Light is fading: houseplants that flourish away from windows
Houseplants placed farther into a room usually need extra light. However, there are a few types that can handle fairly low light without turning spindly or pale.
In decor photos, you’ll often see houseplants perched on a living room table or bookshelf, far from windows and natural light. During summer, daylight floods rooms and plants flourish, but as autumn transitions into winter, the amount of light drops dramatically.
Many houseplants adjust to available light, while others require very specific conditions. For example hoya [in Finnish] typically stays green on a north-facing window, but it will not bloom at all.
No houseplant can survive indefinitely with no light at all.
Which direction do your windows face?
Before bringing home a houseplant, spend a bit of time considering the light conditions in your home, as well as the directions your windows face. South-facing windows receive the most sunlight and brightness, while north-facing windows offer the least. West-facing windows have more light than those facing east.
Houseplants tend to live longer when you pick ones that match your home’s light conditions. Ask the seller about a plant’s light needs or do some research beforehand. If a plant doesn’t receive enough light, it won’t thrive and may slowly stop growing or die.
Here are two simple rules of thumb: In general, houseplants with thick, fleshy leaves need more light than those with thinner leaves. If a plant’s leaves are variegated in white or yellow, it usually requires more light than uniformly green leaves. For example, the popular variegated monstera [in Finnish] will lose its variegation if placed in a spot that’s too dim.
Houseplants that do well on a north-facing window
A north-facing window receives very little light in winter. Some houseplants that can handle low light include:
- Variegated spider plant [in Finnish] (Chlorophytum comosum ’Variegatum’)
- Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Chinese money plant [in Finnish] (Pilea peperomioides)
- Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
- Peace lily [in Finnish] (Spathiphyllum Floribundum )
These plants stay beautiful even 1–2 meters (3–6 ft) from the window
Only a few houseplants remain appealing in limited daylight 1–2 meters (3–6 ft) from the window without becoming spindly. However, ensure there are no blinds, curtains, large plants, or other obstructions preventing the light from reaching them.
- Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Zanzibar gem(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
- Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
- Golden pothos [in Finnish] (Epipremnum pinnatum)
