Indoor greenery is an excellent addition to home décor. Its quiet elegance apart, it induces a soothing ambiance, while improving air quality. More importantly, it is a boon for those living in low light apartments, where many plants struggle to survive. The good news is that a myriad of shade-loving greens can add life to your space effortlessly, with low maintenance needs.
Your low light apartment is no less than a refuge for these shade-loving greeneries. While some can survive under fluorescent lights, others are better adapted to thrive in different types of indirect light. What’s more, they can make the indoor environment healthier while brightening up the space with their verdant pop of color.
In the world of indoor plants, ‘low light’ generally designates plants that can survive in an area that never gets direct sunlight, or in a spot that remains far from a west or south-facing window. Additionally, these daylight-seeking plants prefer diffused light and look the healthiest in indirect sunlight.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant due to its remarkable ability to adapt to low light conditions. Its rich green leaves and radiant white flowers effortlessly add a tropical touch to your indoor space. Moreover, Peace Lilies are a favorite among houseplants as they’re one of NASA’s top-rated air purifying plants, capable of filtering indoor air toxins like benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is known for its toughness. This hardy plant can survive even in the darkest corners of your apartment. Its glossy, dark green leaves reflect sunlight and brighten up spaces. Additionally, ZZ plants have the added advantage of requiring minimal watering, making them perfect for neglectful plant parents.
Snake Plant
Snake Plants or Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) not only survive low light conditions but also thrive in them. Its sword-shaped, upright leaves make a bold statement in any indoor setting. As an added bonus, Snake Plants are excellent air purifiers and can filter out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Shadow Plant
Featuring beautiful silver foliage, the Begonia Rex or Shadow Plant grows extensively in low light areas. This plant also prefers high humidity, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Shadow Plant leaves range in color from pink, burgundy, and a mix of these with silver or green, adding vibrancy to minimalistic indoor spaces.
Spider Plant
The resilient Spider Plant or Airplane Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is tolerant to a wide range of conditions, including low light spaces and irregular watering. This shade-loving green boasts of green-and-white striped leaves, which effortlessly brighten up any dull corner of your apartment.
Ferns
Several fern varieties, including the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and Maidenhair Fern, are recognized for their ability to adapt to low light conditions. They grow best in humid environments, so consider placing them in kitchens or bathrooms or misting them frequently.
Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), with its heart-shaped leaves, is an excellent indoor plant that thrives in low light conditions. It’s flexible in terms of watering and can handle ‘under-watering.’ Thus, it’s a great plant for novices.
Fittonia
Fittonia or Nerve Plant, with its intricate vein patterns, are incredibly adapted to low-light conditions, and they add a dash of drama with their uniquely patterned leaves.
Philodendron Heartleaf
Philodendron hederaceum or Heartleaf is known for its large, waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can add a tropical vibe to any indoor space. They are exceptionally tolerant to low light conditions, and their vining characteristic allows them to be used in hanging baskets or as climbing plants.
When it comes to plants that love the dark, there are many options to choose from. You just have to consider your space and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Even if you’re new to plant ownership, there’s a low-light loving plant out there perfect for your apartment. Using the above list as a starting guide, select which resilient, shade-loving greens enchants you most.
Understanding the needs of your plant is vital to ensuring it thrives. For instance, most indoor plants come from the understory of forests where they are protected from wind and harsh sunlight conditions. Thus, they are adapted to the relative safety of the indoors. Most shade-loving plants prefer diffused light, but that’s not the same as no light at all.
Monitoring your plant’s progress takes a degree of patience, but deciphering the language of leaves is rewarding. Drooping leaves may suggest a need for more water, while brown leaves may indicate too much sunlight. The trick to successfully growing indoor plants is to mimic their natural growing conditions as closely as possible.
Embrace the world of shade-loving indoor greens and experience an infusion of calmness and serenity in your apartment. Regardless of the square footage of your home, or the amount of sunlight it receives, mindful selection and proper care can create an indoor garden for peace and relaxation. Not only do they contribute to mental health and productivity, but indoor plants also blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, bring you closer to nature, and create a sanctuary in your apartment.
