Low light plants are an essential component of any indoor vertical garden. An ever-growing trend of urban gardening, these layered green displays continue to gain popularity, especially among city dwellers facing space limitations. Besides offering aesthetics and a feel of nature within confined living quarters, vertical gardens can promote health, well-being, improve air quality, and transform dull spaces into vibrant niches brimming with vibrancy.
The need for low light plants specifically cannot be over-emphasized. They can thrive even in those pockets of your home or office that do not get flooded with sunlight, while also aiding to reduce stress, purify air, and boost indoor humidity levels. This article throws light on different types of low light plants suitable for an indoor vertical garden, throwing light on their unique features, care instructions, and benefits.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Sansevieria, also known as Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue, is a hardy plant that does quite well in low light conditions. This plant, native to Africa, comes in several varieties, each presenting striking patterns and colors. The thick, stiff, upright leaves make Snake Plants an ideal choice for vertical gardens as their unique structure preserves space. It’s also worth noting that Sansevieria is a powerful air purifier, removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.
Care instructions: Water sparingly, ensure that the soil is thoroughly dry before the next watering session, and maintain a temperature of 70-90°F.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos is a user-friendly indoor plant with a lush, trailing growth pattern making it ideal for creating a green, cascading effect in vertical gardens. It survives in a range of lighting conditions, including bright indirect light and low light. The lush, green, heart-shaped leaves are hallmark features of this plant, which also boasts impressive air-cleaning properties.
Care instructions: Water whenever the soil, or the top inch feels dry. The plant does well in high humidity, though average home humidity would be enough too. Feed with general-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.
Philodendron
The Philodendron family is vast, with a number of species that adapt well to low light, with Heartleaf Philodendron and Philodendron Brazil being popular choices. These plants are perfect for vertical gardens thanks to their attractive trailing vinery. Just as with pothos, these plants are robust air purifiers, a factor that enhances their desirability in indoor gardening.
Care instructions: Water when the top inch of the soil becomes dry. Regular feeding during growing seasons using a balanced houseplant fertilizer is beneficial.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Known for their glossy, dark green foliage and near-indestructibility, ZZ Plants are fantastic for first-time gardeners. They can withstand infrequent watering, extreme temperatures, and low light. Upon growing, the plant can provide an effective fullness in your vertical gardens.
Care instructions: Water your ZZ plant sparingly, let the soil dry out completely between watering. They can grow in a wide range of light conditions but do best in bright, indirect light.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonema boasts of beautiful, patterned foliage. A pro at tolerating less light, the Chinese Evergreen can survive for extended periods in low light but prefers a bit of indirect sunlight. Variegated types usually need more light than their green compeers.
Care instructions: Keep the soil moist but remember to avoid waterlogging. A blend of equal parts potting mix, perlite, and peat moss works well for this plant.
Dracaena
Dracaena can survive in a wide range of light conditions, from low light to indirect bright lights. With an array of species to its name, including Janet Craig, Warneckeii, and Marginata, dracaenas showcase broad leaves with interesting patterns, adding a touch of class and diversity to vertical gardens.
Care instructions: Water when the top of the soil feels somewhat dry. One key pointer, however, is to avoid fluoridated water as dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride.
Low light plants play a critical role in defining the success of your indoor vertical garden. These plants are easy to tend to, resilient, and offer the added benefits of boosting your indoor air quality.
Remember that even low light plants need some access to light, natural or artificial. Opting for LED lights or fluorescent bulbs can be a good solution for areas with limited sunlight. Care instructions also vary from plant to plant, so make sure you follow specific guidelines for each plant type to ensure that they are healthy, vibrant, and green all through the year.
Last but not the least, creativity is key when it comes to designing your vertical garden. The choice of plants and their arrangement would depend largely on your personal aesthetics, desired green density, and exact light conditions. Pick different plants for their textures, colors, and patterns and experiment with them to create an indoor oasis that’s a reflection of your green thumbs.
