Generally speaking, we all know that plants need a few things in order to grow – water, good soil, and light. Believe it or not, however, there are actually a few plants out there that don’t like being in the full glare too much!
There are plenty of indoor plants that like dark rooms – it’s true! These plants can grow healthily on medium to low light and are just as beautiful as your light-loving greens you might keep elsewhere in the home.
Whether you prefer darker rooms or just don’t have much light pouring in, here are some of the best houseplants for dark rooms that you’ll grow to love.
Pothos
Pothos, or as you may know them, Devil’s Ivy plants, can make wonderful additions to any home. They are incredibly easy to grow and are surprisingly adaptable. They do not require much light and can do very well with occasional watering. They can grow very fast, and very long, sometimes reaching up to ten feet!
Therefore, these plants are better suited to high shelves, hanging baskets, or even as climbing plants. They will retain their green colouring throughout the year, and they also play a key role in keeping your home toxin-free. Pothos plants are particularly adept at trapping toxins such as formaldehyde.
Finally, they are also very easy to root. With just a small clipping in some water, you can root the plant and create another close by.
Maidenhair Fern
These bright plants are favourites among homeowners thanks to their bright, green colour, wild appearance, and easy care. In the wild, they commonly grow in forests and are therefore used to trees blocking most of their otherwise available sunlight.
That being said, they do need quite a lot of water. These plants thrive in humid environments, which means you’ll need to take special care in keeping them moist. In order to help them thrive, you will need to water it frequently and ensure that it is in a pot that is full of quality soil.
Consider quality drainage for these ferns, too – good drainage is essential to ensure that while the pot remains moist, you do not drown and rot the roots. If you notice yellow leaves starting to grow on your fern, the chances are that the soil is too wet. You may therefore have to consider replacing the pot with a better-draining option, or reduce the regularity in that you water the plant.
Rex Begonia
If you would like to spruce up your room with more than just greens alone, then a rex begonia is the perfect option. This plant has beautiful green, pink, and white leaves with a black contour. They do like light – albeit, indirect. They have also proven to be able to do well in lower light circumstances. If placed in indirect sunlight, remember to turn the pot regularly to ensure that all of the leaves get their fair share of sun.
It is also important to note that while rex begonias do need water, you must never over-water them. Ensure that their pot drains well and that you only water them sparingly throughout the week.
Lucky Bamboo
Bamboo is a very popular plant to host both indoors and outdoors, as it is robust, eye-catching, and – supposedly – has lucky properties! Believe it or not, bamboo’s one of many plants that like dark rooms, too.
This particular kind of bamboo does not require much light and is very easy to maintain. In fact, you do not even need to worry about overwatering it, as you can easily leave this bamboo in a clear pot of water.
You will need to provide quality water, however – as bamboo is particularly sensitive when it comes to chemicals. You can use tap water, however, it is best to leave it out for a day, to allow for some of the chemicals (notably chlorine), to evaporate before you put the plant in it.
If you do keep it in water, then change the water every week to ensure that it is fresh and clean. Leaving it in the same water for too long will damage the plant, and will start to smell. You can place it in soil if you prefer, but remember to keep it moist at all times.
While lucky bamboo can do well without direct light, you need to pay attention to the plant. If you notice that the colour begins to fade, or that the bamboo stretches, then you will need to provide more light. Just keep it out of the full sun.
Spider Plant
Chances are pretty good that you have already come across quite a few spider plants before – they tend to be big household favourites, and you can even keep them in the dark. They are bright, cheerful, and don’t demand much of your attention. They are also strong and adaptable, therefore ideal for those of us who are new to keeping plants.
They need well-drained soil and indirect light. They can do well in low-light and lower temperatures. Although they should never be freezing, keeping them in about 13 to 18 degrees Celsius should be adequate.
They grow outward and downward, often producing smaller versions of themselves. You can trim these off as you please, and place them either in water or in the soil to root them, making plenty more little spiders to enjoy as the months roll by.
