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22 low-light indoor plants perfect for low maintenance zen
No sun? No problem
Indoor plants can add a sense of tranquility and peace to a room, and when cared for properly, can quickly become part of the furniture. Unfortunately, if you live somewhere where waking up to beaming sunlight isn’t the norm, it can also make the job of caring for your plant babies a lot more difficult.
And what's more, during these winter months, it can become even more of a task making sure your green darlings are getting exactly what they need. (It feels like we barely are, sometimes!)
But, fear not! You might not be aware that there are actually plenty of plants out there that thrive from low amounts of sunlight. Phew. That doesn’t mean to say they can survive with no light though, and they often do require slightly more care than your regular garden centre purchase.
Believe it or not, most low-light indoor plants actually hail from more tropical regions with lots of jungle areas. They’re usually the species of plant that get covered by the other (many, many) leaves in rainforests and have adapted perfectly to the dark side - perfect for moving into any urban dwelling, of course. Great news, as surely since they can cope with the dark, harsh jungle conditions, then they can probably have a good go at surviving in our tiny windowless flatshares, right?
There’s no wonder people are opting for them, because indoor plants are proven to help you feel calm, improve air quality and lower blood pressure. Sounds like a bonus to us!
From classic succulents through to the bright and beautiful, opting for a low-light plant doesn’t mean you have to compromise on appearance. There’ll still be plenty of room for Instagram snaps, and some of these low-light alternatives are proving to become aesthetic stars in their own right, popping up all over social media and becoming interior design must-haves!
Here are the best low-light indoor plants you should be adding to your home, for maximum impact and minimal effort.
Monsteras are a great starter plant for those who don't have time for lots of maintenance. With it's unique hole-filled leaves, this plant is just as much of a statement piece as it is foliage. Best of all, it's super easy to take care of, as it can be very tolerant of low light levels. You've probably seen this plant scattered over Pinterest or spotted in the windows of fancy terraced houses, so at least we know it's stylish as well as low-maintenance. And if you look after this guy, he can grow to magnificent sizes!
For those who like something a little more dainty, orchids provide a perfect pop of colour for any room. They thrive in humidity (for example in your bathroom), but direct sunlight is a total no-no as they can actually get sunburnt! If you haven't already received one of these as a gift, now is your chance to start dropping hints.
Despite its extra appearance suggesting otherwise, the Bromeliad is actually super easy-going. Unfortunately, their striking flowers will only bloom once in its lifespan, but when it's on its way out (usually after a year), it will produce 'pups' that can be re-planted, and will grow into a fresh Bromeliad. Alexa, play 'The Circle of Life'.
Often seen looking lifeless on office desks, the humble spider plant is actually an underrated addition to your home. They're more-than-tolerant of neglect, so if you're someone who forgets to water your plant-children, don't worry about feeling too guilty. They'll forgive you for it.
Contrary to its name, the snake plant is loyal when it comes to keeping its form. They're long-lasting and can survive in pretty much any amount of sunlight, making them the perfect desk buddy or ideal addition to your bedside table.
The perfect tropical touch to any interior-savvy Instagrammer's home, the Dragon Tree is one indoor plant you're probably more familiar with. They hail from tropical Madagascar, so it is advisable to give them some half-decent light when possible. (It's the least we can do.)
Is there anything more classical than a lily? If you want to bring a sense of calmness to a room, the Peace Lily should be your number one choice. It'll purify your air and keep its white flowers for weeks on end, making it a year-round choice for versatility. They make for great gifts, too.
Known for its dressage-worthy, over-the-top leaves, the Ponytail Palm looks nothing short of a Dr Seuss character. Its nature means its vibrant green colour stays all year round, and it really does require little care. But who wouldn't want to nurture this adorable little creature?
According to Chinese feng shui, the Money Tree's leaves capture happiness and good fortune, while its twisted trunk holds treasure. While we wish it would churn out enough money to cover our ASOS baskets, unfortunately, the only thing the tree trunk is holding is a lot of water, which makes it very low maintenance.
This brightly coloured foliage loves the shade, but also loves heat. Be sure to keep it by a radiator, and stand it on a tray of pebbles and water to increase humidity. The silver-green leaves and rich maroon stems are not short of a wintery dream.
A more unusual choice but just as practical, Marimo Moss Balls are usually found as decor in fish tanks. That being said, you absolutely can keep them as solo plant-pets either on their own or in water as a decorative feature. Best of all? They need next to no light.
What's better suited to a year of being stuck at home than imagining yourself somewhere more tropical with a palm tree? And now you can own a piece of your dream holiday from home, because the Sago Palm thrives in low-light situations. Time to whip out the sunglasses.
The Zebra plant is named just so on account of its elegant striped leaves. In the summer, the plant also blooms colourful flowers, so that's something to try and keep it alive for! It's pretty slow growing, so you can take your time with this one, nurturing it over the years and watching it grow. Keep out of direct sunlight, and try and keep the soil constantly moist so it can thrive.
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Not a bad selection, eh? Hopefully with all these low-light options, you'll be able to find the perfect plant match for your home and however much light you currently have. Plus, a lot of these guys are definitely ticking the boxes when it comes to aesthetics and style.
And what's more, most of these sellers and sites have lots of detailed information on how to care for your new botanical friend, with easy guides and tips to getting your plant looking and feeling it's best.
So for now, we'll still be sitting and waiting for the summer sun, but at least now we'll have some new leafy pals to keep us company until then.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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