Growing plants in an indoor vertical garden provide an opportunity for urban dwellers to experience the joys of gardening without the need for ample horizontal space. However, not all indoor environments are created equal. Many urban living spaces lack sufficient natural light to sustain most varieties of plants. Low light plants, however, flourish in these conditions, making them ideal candidates for indoor vertical gardens.
There are a compendium of low light plants suitable for indoor vertical gardening, each with unique visual characteristics and care needs. This article will highlight a selection of these wonderful indoor vertical garden candidates, discussing their identifying features, care requirements, and potential benefits to create a comprehensive guide on low light plants for indoor vertical gardens.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular low light plant capable of thriving in a variety of indoor environments. Its luxuriant, heart-shaped leaves feature intricate variegation, injecting a tropical aesthetic into your living space. Pothos cultivars such as ‘Golden Pothos’ and ‘Marble Queen’ display different leaf colors and patterns, adding visual interest.
The plant’s growth pattern naturally suits vertical gardening systems. Its trailing vines can be easily trained to grow upwards, creating a vibrant natural tapestry. Pothos requires minimal maintenance, preferring bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil becomes dry, and overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.):
Snake plants, with their robust structure and striking, sword-like leaves, are a favorite among indoor gardeners. They introduce strong vertical lines into your indoor vertical garden, creating an impressive visual impact. Varieties include ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue’ with bright yellow leaf margins and ‘Zeylanica’ with dark green horizontal stripes.
Snake plants are adept at purifying air, aiding in the removal of toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. This plant thrives under low light conditions, needs infrequent watering, and prefer to have their roots slightly crowded, making them an ideal choice for packed vertical garden systems. Snake plants are also highly drought-resistant thanks to their succulent properties, making them forgiving to sporadic watering schedules.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia):
Featuring glossy, feather-like leaves that impart a sophisticated, modern look, the ZZ plant brings a touch of elegance to your vertical garden. It fares exceptionally well in low light areas and withstands extended periods without water, making it an easy addition for novice gardeners or those with busy schedules.
Despite its somewhat delicate appearance, the ZZ plant is incredibly resilient, shrugging off most common indoor plant diseases. It prefers to be left alone, making infrequent watering and indirect light its preferred care regime. A periodic dusting to keep its foliage shiny is all this plant requires to stay vibrant and healthy.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
Few indoor plants can match the serene beauty of a flowering Peace Lily. Its dark green, glossy leaves are an attractive sight, but it’s the spectacular white blooms that steal the show. The flowers, which can bloom even in low light environments, add a dramatic flair to your vertical garden.
Peace Lily is well-known for its air-purifying traits, with a knack for absorbing household toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This plant prefers low to medium light and well-drained soil. Its moisture needs are slightly higher than other plants in this list, and it’s advisable to keep the soil consistently moist.
5. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum):
The Heartleaf Philodendron, with its lush, cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, is a delightful addition to any indoor vertical garden. The plant’s flexible growth pattern works well in vertical systems, with the vines enchantingly trailing down or being trained to grow upwards for a unique green wall.
Heartleaf Philodendron undoubtedly thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Despite being fairly drought tolerant, the plant prefers a consistent watering schedule, with only the top layer of soil allowed to dry out before the next watering session.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
The Spider Plant’s captivating form, with its slender, arching leaves, lends a dynamic touch to your indoor vertical garden. Its vitality and rapid growth make it a fantastic choice for filling in spaces quickly. The “pups” produced by mature specimens can be used as attractive hanging elements in a vertical gardening setup.
Spider Plant is easy to care for and can survive in low-light environments, though it appreciates brighter light. It prefers to dry out between waterings and can tolerate a degree of neglect without facing significant harm. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities, this plant is a health-enhancing addition to your low-light vertical garden.
By thoughtfully selecting and placing these low light plants, you can create a thriving indoor vertical garden that will enhance your home’s aesthetic and air quality, regardless of natural light availability. Gardening indoors need not be a challenge, but an opportunity to engage with nature creatively and wholeheartedly, one lovely plant at a time.
