5 Indoor Plants for Low Light
The gardens on the Danforth are spectacular. As a newcomer to the area, and as someone who used to work at a nursery, the beautiful gardens and stunning landscapes that made up the neighbourhood were one of the first things I noticed. Even the planters lining Danforth Avenue in the summer are gorgeous. Unfortunately, not everyone can have an outdoor garden, and as fall turns into winter, seasoned gardeners are forced to retreat indoors. Still, the frozen landscape doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy our own little gardens indoors. Check out some of the fabulous nurseries surrounding the Danforth (like Kleinburg Nursery) and pick up one (or all) of these hard-to-kill, low-light loving plants.
These ferns prefer lots of indirect light, but can also survive in more dimly lit areas. Most importantly, Boston ferns need humidity. Most homes are dry, especially in the winter when heaters are turned on, so it’s best to provide extra humidity for your plant by misting it with water once or twice a week.
Again, these plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate low light. Lower light levels will slow down this plant’s growth to its maximum height of 6 feet, so a slower growth rate isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you don’t have a lot of space. Keep the soil moist, but never let it get soggy. As with most plants, cut back on watering in the winter. With its slim, spiky leaves, the Madagascar dragon tree makes a gorgeous focal point in a room, and it also helps purify the air. However, pet owners beware, as these plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
From 4-inch pots perfect for your desk to larger plants for the floor, peace lilies come in many different sizes and are pretty hard to kill. These plants don’t want to dry out, but they also don’t want to be overwatered. Check the soil once a week. If the soil is dry, give your plant a thorough watering, but if the soil is still damp, leave it alone! If you notice your plant drooping before your weekly inspection, check the soil, water, and watch it perk right up. Peace lilies can even do well under fluorescent light if your room has no natural light.
Super low maintenance, snake plants can handle low light and low watering, so they’re perfect for the busy, forgetful green thumb. When watering, it’s important to use room temperature water, so as not to shock the roots, and to water along the sides of the pot. Remember that snake plants are in the same family as succulents, so they can retain a lot of water and do best in a sandier soil (like a cactus mix).
The less light this plant-of-steel gets, the less water it needs. This plant is slow growing, and requires minimal care. As with all the plants on this list, it’s helpful to wipe down dusty leaves with a damp cloth. The dust won’t harm the plant, but enough dust can block the little sunlight these plants get and reduce their ability to photosynthesize.
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