Low sunlight doesn’t have to stop you from being around some greens. There are a variety of indoor plants that thrive even in little sunshine. Let’s have a look.
Lack of natural light is one of the most prominent reasons why plants cannot survive indoors, and others being lack of attention and poor watering habits. With the drastic shift in the lifestyle today, it is even more difficult for a person to care for a plant. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be around greens at all. Although sunlight is a basic need for any plant’s survival, some plants can thrive on little to no, direct or indirect exposure to light and even under artificial light in some cases.
These plants don’t just keep the surrounding air exceptionally clean but also help you relax, improving your overall state, all that while giving the place a calm and fancy look. Below is a list of six such indoor plants that don’t need sunlight.
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Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and suitable houseplants.
With an excellent ability to purify the air, a snake plant can emit oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. It fights indoor air pollution with extraordinary capabilities, allowing it to thrive in direct and indirect sunlight. They also eliminate toxins from the air and release moisture, reducing the risk of airborne allergies and diseases like cancer.
It is an exceptionally low-maintenance plant; being a succulent family member, the snake plant can thrive even in extreme climatic conditions. Watering it once in three to four weeks, when the soil’s top layer is dehydrated, is more than enough.
It is a stunning and eye-catching plant with pointy and almost artificial-looking leaves. The blend of yellow, gray, and green tone of the leaves adds to the charm, making it ideal for both office and home spaces.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant, also commonly known as maranta, is a highly medicinal plant with fascinating leaves and structure.
Apart from making the air seemingly fresh and purifying it, the prayer plant has tons of other medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antiviral, and antimicrobial—an excellent choice for both body and mind of a person.
The prayer plant can thrive in partial shade with minimal exposure to light. However, the plant requires ample water varying with seasons. Though there is not much maintenance, monthly pruning and fertilizing will help keep the plant upright and healthy.
Prayer plants are vibrant with beautiful patterns and colors. They have fancy, deep green leaves with red, white, and pink stripes and spots. They look groovy both as indoor and outdoor plants.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, also commonly known as the airplane plant or ribbon plant, is a widely used indoor plant that provides several benefits.
It removes a variety of harmful toxins from the air, purifying the surroundings efficiently. Several studies also suggest a positive impact of spider plants on the recovery rate of surgical patients. Furthermore, its ability to increase the air’s humidity reduces the risk of various airborne diseases.
The spider plant grows well everywhere, adapting to a variety of climatic conditions. It can even thrive when overwatered, underwatered, or neglected for days. Though this plant prefers bright indirect sunlight, it can work well with low and part sunlight.
Spider plants are among the top ornamental plants used in both homes and offices with thin, long, and arched leaves. The deep green spider-like leaves, often variegated with a white tone, make the plant appealing to the eyes.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a handy little beginner’s plant for all the following reasons:
Apart from purifying the air by absorbing air pollutants, the plant is also known for improving the brain’s cognitive functions, such as reasoning, decision making, etc. Additionally, the plants are highly medicinal too and are rich in antioxidants and inflammatory properties. They also follow crassulacean acid metabolism, meaning they can absorb carbon dioxide even at night.
It’s the kind of plant you bring home and forget. It can thrive in both low and high sunlight, is not affected by pests and diseases, and is also drought tolerant. Over-watering, though, is what kills this plant.
The waxy leaves of the ZZ plant reflect elegantly, revitalizing the surroundings. It’s just perfect in size with stems that can go about 3-4 feet tall, with dark green and shiny leaves.
Chinese Evergreen
It is yet another easy to grow plant and is perfect for beginners.
Chinese evergreen has many air cleaning abilities, including reducing indoor pollution levels significantly. Furthermore, the plant also enhances memory and concentration, improves mood, and effectively reduces fatigue and stress.
Various Chinese evergreens require low to medium and even bright light for some; however, you should never place them in direct sunlight. An average amount of watering and high humidity is best for the healthy growth of this plant.
Though Chinese evergreens typically have rich and deep green leaves with beautiful silver patterns, the newer varieties and sunlight exposure can alter the colors.
Pothos
Also commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or money plant, Pothos is much more than its ornamental value.
The plant removes toxins from the air and keeps it humid, eliminating various health risks. Pothos is one of the most preferred indoor plants as it keeps the mental health of a person in check by reducing stress and improving sleep quality. It positively impacts a person and is also considered to cleanse negative energy and bring prosperity.
It does well under both shade and light, and though an average amount of water is preferred, dry and moist conditions do not pose a threat to the plant. The ease of propagating Pothos and the ability to direct the vines the desired way adds to this little plant’s charm.
The green and bright yellow heart-shaped leaves with a waxy surface make them stunningly beautiful. Due to their versatile and trailing nature, arranging and decorating them around becomes extremely easy.
Other Plants To Consider
Aside from the plants mentioned above, many other plants with more or less similar properties are ready to fill the space with greens. Some of which include:
- Corn plant
- Green heartleaf philodendron
- Bird of Paradise
- Palmae
- Parlor palm
- Maidenhair Fern
- Ivy
- Arrowhead Plant
Conclusion
Growing any plant requires one to put in efforts, with timely watering, fertilizing, and frequent sunshine tours. Though the number of precautions and measures may vary, neglecting your little greens for a long time is not a smart choice. There are various light indoor plants available in the market, which require much less attention and sunshine than most, efficiently filling in for the greens you need in your life. So make sure you choose a perfect little green friend for you and your space.
