7 Basement Plants that Need Little Light

Living in a basement or a place with less natural light doesnโ€™t mean you canโ€™t own plants to spruce up the space. In fact, there are plenty of plants that can live in the dark without a strong light source. Plants can also purify the air as well and bring our spirits up, which can be crucial when living in a basement or a place with less light. Here is our list of plants for a basement that can be grown and cared for under low light conditions.

1.) Snake Plant, Sansevieria

Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash

Also known as the mother-in-lawโ€™s tongue, this plant is a native species that originates from West Africa. Itโ€™s recognized by its long green leaves with yellow stripes. Itโ€™s also a plant that is known to be almost impossible to kill, as it can withstand dry spells and moderate to low-light. The snake plant only needs moderate watering, so checking every two weeks would be enough for the plant to live. Perfect for a space with less natural light. Dahing Plants can deliver this plant locally around New York and New Jersey.

2.) Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema

Photo by ใŠใซใŽใ‚Š on Unsplash

This โ€œgood luckโ€ plant comes in 22 different varieties and thrive the best in low-light settings. In fact, excessive sunlight is bad for this plant. All it really needs is moist soil or humidity and to avoid cold temperatures for it to thrive. Characterized by its full green and white-striped foliage (differs depending on the variety), keeping this plant healthy will make even a novice indoor gardener look like an expert. However, wear gloves when handling, especially when you have sensitive skin, as the plant juices may cause irritation. Eager plant buyers can find an Aglaonema at the Chelsea Garden Center.

3.) Lucky Bamboo, Dracaena

Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash

Contrary to its name, this plant isnโ€™t at all related to bamboo, even if it looks like it and grows just as fast. These straight stalk, sculptural plants are originally native to Africa, but a majority of them are now shipped from either Taiwan or China, where professionals will twist and braid their stalks into different shapes. This plant is perfect for the office, a bathroom, or anywhere with low light. The roots need to be covered with water and it would be good to change the water every two to four weeks. Or you can also transfer the plant into soil with good drainage and water it often. Lucky Bamboo plants can be found in Chinatown nurseries or almost any wholesale that has a plant section.

4.) Parlor Palm, Chamaedorea elegans

Photo by Vadim Kaipov on Unsplash

Native to the subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, the Parlor Palm has the talent of growing over six feet tall with the proper care. This plant is able to thrive in low-light conditions or near windows in early morning sun or evening light. As brilliant as these plants look, they are reported to not last more than 3 years, because their roots donโ€™t like to be disturbed. This plant also produces fruit from flowers, but donโ€™t eat them! Theyโ€™re not edible at all. Beautiful and easy to care for, this plant would be the perfect addition to the basement room. Dahing Plants shows live inventory photos of what their current batch looks like before you decide to buy.

5.) Pothos, Epipremnum aureum

Photo by Kelsey Brown on Unsplash

Commonly known as golden pothos, devilโ€™s vine, or devilโ€™s ivy, itโ€™s probably one of the easiest plants to grow. Native to Southeastern Asia, this plant can be distinguished by its heart-shaped green leaves that sometimes have white or yellow stripes. The winding vines can grow up to 20 to 40 feet long. The plant can get low to moderate light and has to dry out between waterings for it to grow well. PlantShed has delivery options available for this plant.

6.) Monstera Plant

Photo by Malte Michels on Unsplash

Nicknamed as the Swiss Cheese Plant, this plant can be recognized by its large, split leaves. Native to Central America, this plant can actually grow up to ten feet tall in its natural habitat. But, even in a household setting, with the proper care, it can grow quite big. The monstera plant can survive in low-light settings and has to be watered every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry inbetween. The plant prefers a more humid environment, but a fine mist spray would be suitable too. It is also recommended to repot this plant several times a year while it’s young to help with its growth. Plantshed has the option to choose your own pot (with additional costs) when you buy from them.ย 

7.) Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum

Photo by Lan Gao on Unsplash

These plants are known as closet plants and are great at air purifying. They are also some of the easiest plants to care for, but that doesnโ€™t mean thereโ€™s no care that goes on behind the scenes. Recognized by its dark green foliage and white flowers, this plant only needs low light to thrive. However, more flowers can bloom with more sunlight. Overwatering this plant can be very common, but they are more tolerant to underwatering than the latter. To check if the plant needs to be watered, Gardening Know How suggests touching the top of the soil to see if itโ€™s dry. And if it is, thatโ€™s when you know to water your peace lily. Chelsea Garden Center has beautiful Peace Lilies that can be delivered straight to your door.

Conclusion

The above lists of plants that can grow in the dark will brighten up any dreary space and thrive in low-light conditions. Regardless of what plant you choose to purchase, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy the process of caring for them and reap the benefits that they can bring you!

Faye Chou
Faye Chou
Faye is the Managing Director of the RentHop Operations team. In her 10 years at RentHop, Faye has written numerous articles on a variety of real estate topics. If you're interested in learning more about the current state of the rental housing market or want Faye's best tips for your apartment search then check out more of her articles.

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