Good Plants for Basement or Low-Light Apartments

If you live in a basement apartment or a home that doesnt get much natural light, you can still enjoy the benefits of indoor plants. Not only can houseplants enhance the look of your decorand complement any decorative plan; they also feature indoor air-purifying abilities and may even help you reduce stress. Even if your apartment has low light, you can grow many different indoor plants that are known to thrive in low-light settings. The idea is to choose houseplants that are conducive to your low-light environment. The following houseplants are perfect for renters with basement apartments or rooms without much natural light. 

Can Some Plants Really Grow without Much Light?

Yes! In fact, there are many plants that prefer low-light growing conditions. In many subtropical and tropical forests, the tree canopy prevents much light from reaching plants that grow beneath it. Many plants have evolved to thrive in low-light conditions and actually prefer them. Some plants will actually not thrive with an abundance of sun. Of course, if you want to grow an indoor plant that needs 6-8 hours of sunlight, you can. Youll simply need to purchase a grow light for your plant. 

Indoor Plants That Love Low-Light Settings

The following plants are ideal for basement apartments and other low-light settings. Be sure to follow their care requirements to ensure that they will thrive in your home.

Calathea Zebra Plant

Brimming with focal point flair, the calathea zebra plant boasts gorgeous broad-leaved foliage with dazzling lime and dark green contrasting stripes. The calathea zebra plant can grow to a height of three feet and will produce lovely light purple blooms in the spring. To care for this plant, be sure that you mist it periodically as it enjoys humid conditions. It also requires rich potting soil thats kept routinely moist (not wet). 

Spider Plant

Spider plants are among the most popular houseplants because of their distinctive green or variegated foliage that resembles spider legs, but thats not all. Spider plants are easy to grow and maintain in low-light settings. They are also well known for improving indoor air quality. If your basement apartment gets little circulation through its windows, a spider plant is an ideal option for your interior space. To keep your spider plant healthy, be sure to keep its soil moderately moist and definitely avoid direct sunlight which can scorch its foliage.

Broadleaf Lady Palm

Add some vertical interest to your decorative scheme with a broadleaf lady palm. This beauty can grow to a height of six feet and boasts lovely fan-like spiky fronds. This long-living plant prefers an organically rich potting mix and even moisture during its growing season. Its also non-toxic, which makes it a great option for homes with pets. To keep disease and pests at bay, avoid overwatering or underwatering this palm. Although it rarely blooms indoors, you might get rewarded with a periodic white bloom or two.

Snake Plant

The snake plant features stiff, almost sword-like leaves that feature dark green foliage thats often rimmed with yellow bands. In fact, there are many different snake plant varieties so you may find one with varying colors. Native to South Africa, snake plants are ideal for people who are new to growing plants as they require little care. They prefer a dark corner and well-draining soil. In fact, its crucial not to overwater this plant in order to avoid root rot. With its spartan care needs met, this plant is likely to thrive for years. However, keep in mind that it is toxic for pets. 

Peace Lily

Also known as jack in the pulpit plants, the peace lily is a great choice for dimly lit rooms and apartments. Peace lilies feature dark green foliage and striking blooms that are actually a white leaf bract that grows a hood above its bristled cream-colored spathethe actual plant flower. For best growing results, treat your peace lily to organically rich potting soil and avoid watering it from the tap. Its best to water peace lilies with rain water or filtered water. 

English Ivy

With its lovely trailing growth habit, English ivy is perfect for installing in hanging baskets or growing on tall shelves. Preferring partial to full shade, English ivy doesnt require much in the way of care, but it doesnt like overly dry conditions. So, during the winter, at least, its important to mist your ivy from time to time. Also, English ivy prefers to be homed in a cool room, especially at night. Though toxic to pets, English ivy can add an attractive touch of green to your living space. 

Cast Iron Plant

With its reputation for indestructibility, the cast iron plant is perfect for apartment dwellers who dont have time to fuss about plants. Simply water your plant when the soil feels dry. If you forget to water it for a week or so, its likely to forgive you. With its preference for low-light settings, this plant makes a great addition to basement apartments. With its charming deep green foliage, youd never know that this beauty is so tough.

Maidenhair Fern

If you live in a warm, humid environment, a maidenhair fern is a great houseplant option. With their delicately clustered medium-green fronds and compact growth habit, these plants are ideal for perching in a desk corner or atop a shelf. They dont need much maintenance other than to keep their soil routinely moist but not saturated or soggy.

Keep these plants in mind if you want to adorn your basement apartment with green growing things. Just be sure to keep toxic plants out of reach of young children and pets. By following their care requirements, these plants promise to lend botanical charm to your home without much maintenance.

Looking for an Apartment? We can Help! 

While our apartments have an abundance of natural light, these ideas are still great for more interior parts of the apartment. If you are looking for an apartment in the Dayton or Kettering, Ohio area, schedule a visit today!