Not everyone is lucky enough to have a constantly bright, well lit room or a garden drenched in sunlight. Fear not plant-lovers, there are a surprisingly large number of indoor and outdoor plants that can survive quite adequately under “low light” conditions!
It is through the light provided by the sun that plants absorb energy so that they can grow, sprout and bloom, but The Green Grower frequently stocks a variety of ‘hardy’ plants that are suited to less than ideal conditions, especially in terms of lighting. In fact, even though they will therefore grow slower, these plants can really brighten up a dark corner of your house, garden or office. They include:
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Corn Plant or Dragon Tree (Dracaena sanderiana or marginata)
Ferns, including Bird’s Nest (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Nerve Plants (Fittonia spp, especially albivenis)
Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum)
Pothos (Golden and Silver)
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
ZZ Plant (Eternity Plant)
As a rule, most plants like and need adequate amounts of light, water, fertilizer, good temperature/humidity conditions, air circulation and a quality potting mix to grow well and remain healthy. Those basics do not change, so if there is a lack of light, do ensure that you keep up the other aspects of proper care for your plant.
Naturally, without an abundant source of light, your plant won’t grow so quickly or dramatically and the leaves may be smaller. Some degree of ‘natural’ light or ‘grow’/artificial lights will be needed and remember that the amount of light varies with the seasons, so that in winter, it will be the darkest.
It is important you don’t over-water. The more ‘sunlight,’ the thirstier plants will get since they utilise water during a process called transpiration and the rate of transpiration is dependent on, and increases with, the amount of light plants receive. So make sure you feel the top inch or so of your plant and if it is dry to the touch, only then should you water it.
That’s what makes the whole world of plants so interesting; there is something for everyone and something for any conditions. So low-light situations need not be a handicap at all and as mentioned earlier, what better way of brightening up a darker corner than adding the varied colours, shapes and sizes, that only plants can bring!