Indoor plants transform a room’s aesthetic into a Tiktok worthy room. Ok, just kidding, but plants play a huge part in purifying the air, filter the toxins, boost the mood, improve creativity, and make you feel more at ease.
Yesterday, I was ready to become a houseplant parent. I love plants. I have always been interested in plant types and landscape in general when I was in school (was getting A’s in this material, and I’m not one who’s getting lots of A’s!). So finally! Getting out of my shield and buy some plants. Not because I’m the worst at keeping a plant alive. But because no one cares for them when I travel and leave them behind. And I feel the worst when they die. So I stopped buying any new indoor plants.
But since no one is going anywhere! I’m not! I decided to make a botanical garden out of my home. Plus, my little blue budgie will get excited and eat the leaves and fly around them so it will be a blast for all. Let’s add that Tiktok made me take the plunge in decorating with indoor plants as well– raise your hand if you’re in the same boat.
First time buying an indoor plant?
There are certain elements that you should think about when you are buying your first indoor plant. You want the plant to thrive, not only survive. Ask yourself what type of plants are you interested in; hanging plants, purifying plants, or tall plants? how much care are you willing to give to the new lives in your house? do you want a low maintenance houseplant, or do you have the time for creating an indoor oasis? Where are you going to place the new houseplant? Is the place more dry or humid? does the sun enter the room fully so you need a plant that thrives in bright indirect light, or you need to search low light tolerant indoor plants? From there, you can choose which type will fulfill your needs.
I want indoor plants for low light. The greenery that can survive my shadiest spots like my office space, or the rooms that don’t get any sunlight. And there are just the right plants that not only tolerate these conditions but grow stronger, and faster when exposed to less light.
Tips for lighting indoor plants for low light
When I searched for plants that don’t require any sunlight, I found that even low-light plants still require some indirect light, often from a north-facing window and away from the windowsill. If your room has no windows, you should leave lights on 12 hours a day, or rotate low-light plants into the room for a few weeks at a time before moving them back to a naturally lit room. So scroll down to find the best plant for your space and how to care for them.
How to care for indoor plants (low-light)
- Make sure the pot has good drainage.
- Wait until the soil is fairly dry before watering again. About an inch deep dry for most plants.
Keep the potting evenly moist. - Indoor plants for low light tolerates being dry better than being soaked.
- Watering frequency depends largely on lighting conditions. Bright light requires more frequent watering; low-light less frequent watering
Best indoor plants for low-light
Golden Pothos
This plant type survives under any condition from harsh light to no light at all. Even if you forgot to water it for a few weeks. This plant is perfect for beginners who want some greenery but still afraid of responsibility.
Care and growing: Thrives in a bright, not direct light, although it also will tolerate low-light conditions. Loves a dry soil between waterings.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera is a purifying plant with heart-shaped leaves that adds another dimension to any space.
Care and growing: thrives in a medium to the low-light area. Watered moderately, about once a week. And mist it once a week if you want to give it a special treatment. This plant prefers dry soil between waterings. Keep in a fairly humid environment. To control excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth.
Chinese Evergreen
This plant is easy to grow as it doesn’t need a ton of sunlight to survive. And add a tropical feel to any space.
Care and growing: performs well in low to medium-light. It prefers warm, humid weather — ideally somewhere between 70 – 72ºF. Let it dry between waterings. Overwatering will lead to root rot.
Calathea Lancifolia
Looks good on tabletops as its two-tone leaves look unique. It closes its leaves at night and opens them again in the morning. Or some would say raise and lower its leaves. Yes, this plant is pet friendly.
Care and growing: it’s a low light plant, so avoid afternoon light. It enjoys the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, water every 1-2 weeks.
Peperomia Obtusifolia
It has glossy, oversized leaves that give a rich feeling to any space. Can grow tiny white flowers if treated right. This one can tolerate sunny spots in your house like a kitchen window. Just don’t bring it outside, it’s not suited for direct sunlight and still falls under the low light houseplant category.
Care and growing: It enjoys medium to bright light and can tolerate bright direct light. Prefers dry air. Water once or twice a week.
ZZ Plant
A succulent plant. It has thick leaves, so it gives a solid, minimal character to any space. Perfect for beginners as it doesn’t need much sunlight or watering.
Care and growing: thrive in medium to low-light. Water every 3-4 weeks and allow soil to dry between watering. Avoid getting leaves wet when you water.
Maidenhair Fern
Ferns give a warm feeling to any space. Many types of Ferns, including button, Autumn, Rabbit’s foot, maidenhair, and more, are good options for low-light situations.
Care and growing: Ferns prefer moist soil and low to medium-light, favors a small container, and less repotting. Ferns are intolerant of low humidity or dry air from heating or cooling vents, so it prefers to be misted regularly.
Dieffenbachia
Known as the Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily. The word I’m looking for is leafy, leafy! –Pheobe’s voice This plant is suitable for houses that don’t have small children or pets.
Care and growing: thrives in medium to low-light and prefers to be kept dry between waterings.
Philodendron
One of the best indoor plants for hanging. Philodendron’s quick-growing trailing wiry vines look great on any shelf. Great for beginners as you can leave it for up to two weeks without water. It may look soft, but it survives most conditions.
Care and growing: a medium-to low-light houseplant that prefers to be kept dry between waterings. Some forms trail, or can easily be trained to a post. Others have larger leaves and a bushy habitat.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern has a wavy ripple-edge that adds a personality in addition to a vibrant pop of green to any space. Pet friendly and looks great when layered with Philodendron.
Care and growing: medium to the low-light area. Allow soil to dry between watering and water weekly.
Peace Lily
One of the best indoor plants with flowers. Who doesn’t like flowers at every corner of his space.
Care and growing: prefers moderate to low-light and consistently moist soil. It reblooms several times a year, even with low-light conditions.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a succulent plant. It has a yellow edge that gives an individual style and also known for its purifying air abilities.
Care and growing: prefer medium to bright light, but can tolerate very low-light, water every 3-4 weeks.
