Living in an apartment with limited daylight doesn’t mean you have to forego the aesthetic and health benefits of indoor plants. Instead, it simply means that you have to choose your plants wisely. There are several low-maintenance plants for dark apartments that will not only thrive but will add beauty, color, and even cleaner air to your living space. This article will guide you through some of the best plants for dark apartments, their care, benefits, and how to effectively grow, propagate and maintain them.
### ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants rank top in the list for their sheer versatility. They are a native of eastern Africa, where they have adapted to survive in poor light and drought conditions. The ZZ plant is known for its shiny, dark green leaves, which can grow up to 40-60cm long.
Care of the ZZ plant simply involves watering it once every two weeks. This watering regime forces the plant to tap into its water reserves stored in the underground rhizomes, stimulating healthy growth. Despite its ability to survive in low-light conditions, the ZZ plant also thrives under fluorescent light, making it a superb choice for windowless offices or apartments.
### Snake Plants (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are an ideal choice for dark apartments due to their hardy nature and relative indifference to light conditions. They are known for their tall, sword-like leaves with distinctive patterning.
The plant requires watering approximately twice a month during summer and only once a month during winter. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. As for its lighting needs, the snake plant is versatile, comfortable in bright indirect and low-light conditions.
It’s worth mentioning that the snake plant is also an air-purifying champion, able to filter toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.
### Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is renowned for its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, often showing variegations in golden or white tones. This tropical plant is an excellent fit for apartments with little to no natural sunlight. It can survive under fluorescent lighting and is extremely forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it.
The watering regimen of pothos depends on the environment’s humidity and temperature. In general, pothos like to dry out between watering, which is usually a week or more. Placement of pothos in your apartment is also simple, as it can be grown both in hanging pots or on tabletops.
### Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are tropical, evergreen plants that bloom throughout the year. They are known for their pure, convex white flowers that give them their common name. Peace lilies can handle a lack of natural light, although too little light may prevent flowers from blooming.
Caring for a peace lily involves keeping its soil consistently moist. Therefore, regular watering is needed, particularly if the indoor air is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this could result in yellow leaves. Additionally, peace lilies are well-regarded for their air-purifying capabilities, removing toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air.
### Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
The Cast-iron plant gets its name from its incredible resilience. This sturdy houseplant thrives in low light and requires little maintenance. It’s a slow grower, with dark green, glossy leaves that can be up to 20 to 30 inches tall.
Watering of the cast-iron plant should be moderate. The rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out between waterings. It should be placed in a cool, dimly lit area. As it’s relatively slow-growing, this plant doesn’t require regular repotting or fertilizing, which adds to its low-maintenance appeal.
### Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants are a diverse family, featuring varieties with thin, arching leaves and others with thick, broad foliage. They are favored for their growth habit, usually growing vertically, and their hardy nature perfect for low-light spaces.
To care for a Dracaena, ensure the plant’s soil remains slightly damp, not waterlogged. The plant prefers lower light conditions but can adapt to brighter indirect light too. The Dracaenas are tolerant of a range of indoor conditions making them suitable for most apartments.
It’s evident that there are multiple options for adding greenery to even the darkest of apartments. These low-maintenance plants not only enhance your indoor aesthetics but also improve air quality and create calming environments. Remember, the key to a thriving indoor garden in a dark apartment is understanding each plant’s light and water requirements to ensure it thrives. These plants prove that even in the absence of bountiful natural light, it’s possible to cultivate a lush indoor oasis.
