Indoor Plants
 

POPULAR INDOOR PLANTS FOR LOW LIGHT

These are some of the popular indoor houseplants suited to low light areas that can be found at Pasquesi Home and Gardens.

Plants that can tolerate low light conditions usually require an east or north exposure or room interior. This type of plant does not need any direct sun and will survive in filtered light areas. However, it will not tolerate dark areas.

NAME GROWING CONDITIONS COMMENTS
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Never place in direct sunlight. Keep evenly moist (drier in winter). Fertilize all year, more heavily in summer - feed with a mild solution every three weeks. Does prefer a humid environment. This is an indoor favorite because it can tolerate a wide range of conditions including low light and low humidity. Its creamy, waxy flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. Its oblong leaves grow six to nine inches long and up to three inches wide.
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Place out of direct sun in average warmth. Water thoroughly but allow to dry between waterings. In winter reduce water and keep plant cool. Keep out of drafts. This slow-growing, hardy plant can survive extreme heat and low light. Its dark green, oblong leaves grow up to 30 inches long and up to four inches wide. In spring, dark purple flowers appear at the soil level. Try to avoid over watering or frequent repotting.
Fatsia
Fatsia species
Dry briefly between waterings. Fertilize three times in summer. Repot in well-drained potting mix when plant becomes out of proportion with the pot. This large, course evergreen shrub is native to Japan. Suitable for large spaces, it can grow to six foot. It is very tolerant of temperature extremes and drafts. Selective pruning may help keep height manageable. Watch for scale. Popular varieties: F. japonica (Japanese Fatsia) is very easy to grow and has small, white-yellow flowers and F. japonica "Variegata" (Variegated Japanese Aralia) that has bold, variegated, creamy-yellow leaves.
Peacock Plant
Calathea species
Keep moist at all times. Provide moist air - leaves will scorch if plant is in a draft or dry conditions. Fertilize lightly once a year in early spring if plant is in a low light area - otherwise, a light feed during summer will suffice. This plant has stunning variegated foliage. Its leaves are large and have red stalks. Some cultivars have purple and red on the undersides of their leaves. They need plenty of room to grow as they can reach two feet high with leaves extending eight inches across.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Keep out of direct sunlight. Water thoroughly and keep evenly moist. Ensure drainage is discarded. Prefers average indoor humidity levels. Fertilize three times a year during spring, midsummer and early fall. This vining plant is commonly used in hanging baskets as it heart-shaped leaves cascade over the edge of its pot. Old runners or vines need to be cut back or plant will look leggy. If light is too low, plant may become spindly and weak.
Prayer Plant
Maranta
Keep evenly moist. Fertilize three times in summer or with dilute fertilizer at every watering during the growing season. This low growing plant is a native to tropical America, and is grown for its colorful foliage and arrowroot (M. arundinaceae) Very slow growing. Avoid drying winds, cold temperatures and low humidity. Spider mites may be a problem. Popular selections: M. leuconeura (Red prayer plant) whose leaves fold upwards in the evening; M. leuconeura var. erythoneura whose light green leaves have a silver and red vein.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Keep out of direct sunlight. Water thoroughly but allow to dry between waterings. Wash and polish mature leaves. Also called a split-leaf philodendron, these plants are very easy to grow as long as they are not ignored. Be careful not to over water. Waterlogged soil will cause leaves to weep around edges. Dry air will cause leaf edges to brown. Brown edges and yellow leaves are a symptom of overwatering.
Mother-In-Law's Tongue
Sansevieria species
Prefers average to hot temperatures. Will tolerate low light conditions, but performs best in medium or high light. Allow to dry out between soakings as it small root system rots easily. Fertilize infrequently. This slow-growing plant is very hardy and tolerant of many conditions. Many different species belong to the family and can grow six to eight inches across and up to four foot tall. Repot infrequently and prune when grooming. Some species such as S. parva make for great hanging baskets. Popular choices: S. cylindrica (Devil's tongue) with rod-like, sharp pointed leaves, S. trifasciata 'Hahnii' (Bird's Nest Sansevieria) is ideal for small pots and grows eight inches across.
Philodendron
Philodendron species
Provide at least moderate light, but no direct sunlight. Water thoroughly and discard drainage. Prefers average humidity and daytime temperatures. Fertilize all year, more heavily in summer. One of the most common indoor plants tolerant to low light. Wash the large, shiny leaves once a month. An undersized pot, low temperatures or poor drainage will cause leaves to yellow and drop. Overwatering will cause leaf tips to brown.
Drop Tongue
Homalamena
It is important to keep the soil evenly moist and not allow the plant to dry out. Fertilize infrequently. Annual repotting is recommended, or when stems fill the pot, or when the plant dries out too frequently. Avoid dry winds and cold drafts. This native of tropical Asia and South America is part of the popular Araceae family. Mealy bugs and mites can be a problem. Popular varieties: H. sulcata (Drop Tongue) grows to 18" high and has green and copper leaves; H. wallisii (Speckled Drop Tongue) is a short spreading plant with medium green leaves marked with golden-green specks.
Pasquesi Home & Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff are ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

Also, Pasquesi Home & Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home & Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.

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