Indoor plants are wonderful. In addition to adding life to any decor, they purify the air in our homes by filtering dust and other invisible pollutants that can impact your family's health. Of course, tropical plants used as houseplants, like all plants, need water and light to thrive. When the light is low in a room, what do we do? Go without? Never!
Plants that appreciate shaded corners
Although they all love to bask in beautiful light, there are certain varieties of indoor plants that can tolerate, or even appreciate, darker places. It is also important to note that many green plants should not receive direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves or dry out the plant. It is always important to get informed about a plant's needs from a specialist before buying it to ensure it is given a prime location: the right plant in the right place!
Here is our top 10 list of indoor plants for shadier areas:
1. Dracaena
The dracaena, or dragon tree, resembles a palm with its long green leaves often striped with yellow or white that grow on a trunk that gradually sheds over time. It is a plant known for its air-purifying properties. It will grow more slowly in the shade but will not suffer. Rotate the pot regularly to encourage straight growth.
2. Sansevieria
The sansevieria, commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue, features beautiful upright and graphic leaves of a deep green. It is among the "un-killables," plants that tolerate almost anything, even a few weeks without watering. It will thrive in shade, slowly but surely, as long as it is not cold, as it prefers warmer locations.
3. Philodendron
The philodendron, especially the climbing variety, can tolerate very dark places. Let it climb on a trellis or cascade from a hanging basket to fully appreciate its beautiful dark green heart-shaped leaves.
4. Calathea
The calathea impresses with its foliage featuring highly graphic lines and multiple patterns. They are most often green with a purple underside. Although it loves warmth and beautiful indirect light, this plant can tolerate low light. However, the leaf patterns may fade.
5. Chlorophytum
The spider plant is widely found in homes because it is easy to grow and maintain. It tolerates dark places and missed waterings. Under good conditions, it will produce baby plants at the end of its runners. It loves humidity, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms.
6. Aglaonema
The aglaonema naturally grows in the shade of large trees, so it is not afraid of dimly lit areas, quite the opposite. It is chosen for its highly ornamental foliage variegated with green, silver, and cream, sometimes even pink. Its growth is slow.
7. Dieffenbachia
The dieffenbachia appreciates warm and humid environments but not direct light at all. The shadier parts of your home are therefore ideal for this plant, which is appreciated for its beautiful spotted leaves that grow on a stem that can reach a meter in height.
8. Faux zamier
The faux zamier, or ZZ plant, is a succulent with glossy leaves that can tolerate very low light and a lack of water... even for several weeks. It is almost indestructible! If you manage to fail with the faux zamier, one could truly say you do not have a green thumb!
9. Beaucarnea
The beaucarnea or elephant's foot, named for the shape of its trunk, resembles a small tree whose fine leaves cascade in curls from either side of the trunk. This plant appreciates light, even some direct sunlight, but will do well in a shadier spot. If you take it outside in the summer, avoid full sun.
10. Spathiphyllum
Although the spathiphyllum, better known as the peace lily, thrives in intense light, it can also grow very well in a shadier place. Avoid direct sunlight, which burns the leaves. You will appreciate its white flowers that bloom year-round, as few flowering plants do well in the shade.
Consult a consultant at your local Passion Jardins® store, as they are the best person to guide you towards informed plant choices. Avoid impulse buys that, unfortunately, often last only a short time!
Tips and advice
