Plants add an aesthetic sensibility to our homes and provide numerous health benefits by improving air quality and boosting our mood. However, not all homes or offices are designed to let copious sunlight in, and we may be required to look for plants that can flourish in low light conditions. The world of exotic and rare plants that can thrive in minimal light is a fascinating one. Here, we’ve compiled an array of some unique rare plants growing well in low light, their origins, descriptions, and how best to care for them.
1. Maranta Leuconeura (Prayer Plant):
Originating from the tropical Brazilian rainforests, the rare Maranta Leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, is prized for its strikingly beautiful foliage, with leaf colors ranging from deep green to light olive, accentuated by veins of pink and silver. This plant received its name from the inclination of its leaves to fold upwards at night, like hands joined in prayer. It thrives well in low light conditions, ideally in bright, indirect light to highlight its vibrant foliage. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and it will reward you with vigorous growth.
2. Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant):
As the name suggests, the Aspidistra Elatior or the Cast Iron Plant, is a sturdy perennial, native to China and Japan. It has appropriately been named for its ability to survive under harsh conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. It sports glossy, deep green leaves which can reach up to 2 feet in height. Over-watering or extremely cold temperatures can damage the plant, but with minimal intervention, this plant can thrive even in the darkest corners of your house.
3. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant):
Originating in East Africa, the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia or simply the ZZ Plant, is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow, requiring minimal care and lighting. Its fleshy, shiny emerald-green leaves and intricate, waxy texture captures the eye immediately. The plant can survive and flourish even under fluorescent light, and only requires watering when the soil becomes dry. Its resilience and twin qualities of beauty and low maintenance make it a perfect choice for offices and homes alike.
4. Sansevieria Trifasciata (Snake Plant):
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, is a perennial, succulent plant that is native to West Africa. Its pointed, upright leaves have earned it its reductive reptilian name. The leaves feature beautiful patterns that can range from deep greens to lighter hues. Its ability to survive in low light and dry conditions make it an excellent indoor plant. Moreover, it’s a rare plant that’s famous for improving indoor air quality, as it removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
5. Epipremnum Aureum (Pothos):
One of the most distinctive and exotic plants that thrive in low light conditions is the Pothos. It is a perennial vine, native to the Solomon Islands but is now easily found globally. Besides its bright, glossy leaves, Pothos is also famous for its air-purifying properties. It thrives in low or indirect light conditions and should be watered only when the soil becomes dry.
6. Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant):
The Corn Plant, a native of tropical Africa, is another low-light thriving, air-purifying plant. Its impressive height of up to 6 feet and its corn-like appearance make it a great indoor plant. It features long, shiny leaves that vary in color from yellow to deep green. The Corn Plant requires minimum light intensity, although it likes to stay consistently moist. Therefore, it should be placed in indirect sunlight and watered two to three times per week.
7. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen):
As a native of Southeast Asia’s humid rainforests, Aglaonema, or the Chinese Evergreen, thrives in low light and high humidity conditions. It features eye-catching ombre leaves that range from dark green to silver-gray, making it a favorite amongst indoor gardeners. The plant is quite resilient, calling for watering only when the soil dries out.
8. Philodendron Scandens (Heart-Leaf Philodendron):
The Heart-Leaf Philodendron is a tropical native of South and Central America. It is an eye-catching vine with heart-shaped leaves featuring shades of green, red, and even purple. Not only does it grow well in low light, but it also absorbs indoor air toxins, making it a great choice for enhancing the aesthetic value and air quality inside homes and offices. Water this plant only when the soil feels dry, as it is prone to root rot.
9. Anthurium Andraeanum (Flamingo Flower):
The exotic and rare Anthurium Andraeanum, also known as the Flamingo Flower, is a native of South America. Besides luscious foliage, it is known for its vividly colored spathes that come in vibrant shades like red, pink, and white. Even though this plant prefers bright, indirect light, it can also flourish in low, artificial light and calls for well-drained soil and frequent misting.
10. Ferns:
Though numerous fern species do well in low light conditions, the Boston Fern and the Maidenhair Fern are perhaps the most popular for indoor use, owing to their lush fronds and feathery leaves. Native to rainforests and marshlands, they relish the moist, humid environment that mirrors their natural habitat. Despite their preference for high humidity, they can survive nicely in low light conditions, although a more humid environment promotes greener, healthier growth.
This enticing selection of exotic, rare plants that grow well in low light conditions has the potential to transform your home or office into a verdant oasis. Regardless of how much natural light is available, you can cultivate an indoor garden to suit your aesthetic taste and simultaneously enrich the indoor air quality. Remember, even these shade-loving plants need some level of light to carry out photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth and survival. Therefore, give them the right balance of care, love, and attention, and they will flourish in your low-light spaces.
