Which plants can I grow indoors or in low-light conditions?

Sunita Vellapally Sunita Vellapally
homify Tropical style garden
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Do you love the idea of having plants in your home but are worried that you don’t have enough sunlight in your house for them to thrive? The good news is that there are several varieties of plants that you can grow even in the darkest corners of your home with minimal maintenance. In today’s ideabook we present a list of 15 plants that are ideal for Indian houses and apartments, which don’t have large windows, skylights or balconies that invite sunlight into the interiors. The best part is that most of these plants can be sourced from local nurseries or garden stores.

1. Parlour palm

Some parts in your house, such as the corridor at the entrance or the space under the stairs need a larger plant to fill up the area. The Parlour Palm is a perfect option for these spaces. It requires very little maintenance in the form of regular watering, and it can survive without much sunlight.

2. Moth orchid

Most flowering plants need sunlight to bloom, but not the Moth Orchid! This beautiful plant comes in regular and dwarf variants as well as a choice of colours. They aren’t usually grown in soil, but rather on coconut husk, bark or moss as over-moist soil can kill them. Test the surface for dryness and water only when required. If necessary, mist the blooms and leaves once in a way to refresh the plant.

You can ask your interior designer for advice on a reliable nursery or store to pick up a Moth orchid.

3. Spider Plant

Contrary to its name, this plant is anything but creepy. In fact, its delicate green and white foliage is pretty, and it has baby shoots that gracefully trail down. It’s best placed at a higher level, like on a shelf. The plant needs very little maintenance, and it has purification properties that will improve the indoor air quality in your home.

4. Sword fern

In nature, ferns are known to grow under the shade of trees, so they are perfect for keeping indoors in areas with very little sunlight. The Sword Fern thrives in low-light areas. The bright green fronds bring a vibrant air that refreshes any space. All you need to do is test the top layer of soil in the pot or planter for dryness and keep it moist. They are perfect for growing in wall-mounted planters or in a vertical garden.

5. Snake plant or Mother-in-law's Tongue

This is hardy plant will survive even in a dark part of your home. It needs very little care except for regular watering to keep the soil moist. The long and sharp leaves make it look almost sculptural, adding a sophisticated feature to the space. The Snake Plant also helps to purify the indoor air. However, if you have pets at home, this is a plant to avoid as eating the leaves can upset their stomachs.

6. Peace Lily

The dark green leaves and the soothing white flower make the Peace Lily an elegant addition to any home. This plant thrives in indoor environments with low light but does just as well outdoors in a shaded area. It requires very little care, and the only thing you need to do is to water it regularly as otherwise the leaves will wilt.

Get ideas on plants that are ideal for bedrooms.

7. Pepperomia

If you are looking for a small plant that you can place on a shelf, Peperomia is ideal as its thick and fleshy green leaves are beautiful. They can also be grown in a wall-mounted planter as the plant does not grow more than six inches tall.

8. Silver Queen

If you are a newbie gardener experimenting with indoor plants, the Silver Queen is the perfect choice as this hardy plant can suffer considerable neglect and thrive without much sunlight. The only thing you should watch out for is the cold as it cannot survive in low temperatures.

9. Philodendron

The ability of this plant to thrive in even the darkest spaces makes it ideal for rooms that lack direct sunlight. Philodendron comes in shrub as well as vine varieties. If you choose the latter, make sure to provide adequate support in the pot for the plant to climb. The large and glossy leaf of this plant brings a refreshing touch to any space.

13. Prayer plant

This tropical plant is perfect for Indian homes, but you should take care that it is not exposed to direct sunlight, or the leaves will shrivel up. This is a plant that does better indoors than in the outdoors as it prefers cooler conditions.

12. Maidenhair fern

Another fern, albeit a more delicate one, the Maidenhair is perfect for areas with very little natural light. The feathery fronds make this a charming addition to any space. Just as with other ferns, overwatering can kill the plant, so test the top layer and water only when it is dry.

Find out which are the best indoor plants to grow in an apartment.

10. Boston Fern

If you are a fan of ferns, then this one is another great option for indoor spaces with low lighting or even in a shaded spot in the garden. The lovely large green fronds make it perfect for hanging basket, but they look just as nice in a ground-level planter or pot. Like with other ferns, you need to check the top layer for dryness and water it regularly to keep the plant healthy. Additionally, the Boston Fern should be kept away from both hot or cold drafts as this causes the leaves to wilt.

11. ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ plant as it’s commonly known is another plant that can handle neglect and dim conditions. It can even thrive in a study under fluorescent light so long as it is watered regularly to keep the top layer moist whenever it gets dry.

14. Money plant or Devil’s Ivy

If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant with vibrant foliage, the shiny green and yellow variegated leaves make the Money Plant an excellent choice. This is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors or in areas without much sunlight. You can let the vine trail from a height or let it climb using a supporting frame. For those who follow Feng Shui, this plant is believed to bring prosperity and harmony to the home.

15. Anthurium

For homeowners who prefer a more exotic plant in their home, Anthurium is suitable. The bright blooms have unmatched sophistication, and these plants are surprisingly easy to maintain. They don’t need much sunlight to do well. Moderate watering is all they need to thrive.

If you are an amateur gardener who loves plants but are hesitant about having them in your home for fear of killing them with neglect, we advise you to consult one of the professional landscape architects or garden experts registered on homify. They can advise you on the right type of plant for your home depending on the amount on sunlight in the area as well as the time you can spend caring for your plants every day. They can also help you to set up customised features such as indoor gardens or green walls with automated drip irrigation so that your plants get water even when you forget to water them or are away on vacation.

Which of these plants is your favourite? Leave a comment to let us know.

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