Brighten Up Dark Corners: The Best Plants for Low Light Rooms

Living in a vibrant city like Glasgow (and anywhere else in the northern hemispere), we often find ourselves in homes where natural light can be a precious commodity. But fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts! Low light doesn't mean you have to live in a greenery-deprived zone. At Seeds & Saplings, we believe everyone deserves a touch of nature indoors, which is why we've curated a wonderful collection of plants that can thrive even in those dimmer corners. 

Let's explore some of our top picks that will bring life and beauty to your low-light spaces!

First, let's clarify what we mean by "low light." For our green friends, it generally refers to areas that don't receive direct sunlight. This could be a north-facing window, a spot further back from a brighter window, or a room with smaller windows. While all plants need some light to photosynthesize, some are much more efficient at utilizing what's available. Many of the lush tropical plants we love here at Seeds & Saplings have adapted to the shadier understories of rainforests, making them surprisingly resilient in lower light conditions.

Our Top Picks for Low Light Lovers (That You Can Find at Seeds & Saplings!)

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): With its elegant white blooms and lush green leaves, the Peace Lily is a classic choice for low-light areas. It's also a fantastic air purifier! Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check it out here
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Also known as Devil's Ivy, Pothos is incredibly adaptable and tolerates low light like a champ. Its trailing vines are perfect for shelves or hanging baskets. Plus, it's super easy to care for! Our Golden & Marble varieties 
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This retro favourite is not only easy to care for but also produces adorable "spiderettes" that you can propagate. It can handle lower light conditions, though it might produce fewer baby plants. Our Spider Plants come in three sizes, here.
• Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Bring a touch of the tropics indoors with the elegant Parlour Palm. It's surprisingly tolerant of low light and adds a lovely feathery texture to any room. 
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Snake plants are not only tolerant of low light, they are also the easiest plant to care for I’ve ever worked with. You forgot to water it for a month? Good. Wait until the dirt is a brick. Easy peasy!
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Another fantastic low-light option, it is not quite at the same level of drought tolerance as the Snake Plant, but it still another good one which can handle the low light and less watering. 
• Calathea (Various Varieties like Orbifolia, Medallion, Rufibarba, Warscewiczii): These stunning plants with their beautifully patterned leaves can often tolerate lower light conditions, though their vibrant colours might be slightly less intense. They appreciate higher humidity. Full list of those in stock here.
• Asplenium Oska (Fern): Many ferns thrive in the dappled light of the forest floor, and the Asplenium Oska is no exception. It prefers consistent moisture and can handle lower light levels, perhaps from a smaller window in a bathroom type of thing. Check it out here.

Tips for Thriving in Low Light

• Rotate Your Green Friends: Even low-light tolerant plants benefit from a little rotation to ensure all sides get some light exposure.
• Dust Those Leaves: Dust can block light absorption, so gently wipe down the leaves of your plants regularly with a damp cloth.
• Be Mindful of Watering: Plants in low light will generally need less water as they aren't photosynthesizing as actively. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering is a common issue in low-light conditions.
• Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to your plants! If you notice signs of stress like yellowing leaves or leggy growth, they might need a bit more light. Try moving them to a slightly brighter spot.

Where to Place Your Low Light Plants in Your Home

Consider these spots for your low-light loving plants:

• North-Facing Windowsills: These windows receive gentle, indirect light.
• Corners of Rooms: Further away from direct light sources.
• Shelves and Plant Stands: Away from bright windows.
• Rooms with Smaller Windows: That don't receive intense sunlight.
• Even Bathrooms: The humidity can be beneficial for some low-light tropicals (like Peace Lilies and some Calatheas), even if the light is minimal.

Embrace the Green in Every Corner!

Low light doesn't have to limit your indoor jungle dreams! With the right plant choices from Seeds & Saplings and a little bit of care, you can bring vibrant life to even the shadiest corners of your home. Explore our collection of low-light tolerant beauties and start transforming those darker spaces into green havens today!

Do you have any favourite low-light plants thriving in your home? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!