Bright Ideas for Low Light Areas

Most homes have at least a few areas in them that, despite our best efforts, still seem dark and dreary due to lack of light. These low light spots might be an entry way without windows, a particular corner of the living room or dining room, perhaps a small bathroom, or even the laundry room. Areas like this can feel depressing, and may pose a challenge when trying to liven them up. But here’s a great suggestion for adding life to those low light locals – houseplants!

Although it seems that these areas would be unsuitable when it comes to growing houseplants, in reality, there are many plants that do very well in low light situations. You may be astonished at how simply adding a plant or two can cheer a dark corner. Putting your plants in bright or light colored containers is another great way to enhance the area while tying in colors from the rest of your décor.

Below is a list of houseplants that do very well in low light. Their sizes, shapes and colors vary widely, and can be combined to create all kinds of interesting effects.

Low Light Houseplants
Aglaonema – Chinese evergreen (pic #1)
Aspidistra - Cast Iron Plant
Bamboo Palm
Calathea (pic #2)

Chlorophytum - Spider Plant
Kentia Palm (pic #3)
Philodendron
Pothos (pic #4)

Sansevaria – Snake Plant
Spathophylum – Peace Lily
Syngonium – Arrowhead Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia - ZZ Plant (pic #5)

Plants with variegated or bright foliage can really perk up a dark spot.
A few of my favorite plants for this is the Chinese evergreen (aglaonema), the arrowhead plant (syngonium), and the spider plant (chlorophytum) for their lively variegated green and white leaves. The pothos cultivars called ‘lime’ and ‘neon’, although sometimes harder to find, are also favorites because of their bright, eye popping color.

Another option for adding houseplants to low light areas of your home is to try some plants for medium light. Most medium light plants can be moved into low light situations for a couple of months at a time, and then moved back to medium areas to recharge for a while. If you have two or three plants that you can rotate like this, it can work out very well.

In addition to perking up your low light area; it’s been proven by NASA that adding even one houseplant to a room actually cleans the air and reduces stress levels.

Find a good garden center with knowledgable people to help you chose the plants that are right for you. “Ditch the dreary”, and do something bright, add houseplants!