We all have corners in the home that are a bit dark, but they should not appear drab and dull! There are plenty of low-light indoor plants, ideal for dark corners, that can brighten things up. Dark rooms all have varying degrees of light, and many indoor plants prefer shady or semi-shaded spots and do not tolerate direct sunlight. For more on this, read on to find out some of the top houseplants recommended for dark rooms.

1. Golden Pothos

Golden pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is an evergreen climber with aerial roots that have made it a popular hanging or climbing houseplant in dark rooms. It is a member of the Arum family, known as Araceae, and rarely flowers. As another humidity-loving plant, golden pothos also make lovely hanging plants for darker bathrooms in particular.

This versatile plant thrives in a variety of indoor environments: bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms, making it highly suitable for any home. It does well in light areas to shady places at room temperature or warmer; the minimum temperature required is 16°C with high humidity. It requires only a standard potting mix for cultivation, and after-care involves keeping the soil moist and repotting every 2 to 3 years. Prune and propagate it easily in the spring, as this is a suitable time for planting a few cuttings or putting them in water because these plants root quickly. A certain extent of yellowing leaves is normal, but lack of light might cause loss of leaves' variegation; hence, adequate light should be provided to maintain their color.

2. Aglaonema

The leaves on this bushy semi-shrub can be quite large, up to 30 cm. Aglaonema leaves are sometimes gray-green or silvery variegated. Aglaonema flowers very rarely, so red berries, which develop from its flowers, are seldom seen. It has a favorable use in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms due to its ability to thrive in light to partial shade without direct sunlight. It thrives in room temperatures of at least 18 °C with high humidity and warm soil. They have shallow roots, so they do best with wide, shallow planters. Grow it hydroponically or in loose, humus-rich soil like Plantura Organic All-Purpose Compost. 

Make sure the soil is kept evenly moist by misting it with lukewarm water and fertilizing once a week during the summer. In winter, keep it water-scarce with fertilization every 2 to 3 weeks. Repot in spring if needed. Watch for brown spots or curling leaves from excess sun, withered leaves from improper watering, and rare pest infestations. Propagation is easy by division or cuttings, especially during spring repotting.

3. Calathea

Prayer plants belong to the arrowroot family known as Marantaceae. They are a little fussy and do not like direct sunlight, making them a good choice for an indoor plant that likes shade. Because these houseplants shift their leaves according to the light during the day, they are often confused with the genus Maranta. The beautiful, bushy indoors of Calathea are intended for dark rooms and reach a height of up to 50 cm. Since they prefer humid air, they would also be an ideal plant for darker bathrooms. Read more about PLANTS SUITED TO LOW LIGHT.

4. Kentia palms

Kentia palms (Howea) are upright-growing palms with simple, pinnate, overhanging leaves, originally from an island east of Australia. They are one of the larger and more popular examples of low-light indoor plants. Like Calatheas, kentia palms also like high humidity, making them excellent choices for plants in dark bathrooms. Read more about ‘How to Care for Palm Trees: The Ultimate Guide’.

5. Snake Plant

The low-maintenance snake plant, Sansevieria, belongs to the Asparagus family and is known as Asparagaceae. It usually grows in larger clumps, with long, sword-shaped leaves that have yellow or silvery-white patterns. There's a reason snake plants are termed easy-care plants, as they require minimal attention and are excellent for low-light indoor environments. Snake plants use the CAM process of photosynthesis, emitting oxygen through the stomata, especially during cool twilight and nighttime, and closing them during the day when it is warm. Read more about ‘Benefits of Having a Snake Plant in Your Home’.

How Do I Buy Plants from Eureka Farms?

Now licensed for a full-scale nursery with an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest houseplant collection. If you want to enhance your curb appeal or turn your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms can guide you on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can rest assured that we will handle the shipment with the utmost care across the country so that when your plants reach you, they will be as fresh as new. These indoor plants require less upkeep, improve home air cleanliness, elevate moods, and provide essential touches of the natural world to the work-from-home office. Happy Planting!