Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions
Here are six houseplant varieties which are suitable for low light situations and are simple enough for beginners to care for.
The ZZ Plant has shiny, dark green leaves that almost look plastic, due to their glossy texture. These leaves grow on stems that can reach up to 3 feet tall, giving the plant a lush, tropical appearance. The plant can also produce small, insignificant flowers at the base of the plant, although this is a rare occurrence when grown indoors.
The ZZ Plant is suitable for low light conditions because it is a very hardy and adaptable plant, originating from East Africa where it evolved to survive long periods of drought and low light conditions under dense forest canopies. It's perfect for beginners because it requires minimal care. It only needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry, which may be once every two weeks or less, depending on the indoor environment. The ZZ Plant is also highly resistant to diseases and pests, making it even more hassle-free.
The Snake Plant, also known as the Mother-in-law's Tongue, has tall, upright, sword-like leaves that are green with lighter or darker green marbling. Some varieties can have yellow edges. These leaves can reach up to 3-4 feet, growing directly from the soil and standing upright, giving it a modern and architectural look.
The Snake Plant is perfect for beginners due to its ability to withstand a wide range of light conditions, including low light, and a variety of watering routines. It is a very hardy plant that stores water in its leaves, much like a cactus, meaning it can go for long periods without water. It’s also been shown to filter indoor air, improving its quality. Watering should be done sparingly, letting the soil dry out between watering. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a vine plant with heart-shaped leaves. The leaves can vary in color, from solid green to a variegated pattern of white or yellow and green. These fast-growing plants can have long trailing vines that can reach over 10 feet in length.
Pothos are excellent beginner plants because they can thrive in a variety of light conditions, including low light, and can withstand periods of being underwatered. They can be grown in hanging pots or trained to climb on a trellis or a pole. The plant prefers the soil to dry out between waterings, and while it can handle being under-watered, it won't tolerate being waterlogged.
The Peace Lily is a beautiful indoor plant with dark green, glossy leaves and stunning white flowers. The flowers are unique, with a white, hood-like sheath which unfolds as the flower matures to reveal a white spike at the center.
Peace Lilies are great for beginners because they can handle low light conditions, although they do prefer bright, indirect light. They are also great air purifiers. However, they do require a bit more care than the previous plants. They prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity, so regular watering and occasional misting would be beneficial. If a Peace Lily starts to droop, it may be telling you that it needs more water.
The Heartleaf Philodendron, as the name suggests, has dark green, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The plant is a trailing vine that can grow up to 4 feet or more if allowed to trail or climb.
Philodendron Heartleaf is a great choice for beginners because of its adaptability. It can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, including low light, and has moderate watering needs. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between watering. If the leaves start to yellow, that might be a sign of overwatering.
Chinese Evergreens are recognized for their stunning variegated foliage, with patterns and coloring varying widely between types. They can have a mix of dark or light green, silver, pink, and even red, depending on the variety.
Chinese Evergreens are another fantastic beginner plant because they can tolerate a variety of indoor conditions, including low light. Their care is quite straightforward, requiring watering when the top inch of the soil feels dry and appreciating a bit of extra humidity if possible. However, they are quite tolerant to less-than-ideal conditions, which makes them a great choice for someone starting their plant journey.
Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions