15 Low Light Houseplants to Grow Anywhere Indoors
Not a lot of south-facing windows? Not a problem!
Houseplants make every space feel cozy and welcoming. (Here are 15 of the most popular houseplants.)
But what if you have a house, dorm or office with little natural light and you still want to add some greenery? If you don’t have bright, sunny wall-to-wall windows, no worries! Many indoor plants will do fine in low light levels.
But just how little light qualifies as "low light?" If your area doesn’t receive any direct sunlight and a plant would not cast a shadow at any time of day, it’s a low-light situation.
If you’re trying to figure out what kind of natural light you have, windows that provide the highest light levels are those facing east, west, and south; most north-facing windows are considered low light, especially in northern regions of the country in the winter.
Low light plants tend to grow more slowly than if they were receiving bright light. They also may not need to be watered as frequently as plants in high light areas of your home.
That means you should poke your finger in the soil of these plants to test whether or not it needs water. It’s very easy to overwater low light plants if you’re not paying attention.
Finally, remember that low light doesn’t mean no light. Every plant needs at least some natural or artificial light to survive. If you’re stuck with a really dark room (or you have your heart set on a plant that needs high light levels, such as calathea or bromeliad), invest in an LED plant grow light. This allows you to enjoy being a plant parent without worrying your baby won't make it!
Ahead, our favorite low light houseplants:
Read more: 28 Pet-Friendly Houseplants You Can Grow Without Worry
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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