- ZZ Plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- The Chinese Evergreen plant, Aglaonema
- Epipremnum aureum, or pothos
- Compact Dracaena deremensis ‘Compacta’ Janet Craig
- Hedera (ivy)…
- … Haworthia
- Plant of Cast Iron (Aspidistra elatior)
- Calm Lily (Spathiphyllum)
What sort of plant can survive without sunlight?
If you’re new to caring for plants, pothos plants make excellent starter plants. These plants have the ability to grow gorgeous, long vines that look wonderful accenting walls and giving any room a tropical vibe. Because of this, they thrive best when planted on a desk or grown as hanging plants.
Although they may survive in low light, pothos plants prefer medium indoor light. Their lovely leaves can turn pale when there is insufficient light, while too much direct light can turn them yellow. Check out our pothos care guide for more detailed information on how to take care of your pothos.
What kind of indoor plant is ideal for a dimly lit space?
Low-Light Plants Are Ideal For Dark Environments
- Ivy. Ivy is a traditional plant that adds elegance to any setting.
- Viper Plant. This slow-growing plant, which is a devoted one, is known for its upright and pointed leaves.
- Pothos.
- Fern in maidenhair.
- Philodendron.
- Calathea.
- Begonia Rex
- Happy Bamboo
Can a plant live without windows in a room?
In order to photosynthesize, create blooms and fruit, and maintain general health, plants require sunlight. However, because of their extraordinary adaptability, many robust species make excellent windowless houseplants. Pick a tried-and-true indoor plant that will add color, purify the air, and a touch of nature to any sterile interior environment.
Low light levels can be found inside buildings of all sizes, not just those that are deep underground or warehouses. And because of how the rooms are laid out or because of outside tree shade, many homes have illumination problems.
Fully or partially shaded spaces are excellent for windowless indoor plants. When choosing plants, consider the size before purchasing. For instance, parlor palms and dracaenas both grow extremely tall.
Growth rate is another thing to consider. Choose a plant with a quick growth rate that will cover your space with greenery if you want a healthy-sized plant. Typically, vining plants are effective. Try a golden pothos or a philodendron with heart-shaped leaves if you prefer a trailing or hanging plant. Try putting some chickens and chicks in a container if you just want a tiny man to sit there and think.
Do any plants have the ability to grow at night?
Rapp is a freelance writer from Los Angeles who writes about gardening for Redbook magazine and may be heard on KGIL radio on Sunday mornings.
What plants will grow in the dark? is the query I’ve heard the most often in all my years as Mr. Mother Earth.
The only plant that can thrive in total darkness is the mushroom, but what most people want to know is which species can survive in low light conditions. places like the foyer, a distant corner of the living room, or a restroom counter.
In general, choose a green foliage plant like those listed below when choosing a plant for a low-light area. Plants with vivid, colorful leaves, like the croton and polka-dot plant, or flowering plants, like azaleas, gardenias, and African violets, require a lot of sunlight to grow and shouldn’t be placed in dim areas.
Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch in areas that receive little to no sunlight. Overwatering is a constant issue, but plants that receive little light take far longer to dry up than those by windows that receive lots of sunlight.
But I advise you to spritz your low-light plants with a fine mist of water each day. During the spring and summer, feed them once a month with a liquid houseplant food as directed on the package.
In my experience, the most dependable “night folks” are:
Aspidistra elatior, often known as the cast-iron plant. Through its enduring indoor growth for hundreds of years with little light, water, and attention, the cast-iron plant has earned the moniker. Despite their gradual growth
Aspidistras can grow to a height of three to four feet. Their large, oblong, dark green leaves are produced on tall, thin stalks. There is also a really attractive variegated variety with creamy stripes. Grab one of these if you see one. This is the ideal resident for that dim spot that needs to be brightened.
* Arrowhead Power Plant ( Syngonium podophyllum ). This little, bushy plant, sometimes known as nephthytis, has arrowhead-shaped, light green leaves with creamy white variegation. The arrowhead can be used as hanging plants or as a tabletop plant and is extremely impossible to destroy.
It will need to be cut quite frequently to keep it from growing long and straggly. Yellow leaves will also commonly be seen. Simply pinch off the natural ones since they are. Arrowhead plants can be multiplied from stem cuttings, and they will grow for up to a year in a jar of water.
