As any houseplant owner knows, finding the perfect plant for your space can be a challenge – especially when it comes to finding plants that can thrive in low light conditions. That’s why I decided to write this blog post to help you choose the best low light houseplants for your indoors.
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Importance of proper lighting for houseplants
Light is one of the most critical factors for plant growth, as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert light, water, and carbon dioxide into sugars they need to grow. However, not all houseplants require the same amount of light, and some can tolerate or even prefer lower light levels.
Introduction to low light houseplants
Low light houseplants are plants that can tolerate or even thrive in conditions with limited natural light. These plants are typically found in the lower levels of forests, where they’ve adapted to grow under the shade of taller trees.
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Top Low Light Houseplant -choices
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Description and features
Pothos, sometimes called Devil’s Ivy, is a popular trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves that can adapt well to low light conditions. Its lush, cascading foliage makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Pothos comes in a variety of leaf patterns and colors, including golden, marble, and neon varieties.
- Care tips
Pothos plants are forgiving and easy to care for. They can tolerate low light, but they’ll grow faster and produce larger leaves in medium to bright indirect light. Water your pothos when the top of soil feels dry. Pothos can thrive in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soil. Prune your pothos regularly to keep the plant compact.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Description and features
The cast iron plant is an incredibly hardy, low light tolerant plant with large and dark green leaves. This slow-growing plant gets its name from its ability to withstand neglect and less-than-ideal conditions, making it a great choice for those who may not have a green thumb.
- Care tips
Cast iron plants are easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions, although they may grow more slowly in such environments. Water your cast iron plant when the top of soil feels dry. Use well-draining soil and repot the plant only when it becomes root-bound or outgrows its current container. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves as needed.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Description and features
The ZZ plant is an attractive, low light tolerant plant with thick, glossy, dark green leaves that grow on tall stems. ZZ plants are known for their drought tolerance and air-purifying abilities. They are popular choice for both home and office spaces.
- Care tips
ZZ plants are easy to care for and require minimal attention. They can grow in low light as well as in direct sunlight, making them adaptable to various indoor environments. Water your ZZ plant when the top of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil and repot your ZZ plant every 2-3 years.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Description and features
Peace lilies are elegant, low light plants known for their glossy leaves and distinctive white flowers, which resemble a white flag of peace. Peace lilies are also excellent air purifiers.
- Care tips
Peace lilies prefer low to medium indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but don’t make the plant stand in the water. Peace lilies appreciate high humidity levels, so misting is recommended. Remove dead flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage new growth.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Description and features
Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are hardy, low light tolerant plants with thick, upright, sword-like leaves. They come in various sizes and leaf patterns, making them an attractive and versatile choice for many indoor spaces. Snake plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities.
- Care tips
Snake plants are very low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy plant parents or beginners. They can tolerate a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil and should be repotted every 2-3 years to maintain optimal growth.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- Description and features
The heartleaf philodendron is a popular trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves that can thrive in low light conditions. Heartleaf philodendrons come in various shades of green.
- Care tips
Heartleaf philodendrons are forgiving and easy to care for. They can grow in low to bright indirect light, but their growth will be faster in brighter light. Water your heartleaf philodendron when the top of soil feels dry, and be sure to use well-draining soil. Regularly prune your philodendron to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.
Tips for Caring for Low Light Houseplants
Adjusting watering habits for low light conditions
Watering is a very important aspect of houseplant care, and it’s essential to adjust your watering habits to low light conditions. In general, plants growing in low light require less frequent watering than those in brighter light. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Generally saying, it’s better to water not enough than too much, as most plants can recover more easily from temporary drought than from overwatering.
Providing supplemental lighting when needed
While low light houseplants can tolerate less-than-ideal light conditions, they may still benefit from supplemental lighting, especially during the winter. Consider using grow lights to provide additional light for your plants, helping them maintain healthy growth. When choosing a grow light, look for one that mimics natural sunlight.
Pruning and maintaining low light plants
Regular pruning and maintenance are important for keeping your low light houseplants healthy and attractive. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. Prune your plants to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. In some cases, pruning can also help improve airflow around your plants, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Fertilizing and feeding requirements
Low light houseplants typically have lower nutrient requirements than plants growing in bright light. However, they still need to be fertilized during the growing season. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for example at half of the recommended strength.
Monitoring and addressing potential pests and diseases
Low light conditions can sometimes make plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Check your plants regularly! If you find any signs of infestations (like discoloured or damaged leaves), take action promptly. Isolate the unhealthy plants and treat infestations with pesticides, following the product instructions carefully. Maintain good air circulation around your plants. Avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of diseases like root rot and fungal infections.
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Conclusion
Low light houseplants can adapt to many kind of indoor conditions. As you can see, there’s several houseplants available to choose from, each with its unique features and care requirements. With a little care and attention, you can bring a touch of nature into low light spaces of your home too.
