The ideal indoor plants for low-light rooms

Why do some indoor plants adapt better to low light conditions?

A Natural Origin in the Undergrowth

When thinking about indoor plants suitable for dark spaces, low light, or even no direct light, one often wonders why some thrive where others wither. Many shade-adapted plants come from tropical forests or areas where sunlight is filtered by trees. In their natural habitat, they grow under a dense plant cover, with little light reaching the ground. For instance, ferns and calatheas are indoor plants native to these dark environments, where they have developed strategies to capture every available ray of light.

Leaves Designed to Maximize Light

In an environment where light is scarce, large leaves represent a crucial advantage. Some plants have imposing leaves that allow them to capture maximum light, even in the understory of tropical forests, where sunlight struggles to reach the ground. These shade-adapted indoor plants exploit their size to compete with their neighbors and thrive in dark spaces.

However, not all indoor plants living in low-light conditions can rely on giant leaves. Many small undergrowth plants, like Calatheas or even smaller, Peperomias, have developed another ingenious trick: a pigmentation adaptation. While their leaves are often green on top, they display a reddish-purple underside, a typical characteristic of plants adapted to low-light areas. This color acts as a natural reflector, capturing light passing through the leaf from the green side and bouncing it back through. These plants manage to survive and even thrive in environments with low light.

Low Photosynthesis Requirement

Some indoor plants adapted to dark areas have a slower metabolism. This means they do not require high light intensity to carry out photosynthesis, the process that allows them to produce energy. These plants consume less energy, making them particularly resistant to watering neglect or harsh living conditions.

Resilience in Hostile Conditions

In spaces with little light, plants often have to cope with a lack of water or fluctuating temperatures. Indoor plants adapted to dark environments often develop water reserves in their stems or in thick leaves, or reduce their growth to save resources.

Different adaptations of plants living under the canopy of tropical forests: large shiny leaf surface for philodendrons, red undersides for Calatheas and Peperomias

The ideal plants for a dimly lit interior

Hardy Classics

Some indoor plants have become essential for dark spaces due to their robustness and ability to adapt to low-light conditions.

• Sansevieria (Mother-in-law’s Tongue): This plant is a pillar of low-light environments. It requires very little maintenance and can thrive in dark corners without any issue. Its long, vertical, graphic leaves add a modern touch to any interior.
• Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant): With its thick, glossy foliage, this plant is quite tolerant of light conditions. Beware of overwatering, as it prefers spaced waterings.
• Chlorophytum (Spider Plant): Easy to grow and very resilient, it thrives even in spaces with little light. Its long, slender leaves and small, pendulous shoots bring an airy and light touch. It’s truly a very undemanding plant.
• Dracaena: With its slender habit and exotic tufted foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for medium light. There are many cultivars with different foliage colors.

Tropical Plants Naturally Accustomed to Shade

• Marantaceae: This plant family includes the popular Calatheas, as well as the slightly less known Marantas and Ctenanthes. Some Ctenanthes appreciate good light, but the majority of Marantaceae are plants for medium light. They are valued for their decorative leaves, often marked with colorful patterns. Suited to shaded environments, they prefer constant humidity and stable temperatures.
• Peperomias: Compact and diverse, peperomias, with their small to medium thick and textured leaves, are perfect for small shelves or restricted spaces. They do not need to be close to windows and prefer moderate watering.
• Ferns: Many fern species thrive in low-lit and humid environments. They love bathrooms where they can benefit from the ambient humidity.
• Philodendrons: Some philodendrons are undemanding and are content with medium light.

Climbing and Hanging Plants

For enthusiasts of trailing or climbing plants, several species thrive in shady spaces.

• Epipremnum: Well known as Pothos, it is probably the most popular climbing plant for dark spaces. Its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated, adapt very well to low-light conditions. Variegated cultivars bring a lot of brightness.
• Ivy (Hedera helix): Ideal for shelves or hanging baskets, it thrives in low-light spaces as long as the soil remains slightly moist.

