5 Best Plants for Low-Light Rooms
Have you been putting off starting your house plant collection because you live on ground floor of a building with little natural light? Or have you read all about the benefits of houseplants, but the rooms that could really benefit from plants are just too dark?
Natural light conditions have a huge impact on mental health, meaning low-light environments are usually the spaces most in need of a touch of nature. But let's be frank: all plants require sunlight in order to survive, so don't expect a miracle plant to flourish in a completely dark room. However there are a bunch of plants that will fair pretty well in low-light conditions.
So, low light? No problem! We’ve put together a list of the best plants to choose for that low-light bathroom or kitchen:
1. ZZ: the go-to for no light
The ZZ should be a staple in every houseplant collection. Originating in drought-prone east Africa, the zamioculcas zamiifolia was noticed by South African nurseries for its easy propagating possibilities and when shown to the world it was introduced to a range of new light situations. Surprisingly, it proved itself a hardy variety by thriving in pretty much all conditions, including almost-zero light. As such, it has become the modern day go-to for rooms with dark corners.
Being drought-prone, the ZZ is also a great option if you happen to forget to water now and then (or again and again). Its glossy, waxy leaves actually reflect light, so the ZZ will also act to brighten a dark room, while purifying the air.
2. Monstera: the influencer essential
It's pretty unlikely that you haven't come across the iconic Swiss cheese plant. The popular imagery of these houseplants are not just part of the influencer aesthetic, but have also found their way onto logos, bags and even wallpaper.
Monstera are popular for many reasons, one of which being the fact that they fair pretty well in low-light conditions. Their large leaves produce long, iconic holes, which allow them to increase the leaf's surface size and capture more sunlight.
Place a monstera in a living room corner as a statement answer to any low-light conditions.
3. Kentia palm: a taste of the tropics
Just looking at the Howea forsteriana's feather-like fronds might make you feel like you're on some tropical island. Native to the south pacific region, the Kentia won't survive in no-light conditions, but can fair shade reasonably well - just make sure there is a bit of brightness in the room.
Get yourself a Kentia palm for a room with mid-brightness.
4. Pothos: for some cascading drama
If you have some bookshelves that could benefit from some greenery, a pothos is an easy choice. The pothos, or scindapsus aureus, is a trailing plant and perfect for cascading or shaping in different directions.
While pothos definitely prefer bright, indirect light (so no direct sun), they can usually manage low-light conditions well - the only downside being that they may lose some variegation (the variation in color).
Add a climbing pothos to your collection.
5. Sansevieria: the mother of all varieties
If you're new to houseplants then along with a ZZ, your collection should start with a sansevieria. Known as a snake plant, sansevieria are native to Madagascar and south Asia, making it another drought-prone houseplant that kick up a fuss between drawn-out waterings.
Sansevieria is a hardy plant that will do well in low-light rooms. As well as being a hardy houseplant, sansevieria also has around 35 varieties! So you're sure to find a look you like.
Check out sansevieria laurentii in the plant store.
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