Corn Plant
Corn plants are some of the best plants for dark rooms – they can brighten up your space without the need for a window, and won’t ask for much attention in return. They look like tiny palm trees, so they also give off relaxing air. They only need to be watered occasionally – water around the pot, as opposed to directly onto the stalks. This will help to avoid rotting the stalks.
They can grow tall, but do not worry about them leaning, as the roots will grow stronger and be able to better support the stalks.
However, it is very important to note that these plants are not suitable for all households, notably those with pets. Corn plants are toxic to cats and dogs – so be sure to keep them well out of reach if you adopt a pet in the near future.
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant is yet another great pick for those of us who would like to add more colour to our dark rooms. Their variegated leaves need to be kept out of direct sunlight in order to keep their purple, yellow, red, and green colours bright, and deep. The leaves will also need regular misting, and the plant itself will need to be watered regularly. Keep it in well-drained soil and pot.
A great thing about this plant is that it will do more than just sit in your home. If you watch it at night, you will notice that its leaves will rise, pointing towards the sky. The image is reminiscent of someone in prayer, hence the name of the plant.
Moth Orchid
If you are looking for something more like a flower that you can safely keep in the dark, then orchids are the way to go – particularly the moth variety. These beautiful, bright-coloured plants thrive in low-light areas.
However, orchids do require specific care – as you’ll see from our guide to orchids with yellow leaves. You will also need to water it regularly. In fact, keeping it in a water tray is a good idea, however, do not leave it constantly in water.
Finally, you may find that these plants need stalks for support, as flowers can prove heavy for the stems.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are wonderful indoor plants for multiple reasons. Of course, they are among the best plants that are good for dark rooms thanks to their bright colours, notably their white flower that blooms multiple times throughout the year. What’s more, they tend to be brilliant beginner plants – they don’t take much looking after.
The peace lily can grow in medium to low-light rooms, and only needs watering sparingly.
Ensure that the plant is placed in quality soil, and in a pot that drains well. Nice and easy!
Philodendron
Philodendrons are perfect, soft green plants that are sure to add a touch of verdancy to even the darkest of spaces. These plants are perfect for those of us that are new to keeping plants, too – there’s no special soil mix needed here.
They thrive in medium to low light areas, as direct sunlight will burn them and their leaves. – you’ll discover this fairly shortly after popping them on a windowsill!
They are easy to keep clean, too. Simply wiping over their leaves with a damp cloth will help to keep the dust off. However, if you do want to boost their health, then it is a good idea to place them outside when warm weather persists – just ensure that they are in plenty of shade. You’ll give them plenty of fresh air, and allow your plants to feel the benefits of the sun, without them having to be burned by the sunlight.
Calathea
Calatheas are truly beautiful plants that like dark rooms – but be warned, they aren’t always the best choices for beginners.
They can do well in medium to low light – meaning you don’t have to keep them in windowless spaces. However, you will need to ensure that its soil has completely dried out before watering. In fact, it can often take one to two weeks before calatheas need watering again.
The calathea is a tropical specimen. Therefore, it needs humidity and ideally warm temperatures of between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius, which is not necessarily easy to achieve in a dark room – there’s a careful balance. What’s more, calatheas are famously fragile – so be sure to give them the time and attention they deserve.
Snake Plant
Finally, one of the most common plants to find indoors are snake plants. This is a very forgiving plant that is ideal for new plant lovers and experienced indoor gardeners alike.
It is unique in its style with its sharp and upright leaves that each have unique green-on-green patterns. It can thrive in either high or low light rooms, and only needs watering around every two to six weeks.
It is also one of the most beneficial plants to keep indoors as it is great for cleansing the air. It’ll remove hidden nasties such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins from the air.
Ready to start your own darkroom for plants?
There are plenty of plants that are good for dark rooms – it’s a misconception that all plants need to be out in the sun to grow strong and healthy.
Take a look out for specimens from our list of the plants that like dark rooms above – and don’t feel too bad about closing the curtains on them once in a while!
