What are the best plants and/or trees to grow indoors with little sunlight?

Question

I live in an apartment that only gets direct sunlight for about an hour a day, and I miss having plants. The window sill doesn't provide a great ledge for plant holders either. Does anyone know of any plants that can flourish under these conditions?

Answer 1

Pathos, spider plants, African violets, coleus, and Chinese lilies will all grow well in indirect sunlight.

Answer 2

You might also consider getting some really tough stuff and using them as temporary decor, much the way you would with cut flowers.

Every fall I get a couple of sanserverias (snake plants, mother-in-laws tongue) to put in a couple of dark spots. They don't thrive there, but they do provide some greenery where I want some. I only water them every 3 weeks or so and they seem to squeak by for a year.

I can usually find them this time of year at WalMart, Lowe's or Home Depot for less than $10 each.

Answer 3

Most plants need some light and the more the better - except direct. I'd suggest trying indoor plant lights. Good luck.

Answer 4

Schefflara and Ficus are the easiest to grow indoors, because they are very low light tolerant and tolerate some neglect from a missed watering. Their are several varieties of each to choose from but they all have the same care.

Answer 5

Try this site for suggestions -- they seem to have a lot of plants listed that are shade tolerant & can be raised indoors. Good luck!

Answer 6

I have a bunch of what some people call "corn plants". (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana' )They go nuts in my house, and I pay very little attention to them. They get tall and have great varigated leaves that are really quite beautiful.

Answer 7

Plants for indoor lighting
African violet
Saintpaulia species
This is one of the most satisfactory flowering plants for growing under lights; it grows and flowers well between 500 and 1,000 foot-candles. Light 16 to 18 hours each day.
Aluminum plant
Pilea cadierei
This small plant with colorful leaves tolerates a low light level but needs high humidity. Other suitable related plants include artillery fern and moon valley pilea.
Arrowhead vine
Syngonium podophyllum
These small plants are bushy and later, creeping or climbing. They may be kept at a low light level, but they are denser at a medium level.
Asparagus ferns
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus setaceus (formerly plumosus)
These durable potted plants with fleshy roots produce fernlike leaves. Although tolerant of low light, the plants grow more abundantly and densely in a medium light range.
Aucuba-leaf croton
Codiaeum 'Aucubaefolium'
Crotons are not appropriate for the light garden as they require high light for good color development and growth. However, this smaller type with yellow spots can be grown at medium light intensities.
Begonias
Angelwing, B. coccinea
Beefsteak, B. xerythrophylla
Iron cross, B. masoniana
Flowering, B. semperflorens
Painted B. rex varieties
Most plants of this family are suitable for growing in the medium light range. Begonias like high humidity and constantly moist soil. Give them a long light duration, from 14 to 18 hours each day.
Cacti and succulents
Many plants may be grouped in this general category. These plants need high light intensities; most are not satisfactory for growing under artificial lights. However, you can use lights to maintain them for limited periods when they cannot be exposed to bright light or direct sunlight. When artificial lights are used, provide high intensities, and keep plants close to the source.
Cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
This plant tolerates cool locations and poor light; it is one of the best plants where only low light conditions exist. A variegated form is also available.
Chinese evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Aglaonemas are relatively small tropical plants but can tolerate light as low as 10 foot-candles. Other species with different leaf form and variegation are also available.
Cissus species
Grape ivy, Cissus rhombifolia
Kangaroo vine, Cissus antarctica
Cissus are climbing plants that prefer medium light conditions for best growth, although kangaroo vine tolerates lower light. Although better for greenhouse culture, another beautiful relative is the rex begonia vine, Cissus discolor.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia maculata
Many satisfactory species and varieties are available. Plants have large, showy leaves with spotting and variegation. Medium light range is best and will prevent loss of lower leaves. Overly tall plants can be cut back. Dieffenbachia benefits from supplementary lighting in poorly lit areas.
Dracaena species
Corn plant, Dracaena fragrans massangeana
Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata
Janet Craig dracaena, Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'
Ti plant, Cordyline terminalis 'Ti'
Most dracaenas become large plants. They are well adapted to house conditions and tolerate low light although they also do well in medium light. They need to be kept warm and constantly moist for best growth. Ti plant develops best leaf color in bright light and therefore is less suitable for locations where it receives only artificial light.
Ferns
Birdsnest fern, Asplenium nidus
Boston fern, Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis
Holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum
Maidenhair fern, Adiantum species
The word "fern" brings to mind the Boston, or sword, fern with its many varieties. These ferns are durable houseplants that tolerate low light but prefer a medium light level. Keep them cool and moist. Holly fern likes cooler house temperatures; however, birdsnest fern prefers warmer temperatures. Ferns may develop brown leaves or leaflets at low humidity. Maidenhair ferns should never be allowed to become dry.
Ficus species
Rubber plant, Ficus elastica varieties
Fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata
Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina
These large plants are well suited to most home conditions and are best grown in a medium light range. Low light may result in a drop of foliage. Keep soil evenly moist. They tolerate low humidity.

Answer 8

spaths! aka peace lillies. i have one in a very dark corner and it does great.

Answer 9

I've found philodendrons to be almost impossible to kill.