Do you know of any "low light" house plants?

Question

I'm searching for a house plant(prefereably small tree), that requires virtually no direct light at all. There's a section in my house(the very center) that I'd love to place a small tree of some sort, but this section does not get any direct sunlight. Actually, the only light it would get would be when the over head light in the ceiling is on. I do NOT like artificial. I prefer real/live plants. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

One of my favorite plants is the Chinese evergreen, or aglaonema. It puts up with low to medium light and comes in a wide variety of styles: different heights, and many different interesting leaf patterns.

There are many good dracaenas that do well in medium to low light. Warneckii is a good example that really brightens an area. I like the varigated leaves that are offered in many of our house plants as a way of adding interest to the home.

When it comes to really low light areas, the spathiphyllum, or closet plant, is the queen of the home. This one can put up with less light than any other species. It produces these little bloom structures that turn white and can be quite attractive.

In order to have success with house pants, you want to make sure and not over water them. We do tend to over water our house plants too often and it just causes root rot. In a low light environment, they just don't use as much water as they would in a bright outdoor environment.

Secondly, don't try to over fertilize. You can't replace light with extra fertilizer; that just creates additional problems. If you'l move them periodically to a brighter environment to let them gather some light, produce carbohydrates, and replinish their strength, then you can move them back in.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm a qualified horticulturalist and believe me that you do not want a peace lily in the room you have described. Peace lilies do not need a lot of light (only three hours of direct light a day), but it should be direct natural light.

There are two plants which I would recommend for your house.

1. Draceana marginata - Madagascar Palm. This plant will tolerate very gloomy conditions.

2. Howea forsteriana - Kentia Palms. This plant will also tolerate very low light conditions.

Both plants are easy enough to find. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I too have a room in my house that has absolutely no sunlight.  I have tried several plants and have found that a Spathiphyllum <Peace Lily> is the best of the best!  Not only does it grow well enough to be a floor plant, reaching a height of about 4 feet, but it flowers from time to time, as well!  And....best of all, it can take  some neglect.  I frequently forget to water it.  It simply droops to remind me!  Within 15 minutes, it is perky and good to go for a week or two <or, I must admit--even 3>

I can't recommend a Peace Lily more highly!  Here is a link to "the care and feeding" along with a few photos:  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spathiphyll...

Good luck!