Best shade-loving houseplants to buy if your home has little natural light

13 March 2024 , 11:24

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There are many plants you can pop in shady areas (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

If you're one of those people who can't seem to keep a houseplant alive, it could be to do with where you're putting it in your home, rather than your lack of care.

If your home doesn't have very much natural light, but you're keeping plants that desperately need to be sitting in natural light constantly, the likelihood is that they'll perish. However, there are specific houseplants you can buy that love to be placed in the shade, so just because you live in a darker home, you don't have to miss out on the beauty of adorning your home with greenery.

Tiffany Dent, Wecandoo artisan and founder of the Archway Planter shared some of the best plants to own if you've got shaded areas in your home.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos plants, also known as Devil's Ivy, are a versatile adaptable plants that can handle low to moderate light. Pothos comes in various varieties, making it easy to find one that suits the aesthetic of your home.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a hardy and resilient choice for low-light spaces. This plant is not only aesthetically pleasing with its upright, sword-like leaves but is also known for its air-purifying qualities, which is a lovely bonus.

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Snake plants are a great choice for lower light areas (Stock Image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Known for its heart-shaped leaves, this trailing plant is adaptable to low-light conditions and is easy to care for. It's a great choice for hanging baskets or it can also be placed on shelves to add extra cosiness.

Aglaonema

Aglaonemas are versatile and attractive plants with variegated foliage. The green varieties such as 'Maria' are best suited to tolerate areas of shade.

Calathea

Known for their unique and ornate foliage, Calathea plants are a great choice for low to medium-light environments. They come in various varieties, each with distinctive leaf patterns.

Fern

Many ferns are well-suited for low light conditions, just be sure to locate them in a higher humidity location to avoid their leaves becoming crispy. They add a delicate and feathery texture to your indoor garden.

Here are a few tips for caring for low-light houseplants:

• Watering: Be careful not to overwater your low-light plants, as they may not dry out as quickly as those in brighter conditions. Allow the soil to dry longer than usual between waterings.

• Rotate: If your low light spot isn't evenly lit, rotate your plants occasionally to ensure all sides receive some light.

• Clean the Leaves: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing them to absorb the available light better.

Danielle Kate Wroe