We all long for large windows that provide ample sunlight to our homes, but it is not always possible. Do not let your discouragement about plants that don’t thrive in the darkest areas of your house keep you from giving up.
Low-light tolerant indoor plants can be used to grow your leaf collection. They can tolerate less than ideal lighting. Low light environments are a common environment for many plant species, such as the rainforest floor in a tropical forest. This can make them great choices for dimly lit areas throughout your home.
Here’s a list of our top picks for plants that can adapt to low light areas.
These are our favorite plants that grow in low light
Bromeliads
Bromeliads, which are beautiful, unique plants, have long-lasting, colorful blooms. These plants are native to Brazil and grow on epiphytes (plants that grow on top of other plants and receive moisture and nutrients from rainwater or organic matter). Bromeliads have adapted to living under trees’ shaded leaves.
These plants add color and tropical flair to any space. Bromeliads ‘Aechmea Pink, bromeliad Summer and bromeliad Electric all produce beautiful blooms. The bromeliad pineapple, a pineapple-growing plant, produces edible fruit.
Dracaenas
Dracaena plants come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. However, they all have long, straight leaves that grow upwards from a central stalk or cane. They are strong and can be used in Dracaena Gold Star’ or Dracaena margarata varieties to add an architectural element to the dracaena leaf.
Dracaenas develop and maintain their upright appearance. They also thrive in indirect light. This makes it ideal for blank walls, behind furniture or corners.
Parlor Palms
The compact, slow-growing palm is able to thrive in tight spaces and light conditions. Although the parlor palm thrives in bright, well-filtered light, it can also adapt to low lighting. The parlor palm’s dark green fronds make it a lush, bushy plant that is great for tables, shelves, and desks.
This palm is a native to Mexico and Central America. It requires little maintenance and makes a great air purifier. This indoor plant is adaptable and can be grown in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for offices that have less than ideal growing conditions.
Peperomias
Peperomia plants can be very easy to care for and are great for beginners. They may appear and behave like succulents but they aren’t! Peperomia plants need a little more water and humidity than the average succulent.
Peperomias are native to South American rainforests and grow under the rainforest canopy. Peperomias ‘Ginny’ and ‘Watermelon’ are slow-growing, compact varieties that make a great addition for any shaded bookcase or home office desk.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons can be fast-growing and easy to grow. Their growth patterns range from bold and bushy to graceful and vining. Philodendrons like Philodendron Xanadu and Philodendron Xanadu are generally forgiving and can tolerate any kind of neglect including poor soil and inconsistent watering.
The philodendron makes a wonderful gift or first-time plant.
