12 Indoor Plants That Will Thrive During the Darker Winter Days
One of the many lessons I have learned in my nine years as a plant parent is that there is a plant for every environmental condition. The cactus can survive the scorching heat that rains in the desert, while the spider plant is immune to toxic gases like formaldehyde emitted in the forest floors.
The darker areas of your house deserve to be endowed with beautiful plants, too. While all plants need sunlight, they do not require the same intensity. Low-light indoor plants have dark green leaves, slow growth, and broad leaves that allow them to thrive under the shade.
If you are a busy person or travel a lot, you can opt for plants that do not need heavy maintenance. Here are 12 indoor plants that can thrive during the darker winter days.
Hoya Publicalyx Plant
Are you a very busy person who forgets to water your plant once a week? The Hoya Publicalyx is the perfect low-maintenance plant for you. From late spring through summer, the wax plant fills the room with beautiful star-shaped red flowers with pink centers.
The drought-resistant Hoya Publicalyx's origins can be traced to the Philippines, Japan, and China. It is a climbing plant, making it an excellent fit for hanging baskets. After pollination, the Hoya Publicalyx produces pod-like fruits.
But be warned — the Hoya Publicalyx plant's major downside is its toxicity to animals.
Stromanthe Triostar
The Stromanthe Triostar plant, also called the tricolor prayer plant, is a lush and colorful indoor plant that removes toxic gases like toluene from the air. Its variegated leaves are white, pink, and green.
The tricolor prayer plant does not require much water besides its modest need for light. Water the plant every fortnight to prevent its leaves from drying. It is a perfect houseplant for beginners who have yet to discipline themselves to the point where they can adopt delicate plants.
The Stromanthe Triostar has a fibrous root structure, meaning it needs a lot of soil room to flex its roots. After its juvenile phase, transfer the baby plant from the nursery pot to a slightly larger one. That way, its roots will grow well without any issues. Its roots are prone to root rot.
Aglaonema Wishes
The Aglaonema Wishes plant is a beauty to behold. It gives the room a luxuriant and sweet view. It has variegated leaves in several colors, including pink, reddish pink, and bright green.
Avoid placing the Aglaonema Wishes plant on your patio, as too much sunlight can burn its leaves. Water it once a week.
Aglaonema Wishes, also called the Chinese Evergreen plant, is not recommended for individuals who have pets because it is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses. Another disadvantage of parenting Aglaonema Wishes is that it attracts mealybugs.
Boston Fern
The Boston fern adds a lush and classic aesthetic to your home. A florist named F.C Becker first discovered it in Boston in the 19th century.
When properly cared for, it can grow up to 3 feet tall. It requires regular watering and loves high humidity. Its leaves dry up when they do not get enough humidity. If you live in arid regions, you should get an artificial humidifier for the Boston fern.
The Boston fern is pet-friendly, so you don't have to worry about your pet's health when planting one. It does not harm animals.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a natural air purifier that removes toxic gases like formaldehyde from your home. However, like the real-life serpents, the snake plant is poisonous to animals. One bite can make your pet sick.
The snake plant does not require much watering (water it once a month) and can grow in low-light areas. It is a great option for beginners or busy plant parents.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant, scientifically known as Marenta leuconeura, gets its name from its leaf movements when exposed to light. Its leaves spread during the day and fold at night. After folding, the prayer plant's leaves resemble tightly gripped hands in prayer.
Like Boston ferns, the prayer plant is pet-friendly. Water it once a week to prevent its leaves from curling, and place it in a high-humidity area.
Braided Benjamin Ficus Tree
The Braided Benjamin ficus tree, also known as the weeping fig, has glossy green leaves that become densely packed as they grow. Weeping figs can survive in areas with low light or shade.
Like the snake plant, they are toxic to pets and grow up to three feet.
Bromeliad Plant
The bromeliad plant is a futuristic-looking plant with colorful leaves. The Tropical Americas native plant adds color and life to the house. It is one of the few low-light plants mentioned here that you can also plant in the bathroom.
Its leaves are primarily green, but sometimes they can take on a different color, such as red, yellow, or light green. During its flowering phase, the tips of the leaves turn purple, orange, or pink.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus survives in the shade but thrives best under bright, indirect light. It belongs to the genus Schlumbergera, a genus of epiphytes, and its cascading growth pattern makes it a perfect plant for a hanging basket.
The young Christmas cactus is bright green, but as it grows older, it gets darker. Sometimes, the leaves have a purple or red tint. It blooms during the Christmas season.
When watering the Christmas cactus, avoid overwatering. It does not like too much water but loves high humidity.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are prominent for their lengthy arching leaves, which look like spider appendages. They are fast growers, especially when exposed to bright indirect light, but they can survive under heavy shade.
The spider plant is pet-friendly and requires once-a-week watering. They prefer moderate temperatures and moisture-rich areas.
Devil's Ivy Plant
Devil's Ivy originated from the Society Islands. Its sharp vines earned it the name.
Do not plant it with other plants; it can strangle them to death. When ingested by a pet, the plant's impact can be fatal. Therefore, it is recommended that you keep the plant away from your pet or avoid it altogether.
The Devil's Ivy plant is also called the golden pathos. It has a variegated leaf containing green and light green colors. Water it once a week.
Golden Jade
The golden jade plant is native to South Africa and Mozambique. It is versatile and can grow under the shade and in the sun, making it a great option for new plant parents.
When nurtured in the sun, its leaves turn golden yellow. Conversely, when nurtured in low-light areas, its leaves retain green.
