House Plants for Low Light: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Plants need sunlight to survive, but not all plants need a lot of it. If you have areas in your home that don’t get much natural light, don’t worry! There are plenty of house plants that can thrive in low light conditions.
What is Low Light?
Low light can be found in areas of your home that are permanently shaded, such as north-facing rooms or rooms with small windows. It can also be caused by objects that block the light, such as buildings or trees.
Choosing the Right Plants
When choosing house plants for low light, it’s important to consider the amount of light the plant will receive. Some plants can tolerate very low light levels, while others need a bit more light to thrive.
Here are some of the best house plants for low light:
- Jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor): This plant prefers low light but can tolerate some indirect light. It’s more likely to flower in brighter light, but it will do fine in a north-facing window or a few feet back from a south-, east-, or west-facing window.
- Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’: This plant can tolerate all light levels, including low light. However, it will develop the most stunning deep purple color in brighter light. It will grow well in a north-facing window, but for the best color, place it in an east- or west-facing window, or within about 3 feet of a south-facing window.
- Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum): This plant is very adaptable and can grow in almost any light condition, including low light. However, it’s important to avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to fade and burn. For best results, place it within 3 feet of a north-facing window or a few feet from an east-, west-, or south-facing window.
- ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This plant is known for its tolerance to low light and drought. It’s a great choice for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of time to care for their plants.
Care Tips
Here are some tips for caring for house plants in low light:
- Water less frequently: Plants in low light don’t need to be watered as often as plants in bright light. Only water when the soil has completely dried out.
- Avoid overwatering: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that plant owners make. It can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Move plants closer to light in winter: In winter, most of our homes become low-light areas. To help your plants get as much light as possible, move them closer to the brightest windows.
Conclusion
With a little care, you can easily grow beautiful and healthy house plants in low light conditions. Just be sure to choose the right plants and follow the care tips above.
