6 Indoor Plants That Can Grow In Low Light

A common concern for most people while buying an indoor plant is whether it would survive it low-light conditions.

Most urban homes are devoid of natural light, but this should not be an excuse for not making your house greener. There are several houseplants, which not only make your low-light rooms brighter and more colorful, but are also easy to grow and maintain.

Here is a list of 7 such plants, so you can drop your worries and bring home your favorite plant!

1. Philodendron Heartleaf

A common houseplant that can grow in dark conditions, Heartleaf Philodendron is easy to grow. The Heartleaf gets its name from the large, heart-shaped leaves it carries. The foliage sports colors ranging from dark green, variegated cream, blue-green, lime, and yellow. These bright, colorful plants can light up your home, and need low maintenance. The plant has an ability to remove pollutants from the air, keeping your surroundings pure and fresh.¹

What You Need To Remember

• Heartleaf can survive even in conditions where only artificial fluorescent lights are used.
• One thorough watering is necessary for Philodendron to grow – the next watering can wait until the soil is dry.
• It is, however, important to note that the plant sap could irritate the skin.

2. Gloxinia

Gloxinia, a relative of the African violets, is an indoor plant that can grow when it receives indirect sunlight away from the full sun. Although, unlike Philondendron, it cannot survive in a completely dark room, Gloxinia can grow in moderately low-light conditions. Gloxinia produces bell-shaped, velvety flowers with vibrant jewel-like colors. The flowers grow up to five inches in diameter, and bloom for up to two months. The leaves of Gloxinia are large, fuzzy, and possess a unique texture.²

What You Need To Remember

• It is essential to water Gloxinia only in moderation, as it is sensitive to excessive moisture. Use warm water, avoid getting the foliage wet, and water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Feed Gloxinia once a month with a liquid houseplant fertilizer, especially when the plant is in full bloom.

3. Aglaonema

Another plant that can adapt to poorly ventilated, dull rooms is Aglaonema. Also called Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema is known for its distinct red, pink, and green leaves. The plant produces glossy, bright red berries during the fruiting period. The plant grows even in dry soil, and needs low maintenance.³

What You Need To Remember

• The plant is slow-growing and needs little care. However, if the plant is extremely unhealthy, cut the entire crown at the desired stem height, to give way to new growth.
• If you have pets at home, growing Aglaonema can be risky, as the plant could be toxic to pets.

4. Peace Lily

A plant that grows in moderate to low light, Peace Lily is one of the most attractive indoor foliage plants one can have. When in bloom, it produces fragrant, white flowers that give Peace Lily its name. The flowers start out pale green, eventually turn creamy white, grow up to seven inches, and bloom for a long period.⁴

What You Need To Remember

• Peace Lily needs to be watered moderately. Over-watering could cause harm, leading to root and stem diseases.
• The plant does not require regular fertilizing. Using a liquid houseplant fertilizer once in every two or three months is sufficient.

5. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is a houseplant that grows well in poorly lit areas. Frequently grown in hanging baskets, the Spider Plant makes for an attractive, low-maintenance ornamental plant. Its long, grass-like leaves are green in color, with white stripes running through its length. Healthy Spider Plants produce new plantlets, which appear in the form of long, wiry stems. These plantlets can be detached from the original plant to form a new one, or can be left untouched.⁵

What You Need To Remember

• Pot the Spider Plant using only a good housepotting medium, and not regular garden soil.
• The soil needs to dry out between waterings, as excess moisture might rot the plant.

6. Columnea

Columnea, or the flying gold fish plant, is perennial, and can live in low-light conditions for up to thirty years. It is usually set near a window, or under artificial light. Columnea has long, thin branches with hairy, shiny, dark-green leaves on its either side. Its orange-red flowers are bright, attractive, and could develop into white berries under proper care.⁶

What You Need To Remember

• The soil must not be allowed to dry out entirely, and must be kept moist at all times.
• Columnea does not adapt to hot temperatures, and requires a moderately cool temperature to grow and bloom.

If properly looked after, these houseplants can survive for several years in low-light, make your house green, remove pollutants, and significantly improve the quality of life!