Plants for Terrariums

Some small indoor plants thrive particularly well in terrariums, where humidity and confined conditions remind them of their natural habitat. Place them a few meters away from a north-facing window, for example.

• Fittonias: Also known as “nerve plants,” they are appreciated for their small leaves veined in white, pink, or red.
• Ficus pumila: This unusual creeping ficus species with tiny leaves. In addition to its climbing ability, this plant adapts wonderfully to a terrarium, where it can form a beautiful vegetal carpet.

Vibrant foliage Maranta, small-veined Fittonia, versatile Sanseveria, 3 species to have at home when lacking bright interiors.

What is a low-light interior?

Let’s specify the lighting conditions suitable for shade plants grown indoors.

A north-facing exposure can be quite bright if the window area is significant and not too close to any obstructing buildings. Moderate indoor lighting, suitable for all the plants mentioned, includes:

• The area a few meters away from windows in a bright room, without direct sunlight.
• Close to a window facing east or north in a room with limited window space.
• A bathroom with a skylight, for instance.
• A hallway if it’s not too dark.

It’s important to keep in mind the concept of moderate lighting. Some plants will tolerate low light, such as pothos or spider plants, for example, but most require a bit more light. For more demanding plants, a grow light can be a useful addition, especially in winter or if natural light is insufficient.

Tips for maintaining **plants** in a dark interior

Growing indoor plants in a low-light environment requires special attention to compensate for the lack of natural light. Here are some tips to keep them in good shape.

Supplementing Light

Even plants adapted to dark environments can benefit from a little boost. Use horticultural lamps: these artificial lights mimic the spectrum of natural light and help plants carry out photosynthesis. Place them at an appropriate distance to avoid burning the leaves.

Adapting Watering to Low-Light Conditions

In low-light conditions, plants use less water as their metabolic activity slows down.

• Avoid overwatering: the soil should dry slightly between waterings. The roots of plants in dark environments are more sensitive to rot caused by excess water.
• Use a pot with good drainage: make sure the pots have holes to drain excess water, and choose a light and well-aerated potting medium.

Maintaining Good Humidity

Many indoor plants adapted to dark areas originate from tropical environments where humidity is high.

• Mist the leaves: Regularly spray water on the foliage to recreate a humid environment.
• Group the plants: Gather several plants to create a microclimate where humidity will be higher. You can also use a humidifier if necessary.

Clean the Leaves to Maximize Light Absorption

Dust accumulated on the leaves can reduce their ability to capture light, which is already low. Clean the leaves regularly by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or rinsing them under a light shower. This also improves their appearance.

Rotate the Pots

In low-light spaces, plants may tend to grow towards the light source. Rotate the pots regularly to allow for more uniform growth and prevent the plant from becoming unbalanced.

In a dimly lit interior, move the plants closer to the window

Mistakes to Avoid in a Low-Light Interior

Even though some indoor plants are perfectly suited to low-light environments, common mistakes can compromise their health. Here’s what to avoid to keep your plants thriving.

Choosing Unsuitable Plants

Not all indoor plants can thrive in low-light spaces.

• Avoid plants requiring a lot of light: Succulents, cacti, and other plants native to arid climates are not suitable. They require direct sunlight to thrive and quickly deteriorate in dark corners.
• Opt for proven plants: Prioritize those specifically adapted to shady areas, such as Pothos, Calathea, or Sansevieria.

Moving Plants Too Frequently

Indoor plants acclimate slowly to their environment. Constantly moving them can stress them out and disrupt their growth. Let them settle in: Find a suitable spot from the start and avoid moving them unless necessary.

Ignoring the Specific Needs of Each Plant

Even though they share an ability to adapt to dark conditions, each plant has unique requirements in terms of watering, temperature, or humidity. Research each species: Take the time to understand what your plant prefers, whether it’s a fern, a Dracaena, or a Peperomia.