Can You Have Houseplants That Dont Need Sun?

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

If you’re looking for houseplants that don’t require direct sunlight, you’re in luck! There are plenty of indoor plants that thrive in low-light environments and can add life to any home. From cacti and succulents to ferns, there are plenty of options for those who don’t have access to a sunny spot in their home. With a few simple care tips and expert advice, you can ensure that your houseplants live long, healthy lives.

Low Light Houseplants

Low light houseplants can be a great way to liven up a room with some green, without having to worry about too much direct sunlight. Ferns and succulents are all plants that do not need as much sunlight to thrive, so you don’t have to worry too much about where you place them. It’s still important to take good care of them.

When it comes to watering, you must be careful not to over-water your plants, as that can quickly lead to root rot. Some low light houseplants such as succulents may only need to be watered every few weeks or even months.

Fertilizing can help your plants stay healthy, but you should be careful to not over-fertilize. Temperature is also important, as too hot or too cold can affect the health of your plants. All in all, with a little bit of TLC your low light houseplants can thrive!

Cacti

Cacti are one of the best low light houseplants you can have, as they can survive without direct sun. They can also survive in higher temperatures, which makes them ideal for areas of the home like the bathroom or kitchen.

You should water your cacti once every two weeks, and never allow it to become soggy. Make sure to use only small doses of fertilizers and organic fertilizers are preferred. Cacti also need to be kept in a warm and dry environment and it is best to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Keep your cacti away from cold drafts, as this can cause it to become diseased and die. When it comes to cacti, it is important to remember that they thrive best in low light and warm temperatures.

With proper care, you can enjoy having a cactus in your home without worrying about it wilting from lack of sunlight. If you are looking to add some greenery to your home without the need for direct sunlight, cacti are a great option for you.

Ferns

Ferns are an ideal choice for those who have minimal available sunlight in their home. With their lush foliage and beautiful texture, they can bring a sense of life and vibrancy to any room. The key to taking care of ferns is in understanding their natural environment and providing it in your home.

Ferns thrive best in areas with high humidity, so make sure to mist them regularly with a spray bottle.

When it comes to watering, it’s best to keep the soil consistently moist, but not saturated. To keep the soil from becoming water-logged, only water when the surface of the soil is dry.

Ferns also benefit from regular feeding, especially during the growing season. Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two weeks or so.

Keep in mind that ferns prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so find a spot in your home that meets this requirement. Ferns are an easy-care houseplant that can bring beauty and texture to your home without needing direct sunlight. With some minimal effort and a little bit of knowledge, you can easily keep your ferns looking their best.

Succulents

Succulents are the perfect plant for low light environments. Not only do they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are also relatively low maintenance and can survive with minimal sunlight.

In fact, succulents require very little water, making them one of the most drought-tolerant plants around. To keep your succulents healthy and happy, make sure to water them sparingly, using just enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Be sure to fertilize your succulents every few weeks to help them grow and thrive.

Keep in mind that succulents prefer warm temperatures, so avoid placing them in areas with cold drafts. With the right care, succulents can make a lovely addition to any home.

Care Tips for Low Light Houseplants

When caring for low light houseplants, make sure to pay attention to their watering, fertilizing, and temperature needs. Water sparingly, as too much water can cause the roots to rot. Aim for moist soil, but not soggy.

Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in fall and winter. When it comes to temperature, try to keep your houseplants between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the basic care, there are a few other tricks for maintaining your low light houseplants.

If your plants start looking a little pale, move them to a spot that gets some indirect light. Even just a few hours of indirect light can make a big difference. You can also mist their leaves, as humidity can help low light plants stay green and healthy.

Keep an eye out for pests – use insecticidal soap if you find any. Low light houseplants can be just as beautiful as those that require lots of light, as long as you give them the right care and attention. If you follow these tips, you should have healthy, thriving plants in no time.

Watering

When it comes to watering low light houseplants, it’s important to pay attention to the soil. Make sure it’s damp but not soggy, as too much water can cause root rot and other problems.

Water your plants weekly or biweekly, depending on the soil and the amount of light the plants are receiving. If your plants are in low light conditions, they may need less water than they would in brighter conditions.

Let the top few inches of soil dry out between watering. If the leaves of your low light houseplant start to yellow or brown, this could be a sign that you’re over-watering.

When in doubt, it’s better to underwater than to overwater your plants. If you’re unsure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

If it feels damp, your plant is probably fine. If you still aren’t sure, skip the watering for that week and check the soil again the next.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your low light houseplants is key to ensuring they get the nutrients they need to thrive. Most houseplants will benefit from a light feeding once every two to four weeks, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half of the recommended strength. When fertilizing in the winter, err on the side of caution, as too much fertilizer can cause root burn and other damage.

Each type of plant can have different fertilizing needs, so it’s important to research the best approach for each one before fertilizing.

Houseplants generally do best when fertilized in the summer months. During this time, you can increase the frequency to once a week, with a good quality fertilizer mixed to the recommended strength.

Fertilizing with a fertilizer that is too strong can cause damage to the plants, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When you’re done fertilizing, flush the soil with plenty of water to remove any excess fertilizer. If you’re finding that your plants are still not thriving, try supplementing with a natural fertilizing solution such as compost or manure tea.

Temperature

When it comes to temperature, you want to keep your houseplants in a location that stays between 60 and 85°F. Avoid placing them in direct drafts from windows or doors.

Too much cold air can cause the leaves to become dry and brown, while too much heat can cause them to wilt. The temperature of your home can change drastically depending on the season, so make sure your houseplants are in a spot where they can stay comfortable. If you have a warmer home, like in the Southern states, then you might want to consider using a humidifier to help keep your houseplants happy.

You can also mist your plants regularly to add a bit of extra moisture to the air. Keep in mind that some houseplants like to be moved around occasionally to get different levels of light and temperature. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right spot for your plants.