It can be difficult to find indoor plants for low light areas. A lot of plants will keel over if not provided with bright, indirect light. Not these bad boys! These plants shine in any low light situations.
Note: some plants listed are toxic to your fur babies. If you’re looking for pet-friendly indoor plants, take a look at my favourite ones that are safe for your pets.
1. Monstera deliciosa – Fruit Salad Plant
Also referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera deliciosa is a hardy climbing plant from southern Mexico / Central America. The large leaves are dissected almost to the midrib. Some also display oval holes between the horizontal veins (hence the Swiss Cheese reference).
Indoors it grows to around 1-2 metres high and 1 metre wide, requiring a support for aerial roots to climb on. It produces a cream lily-like flower which rarely occurs when located indoors. Flowers are followed by sweet fruit which has a taste similar to fruit salad.
Fruit Salad Plant is well suited to large interiors. It is an excellent background plant when grouping plants together and a great focal point.
Plant in a mix rich in organic matter, Water regularly during warm months and allow mix to dry out when cool. Apply slow release fertiliser for indoor plants in Spring and late Summer. Don’t forget to give them a dust.
Warning – Fruit Salad Plant is toxic to pets.
2. Syngonium sp. – Arrowhead
Most people will be familiar with the Arrowhead. There are countless cultivars available including ones with variegated, coloured or patterned foliage. They come in a mix of leaf colours including dark green, white, cream, pink, lime green and silvery grey.
A fast growing, trailing plant, Arrowhead does need some sort of support. It is quite often seen draped over book shelves and is also suitable for hanging baskets.
Plant in a mix high in organic matter. Give it plenty of water in the warmer months and allow it to dry out almost completely in cool and / or low light conditions. Feed with an indoor plant slow release or liquid fertiliser during Spring and Summer.
Warning – Arrowhead is toxic to pets
3. Aspidistra elatior – Cast Iron Plant
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant can withstand almost any treatment. Given a little care though, this plant can thrive indoors.
It has an upright growth habit with large, dark green (or variegated) leaves that can grow to approximately 50cm long. Aspidistra shines when teamed with more delicately foliaged plants and its broad leaves can even been used as a decorative base to serve sushi.
Aspidistra will tolerate average potting mix but the plant will be a much better specimen if given a well draining mix containing organic matter. Regularly water during growth periods and apply a indoor plant fertiliser in Spring.
4. Spathiphyllum sp. – Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is arguably the most common indoor plant you will come across.
It is a hardy plant displaying lush dark green foliage and white lily-type flowers during the warmer months. At home in any room in the house, the Peace Lily is adaptable and one of the few indoor plants that flower.
Peace Lily prefers a good quality indoor plant potting mix that provides proper drainage. Plants should be watered regularly and the soil kept moist during warm months. Allow the mix to dry out somewhat in cooler months. Fertilise with slow release or liquid fertiliser thoughout Spring and Summer.
Warning – Peace Lily is toxic to pets
5. Ficus elastica – Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant is almost indestructible. It will tolerate very poor conditions and neglect but will thrive if given a little love.
Fast growing, the Rubber Plant displays large, oval, fleshy leaves with a glossy surface. It has an upright growth habit and the new leaves are covered in an interesting red sheaf.
Great as a backdrop for other plants or as a feature in large areas, the Rubber Plant prefers an indoor plant potting mix in a larger pot. Water regularly during warm months and allow to dry out in cooler times. When fertilising, stick to slow release granules. The Rubber Plant doesn’t need to be too spoilt.
Warning – Rubber Plant is toxic to pets
6. Rhapis excelsa – Rhapis Palm
Also known as the Lady Palm, Rhapis Palm is a very attractive, multi-stemmed palm that displays glossy green, fan-shaped leaves. It has an upright growth habit reaching around 1.5m tall (although this is dependent on the pot size).
Slow growing, they are utilised for their decorative effect and instant impact in a room.
Plant in a good quality potting mix high in organic matter. Water enough to keep the mix damp but do not overwater. Let the palm dry out a little in cooler weather. Fertilise only during the growing period using a slow release fertiliser.
