Plants can do a lot for our homes. A few well-placed pots will give your decor a natural appeal, making the space feel more lively and scenic. Plants will naturally purify the air through photosynthesis as well, although they are not quite as dexterous The best air purifiers.
But studies have shown that plants can improve our mood and reduce anxiety, which is a definite benefit. Then there is the pest prevention to consider. Indeed, there is 7 plants that prevent rats and mice from infesting your home And 9 fly repellent plants that will keep your home free of insects.
The problem is that in low light conditions, it can be difficult for plants to survive. This means that it is often difficult to keep plants in rooms that lack windows – such as bathrooms and offices. There are exceptions to this though. Some plants can not only survive but thrive in the shade. This means that you can still benefit from all of the above regardless. If you’re keen to learn more, here are 7 plants that can survive without sunlight.
Be aware: some of the following plants are toxic to pets – be sure to check if this is the case before you bring one home.
1. Cast iron plant
The first plant on our list is the cast iron plant. As the name suggests, this is a tough cookie. It has a very low maintenance nature, requiring little light and minimal fuss to survive. In fact, these plants are known to thrive in most conditions, and are often damaged by excessive care and handling, for example due to excessive watering. Given that, don’t be afraid to give your cast iron plant some space.
Cast iron plants like to be kept out of direct sunlight, or else their leaves will burn – they prefer shady spots instead, with low levels of light. It grows slowly, so don’t worry if it shows little progress over time. Water it regularly, leaving the soil moist, but not soggy. With its thick, vibrant leaves, it can really add some decor to an otherwise dim space. In addition, being around cats and dogs is a safe option because it is non-toxic.
2. Spider plant
The spider plant is another great option for a dark, low-light space. These plants are very tolerant, regardless of light conditions–whether it’s located in bright, indirect light or hidden in a dark corner, the spider plant will thrive. In terms of care, it should be pruned back as necessary using some of the The best pruning shearsand watered regularly – about once a week.
This is a fairly hardy plant, but it’s still a good idea to learn about it How to care for a spider plant. Whether hanging from a basket or lined up on a shelf, spider plants look great displayed, and with a couple of shades of color in the leaves, they’re even more eye-catching. Plus, it’s non-toxic to cats and dogs if you have pets at home.
3. ZZ Factory
For those who really struggle to keep their plants alive, we recommend investing in ZZ Plant. The plants wouldn’t be much tougher than that—the ZZ plant requires minimal light to survive; In fact, it can only sustain low levels of artificial light. This makes it ideal for dark spaces around the house. The ZZ plant will adapt to most conditions—only bright, direct sunlight can do some damage to the waxy leaves.
Don’t worry if you forget to water your plants often. ZZ plant is hardy enough to last for long periods between waterings, plus it does well with an inconsistent routine.
In short, if you want a near indestructible plant that is likely to survive no matter the conditions, this is the plant to get. Be warned that this plant is known to be toxic to pets and humans. It is toxic if ingested.
4. Lucky Bamboo
For something particularly decorative, lucky bamboo is another option. This looks like a smaller version of the traditional bamboo, but it’s actually a type of water lily known as Dracaena Sanderiana. Don’t let that fool you though, it’s still pretty tough. It will continue to grow in low light conditions, and can be grown in soil or directly in water.
It is believed to bring good luck to its owner, and it has a very beautiful appearance. But this is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to trim the leaves back when needed. It prefers a warm climate too (60°F+) and if it sits directly in the water this will need to be changed every two weeks.
This plant is also known to be toxic to pets, so avoid it if you have family members.
5. Peace lily
Peace lilies are a popular houseplant, and for good reason. They require very little maintenance but have a distinctive and elegant look, which can really add to your decor. These plants are more hardy than they look – they will continue to grow despite low light levels and can even survive fluorescent light, although this will reduce the likelihood of flowers. If flowers are what you want, you’ll need to place them somewhere with bright, indirect light.
In terms of care, the peace lily requires regular water, keeping the soil moist, but not soaking wet. The soil needs to be able to drain excess water as well to prevent root rot, so make sure the container has drainage holes.
It’s also a good idea to wipe the sheets down now and then; This not only makes the plant look good, but also helps it absorb light.
This is another plant that is toxic to pets, so avoid it if you have cats and dogs that roam.
6. Dracaena
The Dracaena family covers a wide range of plants, including lucky bamboo, and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for larger types of plants to fit into your shade-prone home. They can really range in size, from small desktop additions, to large tree-like options. Whatever the size, these plants are easy to care for, requiring only low to medium light conditions to thrive. Although bright, indirect light is best.
Dracaena likes moist conditions and does well in a bathroom or kitchen, but it requires less water than your average plant. It is best to let the top few inches of soil dry out completely between watering sessions. Spraying the leaves can also help this plant thrive.
This is unfortunately another plant that is toxic to pets, so beware.
7. English Ivy
Finally, for something both decorative and serious, English ivy is the answer. This plant will climb anywhere if given the chance. It’s fast growing and easy to propagate by small cuttings, though it can be invasive and difficult to remove, so it’s best to keep it in a container where you can prune it regularly.
English ivy loves bright, indirect sunlight, but it will also survive and continue to grow in low light conditions. It should be watered when the soil feels dry, usually once a week. This plant looks great cascading from the shelves; It will quickly bring life back to your shady areas, although it is another poisonous plant when it comes to pets.
If you’re interested in indoor plants, check out our guides on how to care for succulents, how to replant succulents, and the 7 best plants to grow on a balcony. We also cover how to care for air plants.
