Houseplants to try if you don’t get a lot of light

If you live in a home or apartment that doesn't get a lot of natural light, you might think that your options for keeping houseplants are limited. However, there are actually a wide variety of plants that can thrive in low light conditions, and bringing some green into your living space can have numerous benefits. Houseplants can improve air quality, boost your mood, and add a touch of beauty to your home. Here are some ideas for houseplants that you can consider if you don't get a lot of light in your home.

One option is the snake plant. This tall, striking plant has long, upright leaves that are banded with yellow or white. Snake plants are tough and resilient, able to withstand a range of conditions, including low light. They also purify the air by removing toxins, making them a great choice for bedrooms or other spaces where you spend a lot of time. To care for a snake plant, water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It's also a good idea to fertilize it during the growing season, using a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Another plant that does well in low light is the pothos, or devil's ivy. This vining plant has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, from green to yellow to white. Pothos are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. They are also great at purifying the air, making them a popular choice for offices and other indoor spaces. To care for a pothos, keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. You can also trim the plant to keep it looking neat and encourage new growth.

If you're looking for a plant with a bit of whimsy, consider the parlor palm. This small palm has delicate, feathery fronds that give it a tropical feel. Despite its delicate appearance, the parlor palm is actually quite hardy and can tolerate low light conditions. It's a great choice for a windowsill or other spot that gets some indirect light. To care for a parlor palm, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. You can also mist the plant to increase humidity, which it will appreciate.

If you want to add a splash of color to your low light space, consider the African violet. These charming plants have velvety leaves and produce delicate, purple or pink flowers. African violets are sensitive to temperature and humidity, so they need to be kept in a spot that is consistently warm and not too dry. To care for an African violet, water it from the bottom, using tepid water, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. It's also a good idea to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to yellow and rot.

Finally, if you're looking for a plant that is both low maintenance and stylish, consider the succulent. Succulents come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from tall, tree-like plants to small, ground-hugging varieties. They are extremely drought-tolerant and can thrive in low light conditions. To care for a succulent, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. Succulents also appreciate good drainage, so make sure to use a pot with a drainage hole and a well-draining soil mix.

There are many different houseplants that can thrive in low light conditions. From the tall, striking snake plant to the delicate African violet, there is a plant to suit every taste and style. Keeping houseplants can have numerous benefits, including improving air quality, boosting your mood, and adding beauty to your home. With a little care and attention, you can have a thriving indoor garden, even in a space with limited natural light.

In addition to the plants mentioned above, here are a few more suggestions for low light houseplants:

Spider plant: This popular houseplant has long, slender leaves and produces small white flowers. It is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light.
ZZ plant: This hardy plant has glossy, dark green leaves and is extremely tolerant of low light and neglect. It is a great choice for a busy person or someone who doesn't have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
Peace lily: This elegant plant has long, glossy leaves and produces white flowers that resemble lilies. It is a great air purifier and can tolerate low light, although it prefers bright, indirect light.
Philodendron: This vining plant has heart-shaped leaves and is a popular choice for hanging baskets. It is easy to care for and can tolerate low light, although it will grow faster and produce more leaves in brighter conditions.

When caring for any houseplant, it's important to pay attention to its specific needs. Watering and fertilizing schedules will vary depending on the type of plant and the conditions it is growing in. It's also a good idea to do some research on the plant you are considering, to make sure that it is suitable for your home and will thrive in your particular environment. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy the many benefits of houseplants, even if you don't get a lot of light in your home.

Blog Archive