Low Light Plants: 5 Species That Shun The Sun

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LOW LIGHT PLANTS: 5 Species That Shun The Sun

Story by Diana Keeler

Every house has one: a sunless room that needs plants but can’t sustain them. Mine is my bathroom, with a sole window overlooking a courtyard that only gets light three months a year — the rest of the time, it’s as dark as a closet. I dreamed of hanging jasmine in front of the window, setting out succulents on the sill.

Truth: I tried it anyway, light levels be damned. My jasmine and succulents (and a couple spare palms) lasted a couple weeks, until I took pity on them and moved them to a sunnier space.

GREENE PIECE FOUNDER, MARYAH GREENE RECOMMENDS MIXING FAUX GREENERY WITH LIVE PLANTS.

How to fix a space like this? Many plants experts — including Greene Piece’s Maryah Greene — recommend liberally mixing in “faux plants” with live ones. Look for higher-end options that avoid shiny leaves or other telltale signs of fakery — you’ll have them as long as you want them, so invest if you can.

The focus, of course, should be on live plants. Not all plants require sunlight to power its basic biomechanical engine, via photosynthesis: Parasitic plants like witches hair, or dodder, take nutrients from other plants, while saprophytic plants feed on other organic matter. Most do — but many can get by on just a bit of indirect light. These are the plants for your basement apartments, subterranean guest suits, and windowless bathrooms.

SPECIES THAT SHUN THE SUN

Low Light Plants

1
MAIDENHAIR FERN

Adiantum

A maidenhair fern likes a bit of indirect light — a bathroom with a northern exposure would be perfect. Humidity is a must, which is why a bathroom is ideal; too little, and this fern will quickly dry out. Keep its soil moist but not soaked — and if it does dry out, soak the roots and hope for the best: New growth may emerge in the weeks to come.
Split Leaf Philodendron

2
Split-Leaf Philodendron

Monstera deliciosa

This plant ranks as one of plant stylist Maryah Greene’s favorites. It can handle some sun but thrives in lower-light conditions. When the soil becomes dry, water at the roots — just be sure to avoid overwatering, as monsteras are particularly sensitive to root rot.
Phothos

3
Golden Devil's Ivy

Pothos epipremnum

If you’ve dreamed of a gorgeous, vine-y plant in a hanging basket — but don’t have any sunlight — consider golden devil’s ivy a top candidate. Its name alludes to the fact that it’s nearly impossible to kill. Meanwhile, its vines can grow up to 10 inches or more. Give it just enough water, as needed, to penetrate the roots.
Birds Nest Fern

4
Birds Nest Fern

Asplenium nidus

Like staghorn ferns, birds nest ferns can be mounted on a wood shelf or plank — a fun, plant- centric project that will work even in a low-light space. Ferns love moist soil, but respond poorly to overwatering. Interesting sun fact: The more light the birds nest fern gets, the “crinklier” its leaves will be.
Glossy Leaf Paper Plant

5
Glossy-Leaf Paper Plant

Fatsia japonica

This is a particularly good choice if you want a tall plant — up to six feet indoors. Glossy-leaf paper plant will do just fine in full shade — in fact, it’ll wither under the sun, though it loves medium to high humidity. Let the soil get about halfway dry before watering, and opt for a light, fast-draining potting soil.