Seattle’s small apartments and dark winters makes indoor plant care hard for a lot of us. One of the most common requests we receive is for a plant that will flourish in a low light setting—that also doesn’t look like the plant belongs in a sad office space. Here are three plant families that offer the perfect solution.
Peperomia | “Radiator Plants”
The Peperomia family contains many types of plants that all vary in appearance. The one common thread is their thick and waxy leaves. One of the first plants I bought years ago was a Spoonleaf Peperomia and it is still thriving. They manage low to medium light, but I have also had mine in direct light for a couple months. Watering these is also a breeze as long as you don’t overwater or have proper drainage. Remember–if you have a heavy watering hand, try a terracotta pot to start!
Aglaonema | “Chinese Evergreen”
The Chinese Evergreen comes in all sizes and some varieties can handle temperatures as low as 40 degrees. Their leaves also are full of different shades of green making the plant unique. If you have a particularly drafty apartment, try the “Emerald Star” variety. These plants can withstand Seattle’s cutting cold and live off low-light settings. They also prefer frequent watering which is perfect for those who tend to overwater.
Sansevieria | “Snake Plant”
This classic low-light plant co-opted by every cubicle filled office space is one of the toughest plants out there. The Sansevieria can often survive without natural light and doesn’t require a strict watering schedule. Since the typical snake plant is becoming commonplace, check out the “bird’s nest” or “spear” variety. Either one of these in the right decorative pot will be a perfect addition to your home.
Tropical plants in general have a higher tolerance for low to medium light since they grow in the undergrowth in their natural habitats. Don’t be scared to ask us or your local nursery for help picking the right plant for your home.
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