China Evergreen ( Aglaonema spp .). Almost every nursery, flower shop, garden center, supermarket, and other place where plants are sold will have at least two or three types. This plant is unrivaled in its ability to combine robustness with ornamental utility. All of the several types require the same simple maintenance.
This plant does well in low light, and too much light can be harmful. The leaves will develop a pale yellow color when exposed to the sun. You’ll frequently receive a pleasant surprise from your Chinese evergreen. It may only develop white spathes, which are leaf-like structures that contain a cluster of white flowers, and vibrant red, yellow, and orange berries.
* The dwarf palm, or Chamaedorea elegans bella. This incredibly lovely plant has tiny fronds, skinny stems, and narrow, dark-green leaves that resemble those of a tree palm. The dwarf palm may appear lacy and fragile, yet it can withstand low light, dry soil, and even drafts. Although it grows slowly and is frequently used in dish gardens and terrariums, it may grow to a height of three to four feet and make a beautiful floor plant for a dim corner.
* The Howeia forsteriana palm. a lovely, sturdy indoor tree. It is often offered with four stalks per pot and can reach a height of 15 feet inside. It is a remarkable addition to any decor because to its hard, dark-green, pinnate leaves on thick, elegant fronds.
Keep your kentia palm in its pot because it tends to die back when moved into a container that is too big. Maintain a mild moisture on the soil and spray it frequently. You should be aware that kentia palms typically cost a lot of money. A 10-foot kentia will cost well over $100, while a 4- or 5-footer would cost $60 or $70. They have an extremely long lifespan.
Pothos, often known as devil’s ivy ( Scindapsus aureus ). This philodendron’s first cousin is a true champion among low-maintenance plants. The pothos can endure low light, dry weather, and semi-neglect thanks to its large, oval, waxy green leaves, yet shade may prevent its white and yellow variegations. It has to be pruned occasionally to promote full, bushy growth, and the cuttings can be grown in water for a year or more.
Your pothos will droop visibly when it’s time to water, which is only when the soil is completely dry.
The snake plant ( Sansevieria laurentii ). The succulent snake plant, often known as mother-in-tongue law’s because (I didn’t make up this “joke”) you can’t kill it, is likely the toughest of all indoor plants. Your snake plant may last for weeks without water or food and very little light.
There are several different types of Sanseviera, some of which are low-growing and work brilliantly as tabletop plants. The most popular variety has tall, rigid, pointed stalks that are bordered with a yellow band.
• Spathiphyllum ( Spathiphyllum spp .). This bushy houseplant, sometimes known as a peace lily, has glossy, dark-green leaves and will endure low light levels. It may even flower. The peace lily will virtually always produce white, lily-like blooms in bright light, but even in a gloomy location, the chances of seeing an occasional flower are roughly 50/50.
Your peace lily will occasionally have one or two leaves that turn brown at the tip. Additionally, whole leaves frequently become brown or yellow. This is entirely normal. Simply use scissors to remove the leaves when it happens. There will always be new leaves to replace them.
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura), table fern (Pteris spp. ), philodendron, bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium nidus), and if you need a tall tree for a darkish corner, you’ll have good luck with the corn plant (Dracaena massangeana) or the dragon plant are a few other plants that will do well in low-light conditions ( D. marginata ).
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
The stunning variegated leaves of the aglaonema come in hues of red, pink, yellow, and green. You won’t need to use flowers if you simply grow this plant in a location that needs some color.
Chinese evergreens are quite drought tolerant and flourish well in low light conditions, so there won’t be any damage if you neglect to water it for a while. Ideal for those who are unfamiliar with indoor plants or who view themselves as “green-fingered gardeners.
Steinbkopf advises paying particular attention to the plant’s color while selecting a Chinese evergreen. “The older hybrids, which are primarily green in hue, can thrive in low light. The more recent multicolored hybrids thrive in an east or west window and require mild light. They will lose their vibrant hue in low light. Grow at Night
Chlorophytumcomosum (Spider Plant)
Infrequent watering when the soil feels dry is all that spider plants need to thrive in low light. They are a fantastic option for an indoor hanging basket since they produce long, wiry green foliage and tiny white blossoms that fall down the edge of their container.
Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
These low-maintenance houseplants, which resemble miniature tropical palm trees, will add some brightness to that gloomy space you’ve been wanting to tidy up. Put it somewhere that is out of direct sunlight and give it a little water now and then, being careful not to overwater. More information on watering this plant is provided below:
To prevent the canes of the corn plant from rotting, it is crucial to water the entire potting material uniformly. These canes might need to be straightened both when they get home and subsequently when they settle in because they can have weak root systems. When straightening the canes, exercise caution to avoid compacting the medium and removing the oxygen. The root systems will expand as they mature and become more capable of supporting the canes. Grow at Night
Remember that the maize plant is poisonous to pets like cats and dogs, so if you have a furry friend who enjoys chewing on houseplants, pass on this one.
Epipremnum aureum (Pothos / Devil’s Ivy)
This plant is perfect for a hanging basket in a dimly lit area if you’re looking for one! Place it in a basket or on a pedestal and observe the magnificent show that the variegated green vines create as they trail down.
Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant)
Marantha leuconeura’s leaves contain rich green, purple, yellow, and red variegation, making it a fantastic choice for a low light indoor plant with vivid foliage to bring a splash of color to a plain section of the house.
The variegated pattern on the leaves of this houseplant must be maintained out of direct sunlight to stay vivid. Put it on soil that drains properly and regularly sprinkle the leaves. The common name “prayer plant” comes from the way the leaves point skyward at night, resembling the hands of a person in prayer.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
Choose a moth orchid if you want to add some color to a dim area of your house with something that blossoms! Although this plant does well inside, you might need to stake the stems to provide additional support.
They prefer low light, and if planted in a soilless orchid mix, given frequent watering, and a basic humidity tray, they will bloom happily.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Snake plants are renowned for being tough to destroy, making them ideal for a nook in a windowless bathroom, stairwell, or bedroom. A succulent, Sansevieria holds water in its leaves and is susceptible to overwatering. Pay attention and only water approximately every three weeks until the soil seems fully dry to the touch.
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
These attractive houseplants have beautiful white blossoms and rich, dark green leaves. They are not only stunning, but they also do a fantastic job of maintaining our health and purifying the air. You are welcome to scatter peace lilies throughout your house as you choose; they thrive in both bright and dark environments.
These plants prefer a damp, humid environment. Maintain your peace lily’s health and blooming by giving it regular watering and leaf mistings. You will be able to tell if you aren’t watering it enough since the leaves will droop.
If you observe this happening, don’t be alarmed. Just give it a big drink, and you’ll see how quickly it recovers. Propagation is successful for peace lilies. You can split them up and buy new plants for your home’s other dark spaces.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Zee Zee Plant)
The zz plant not only thrives in low-light corners of the house, but it also requires very little upkeep. You can go on vacation without worrying that your plant will die because it can be left unattended for extended periods of time. Its glossy, lime-green leaves provide any dark area a cheery flash of color.
Additionally, this plant has the ability to multiply! What Grow in the Dark has to say is as follows:
The peculiar feature of this plant is that it may produce new plants from a single leaflet, however it takes a while. Cover the cut end with plastic or glass after inserting it into a moist potting medium. This procedure could take months. Moreover, the plant may be divided.
You have it now! You’ll be surprised at how much more pleasant it looks and how much better you feel as a result if you add some plants to that boring area.
What does indoor plant lighting indirect mean?
The two types of light—direct sunlight and indirect sunlight—are the first topic we’ll cover in our indoor plant light guide. Both of these types of light are probably present in your home; the trick is to arrange your houseplants to take advantage of each type of light.
Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is defined as light that travels in a direct line from the sun to the plant. For instance, the majority of window sills receive direct sunshine. If your house doesn’t receive enough direct sunshine to feed your plant collection, you can also create direct light with LED grow lights.
Indirect Sunlight
When something blocks the sun’s path and diffuses or filters the light before it reaches your plants, this is known as indirect sunlight. Sheer curtains, furniture, a tree outside your window, or even a different indoor plant placed in front to shield the lower-light plant are some examples.