in Home & Garden

8 easy-to-care-for sunless houseplants: bring your dark space to life in an instant!

Looking to brighten up a drab space with houseplants, but worried about the lack of sunlight? Don't worry! Check out these 8 beautiful houseplants that don't need sun and can thrive with minimal attention. Brighter, greener days are ahead.

1. The ZZ plant: a robust and easy-to-live-with choice

The ZZ plant has a lot going for it: it's undemanding, doesn't need to be watered frequently and has thick, glossy leaves that are strong and vibrant. It can tolerate low light environments and adapt to a location away from a window or under fluorescent lights by slowing its growth while remaining lush and green.

To care for your ZZ plant, keep a close eye on its leaves. If they turn yellow, it could mean you've overwatered them, but if they fall off, you may not be watering them enough. Watering every one to two weeks is usually enough, especially if your plant doesn't get much sun.

2. The snake plant: ideal for all indoor conditions

Snake plants are another houseplant that can tolerate just about any indoor condition. Their thick, succulent leaves and roots allow them to store excess energy and survive for long periods while remaining full and green. They should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.

These plants actually prefer to grow in low light, but it is important to keep their soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth. A simple soil kit can help you determine this.

3. Tradescantia Zebrina : a climbing plant with vibrant colors

If you're looking for a climbing plant that cascades as it grows, consider a Tradescantia Zebrina (also known as Inchplant). This easygoing plant doesn't need much sun, but if it doesn't get any at all, the bright stripes on its leaves may fade.

Another interesting aspect of this plant is that it grows well in containers with other plants. It is important to keep the top inch of soil moist, which you can determine by sticking your finger in the soil or using a hydrometer.

4. Spider plant: a maintenance-free hanging beauty

The spider plant is another beautiful hanging plant for those without a green thumb or access to direct sunlight. “Spider plants can thrive in low light conditions and only need to be watered once a week,” they state. Indeed, the worst thing you can do to your spider plant is to place it in a hot, sunny location, as this can burn its leaves.

It should be noted that while spider plants are safe for dogs, “they can be slightly hallucinogenic for cats.”

5. Heart-shaped Philodendron: brightening up dark corners

“For those looking to brighten up dark corners of their living space, the Heart-shaped Leaf Philodendron is a great option,” we say. “In fact, it's best to place this plant out of direct sunlight, as the intense rays can burn its foliage.”

This romantic houseplant looks good on a shelf or in a hanging basket, so its climbing stems and heart-shaped leaves can grow elegantly downward. Depending on its location, this plant should be watered once every one to two weeks.

6. English ivy: a climbing plant for indoors

You probably associate this climber with building facades, but if grown indoors in low to medium light conditions, it will actually stay more in control. It will still climb, though, so choose this houseplant only if you can place it in a hanging basket or on a trellis.

When watering, it's important to let the soil dry before re-watering; too much moisture will prevent it from growing. Note that this plant is toxic to humans and many animals; keep its drooping leaves out of reach of curious hands and paws.

7. Peace Lily: perfect for brightening a dark corner

“Peace lilies are the perfect plant to brighten up a dark corner, thriving in low indirect lighting,” we explain. We even recommend this houseplant for the bathroom, “as it is accustomed to moist environments and benefits from the steam of a shower.”

They should be watered once every seven to 10 days (perhaps more frequently if you live in a drier climate), and if you notice the leaves turning yellow, it could mean they are getting too much sun.

8. Artificial plants: the ultimate maintenance-free solution

Of course, there is really no plant that doesn't require sunlight, as that is what they need to create food through photosynthesis. However, when a plant adapts to low light, it experiences a decrease in its ability to photosynthesize. “The natural response is for the plant to slow its growth and conserve its resources,” we explain.

For this reason, experts recommend artificial plants for those who really don't have light or simply don't have the time to care for real houseplants. “Artificial plants only need an occasional dusting to stay clean!”

One of the most common causes of death for low-light tolerant houseplants is overwatering. “When a plant is in a low-light environment, its growth slows down and, as a result, it uses water much more slowly.” You'll also need to reduce the frequency of fertilization.

And if you're moving a plant from a very sunny location to a shadier one, it's best to do so gradually. “This approach can help reduce the likelihood of leaf drop,” they state. However, if you notice a few fallen leaves, it's usually not a cause for concern.

Amélie, a writer for services-conseils.fr, is a fashion enthusiast with a keen interest in watches and sneakers. She loves to share her discoveries and opinions on trends and novelties in these sectors.

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