Indoor plants are a great way to spruce up the aesthetic of any living space, add oxygen, and bring a bit of nature indoors. But many people think that plants need direct sunlight to thrive. Fortunately, that’s not the case – you can still fill your home with beautiful plants, even if you don’t get much direct sunlight. Here are some of the best indoor plants that thrive in low-light conditions:
Spider Plant
This beloved houseplant is easy to care for and is perhaps the most popular indoor plant that doesn’t need direct sunlight. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight, but they can tolerate some low-light conditions. They like to be kept moist but not wet, and they will eventually produce “spiderettes” that you can use to propagate more of them.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is a beautiful flowering plant that is a striking addition to any home. It is one of the few flowering plants that can tolerate low light, making it a great choice for indoors. The peace lily prefers to stay evenly moist – but not saturated – and it needs to be fertilized occasionally.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant is an aptly named houseplant because it can withstand just about any environmental condition. It does best in medium light, but it can also thrive in areas with low light. It should be kept consistently moist (though not waterlogged) and should be fertilized once a month.
Pothos
The ever-popular and easy-to-care-for pothos is another great option for low-light conditions. It is a trailing plant and can quickly fill up a hanging basket or shelf. Pothos prefers to be kept in medium to low light, and it does best when watered frequently and allowed to dry before being watered again.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a perfect choice for homes where direct sunlight is limited or nonexistent. It is a very tolerant and hardy houseplant and can withstand long bouts of dryness. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but it can also survive in low-light conditions.
Boston Fern
The striking foliage of the Boston fern makes it a popular houseplant choice. It thrives in high humidity and prefers low to medium light. Boston ferns are thirsty plants, so they should be watered often and misted often – especially in gloomier climates.
Philodendron
The philodendron is one of the best plants for improving air quality indoors. It is an attractive climber that is perfect for bright spots (it loves indirect sunlight!) but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Its dramatic leaves are sure to add a unique touch to your home.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is an attractive and low-maintenance houseplant that is perfect for dark corners and indirect sunlight. It is tolerant of both drought and overwatering, so even the most forgetful of plant owners can keep it alive. However, older leaves can get discolored in direct sunlight, so indirect sunlight is best.
Types of Light
It’s important to understand the different types of light when selecting a plant that doesn’t need direct sunlight. Low light is often present in dim or north-facing rooms. Medium light is usually found in east- or west-facing windows. Bright, indirect sunlight is typically found in south-facing rooms.
Caring for Your Plant
No matter which of these plants you choose to bring into your home, you will need to make sure you’re properly caring for it. The key to keeping your indoor plants happy is to make sure it is getting enough water, light, and fertilizer.
Water
Water is the single most important factor in keeping your plant alive. The amount of water a plant needs depends on a variety of factors, such as light, temperature, and humidity. Generally, you should water your indoor plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Light
Light is also essential to a plant’s health, but often overlooked by those who don’t have a lot of direct sunlight coming in. Try to place your plant in the brightest spot you have – either east- or west-facing windows, or a space that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer isn’t always necessary for indoor plants, but it can help them grow faster and be more vibrant. Make sure to read the instructions on the fertilizer you choose – some need to be used more frequently than others. It’s best to fertilize during the plant’s growing season, typically from spring to fall.
Tips for Caring for Indoor Plants
If you’re still feeling intimidated about caring for your new indoor plants, here are some useful tips to help you on the way.
• Make sure your plants get enough light – even if that means supplementing with artificial light or moving them around the house.
• Use the right kind of soil – in most cases, a regular potting soil is fine.
• When watering your plants, water them until the excess water drains out of the bottom, then discard that water.
• Prune and shape your plants as needed – this will help them stay healthy and encourage new growth.
• Move your plants around the house periodically to encourage even growth.
• Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity – too much or too little can be damaging to your plants.
• Don’t forget to check for pests – if you find any, treat them immediately.
Indoor plants bring beauty and life into your home, and with the selection of low-light-tolerant plants available, there’s no need to worry if you don’t have much direct sunlight coming in. Keep in mind that water, light, and fertilizer all play a role in helping your plants stay healthy, and remember to keep an eye out for pests. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to bringing a bit of nature indoors!
