-light environments, there are still some things you can do to keep them healthy and happy.
- Choose the right potting soil. Plants that grow in low-light environments require well-draining soil that can hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. Choose a potting mix that contains peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite.
- Water correctly. Plants that grow in low-light environments don’t need as much water as those that grow in bright light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Provide supplemental light. While these plants can survive in low-light environments, they’ll still benefit from some
I especially love that so many of these options are also great at purifying the air! Having our windows and doors closed during long winters makes me nervous about indoor air quality (even though I’m known to open windows on sunny 30 degree days!).
Which options have you used in your home? Which are you thinking of trying? Let me know in the comments.