10 Low-light Plants to Raise During Lockdown

Lockdown may seem dismal, but there is a way for you to make your experience a bit more exciting; plants! Below I have provided a list of houseplants that can survive in low light, perfect for being kept indoors during the winter. These plants will be a nice addition to your living space. They will keep you company, improve your mood, lower your stress levels, and add a bit of decor to any room.

Peace Lily

I might be a little biased towards peace lilies, which is why I put them first. I purchased one about a month ago, and they really are great plants, especially for beginners! These are tropical plants, and thrive with moist soil. They will appreciate it if you bring them in the bathroom while you shower, so they can soak up the humidity! They like to be watered about once a week, and fertilized about once every 6 weeks. If you aren’t watering a peace lily enough, it will tell you! They are notorious drama queens, and will start wilting at the slightest bit of dehydration. As long as you pay attention, it will be fine!

Spider Plant

Spider plants are some of the most adaptable houseplants out there! They should be watered well, but never to the point where they are soggy. In fact, they prefer that their soil dries out before they are watered again. These plants will do well with low humidity, but if they are misted regularly they will thrive more. Spider plants tend to produce baby spiderettes on the tips of their stems, which can then be cut off and grown as individual spider plants.

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” are some of the most interesting looking houseplants out there. These plants only require water once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the amount of sunlight they usually get. Like spider plants, they like to let their soil dry before they are watered again. The less sunlight they are exposed to, the less often you will have to water them.

Dragon Tree

Dragon trees can grow up to 20 feet in warm outdoor climates, but should be kept pruned at 6 feet or less as houseplants. Dragon trees do not require a lot of water. When kept in low light, it could take up to 3 weeks for them to require watering again! They also have a low need for fertilizer: lightly fertilize them once at the beginning of spring and they will be set for the rest of the year.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are good looking, tough, and very low maintenance. They do not need a lot of water to survive! They should be watered once every 2-8 weeks, depending on their living conditions. In a low light condition during the winter season, a snake plant will most likely require less frequent watering. The darker leaf varieties of snake plants are what thrive in lower light, so those are the ones you should be looking for.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant can survive in all types of environments. They can be grown in low light, and even prefer to be out of the direct sunlight. ZZ Plants prefer to let the top level of their soil dry out before they are watered again. You must be careful not to overwater them, which could lead to stem rot. Listen to the “body language” of your plant, to make sure they are getting just the right amount of water!

Calathea

Calatheas are also known as “prayer plants,” due to the daily movement of its leaves. They should be watered once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out halfway down before watering again. They thrive in high humidity, but can survive without it.

Weeping Fig Tree

Unlike their depressing name, Weeping Figs are very elegant and graceful looking plants. When grown indoors, they are usually pruned to stay between 3-6 feet. They do well in environments with plenty of indirect light. Their soil should be kept steadily moist and you should have a consistent watering schedule. You will have to pay more attention to Weeping Figs to make sure they are receiving an adequate amount of water and sunlight.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is a tropical forest plant that flourishes in shady, humid areas. They would do best in humid areas of the house like the kitchen or bath. They require evenly moist soil and high humidity. During the winter season, they should be fertilized about once a month or every couple of months.

Devil’s Ivy

These plants are nearly impossible to kill, and will remain green in all lighting situations, even the dark! They prefer their soil to be moderately damp, nothing more, nothing less. You can maintain their growth by feeding them plant food about once a month. They also enjoy being misted with plant spray.

I’m hoping that at least one of these plants has caught your eye! If shops with plants are not open, they can always be ordered online. Good luck!

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