Maybe you’ve noticed it too; houseplants are going through a surge in popularity these days (even though they never went out of style, really). They’re everywhere and sometimes you see many of them clustered together in delightful combinations that turn an ordinary living room into a jungle paradise. Gone are the days when these little friends were limited to just the windowsills and the end tables.
The primary challenge in having a garden indoor is light. Typically, plants are light lovers that cannot survive without the soothing rays of sunshine. But if you live in an apartment that’s light deprived, it doesn’t mean you have to be plant deprived.
There are plenty of plants out there who prefer shaded habitats over sunny podiums. Think of it this way: succulents, cacti, and other desert dwellers will choose the sunny spots, but those which naturally grow on the forest floor, under a canopy, or any shaded location will be the perfect candidate for lower light environments.
The plants below could easily call home a low-light apartment:
- Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
This architectural plant with its stiff, upright banded leaves is one of the toughest of all houseplants, withstanding darkness and brightness alike. It can easily reach three or four feet tall adding their striking beauty to any corner of the house you place it. There are only two ways you can kill this plant: overwatering it or never watering it at all. Mine simply exploded in size since I repotted it this spring, and even got to see it bloom two years ago.
2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Another easy to grow hanging or trailing plant, the spider plant is an amazing survivor. It’s quite undemanding and even though it prefers bright light, it tends to scorch in direct sunlight and will grow do just fine in conditions ranging from semi-shady to partial direct sun. A mature plant has small white flowers and will form tight rosettes of arching leaves with a profusion of hanging plantlets on long stems, up to three feet; picture them as a bushy green mane.
3. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Surely you’ve seen it in all flower shops and at a very inexpensive price, too. Known as an important part of feng shui, you’ll see them popping up pretty much everywhere. It too prefers bright, filtered light, as it is found under a rainforest canopy, but don’t place it in direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. It’s more tolerant to too little light than too much. Also, if you have children or cats, better not grow it as its leaves are mildly toxic and the little ones might end up hurt if they decide to snack on it.
4. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum Wallissii)
This little wonder is part of the group of plants that are great at improving the indoor air quality. It prefers a bright, diffused light, but since it tolerates well low light, it’s become known as a low light plant.
5. Parma violet (Viola Dutchess de Parma)
Not too difficult to grow and with a fabulous fragrance, this violet thrives in cool, sunny places but provided with shade and away from heat sources. Mine bloomed in November and the flowers beautified my room for a few weeks. Don’t overwater it (like I did) and don’t place it in direct sun light (me again) because you’ll have a hard time recovering it (yup, me again).
And why not, consider adding plants in your bathroom (excusable only if you don’t have space). Aloe Vera, bamboo, orchid, peace lily, spider plant, snake plant – are only a few of those that don’t mind living in this room’s typically tropical conditions of low light, warmth, and humidity.
Now, you’ve got your plants-plan and the air is cleaner and the sight prettier. Wouldn’t it be nice to sit back, relax, and have no worry related to your home? Tip: make sure you’re ensured with renters insurance. Knowing your belongings are safe in case of mishap, will give you the needed peace of mind to enjoy your pretty home.
