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There are several varieties of plants and trees that can grow in even the darkest areas of your home or business. Here are some suggestions for VERY low light areas and low light areas.
Everyone knows that plants need light in order to produce food (photosynthesis). This light is usually measured in foot-candles. A foot candle is the amount of light one candle gives off on a white wall one foot square in size and one foot from the candle in a dark room. There is an easier way to see if your area is really low light. If you cannot read a book during the day without a light turned on, you need low light plants. 
Step 1:

Very low light plants: Areas that have 50-100 ft-candles of light--think a long hallway, basement, or bathroom with no windows, will need one of the following plants:

  • Aglonema: The best varieties to use are Jubilee, Mary Ann, and Silver Ribbon.
  • Sansevari: Sometimes called a snake plant or Mother In Law's Tongue because of its long, pointed, sharp leaves.
  • Dracaena Janet Craigi: The Lisa variety is almost impossible to kill, but is quite a bit more expensive than the regular Janet Craig.
  • Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra): This is my least favorite. It is difficult to find and rather scrawny looking, but it will live just about anywhere.
  • Z Plant: Zamioculcas Zamiifolia--now that's a mouthful. This is a beautiful tropical-looking new variety of house plant. When you look at it, it's hard to believe it is a low light plant.
Step 2:

Low light plants: These plants usually require 100-200 ft. candles of light. You can use some of the plants listed above, but you'll have an easier time with these.

  • Dracaena Massangeana: Some people call this a corn plant since its leaves look like those on a cornstalk.
  • Bamboo or Kentia Palm Philodendron Peace Lily (Spathyphylum): This is a great plant because it will even bloom for you, especially when allowed to get thoroughly dried out and then be watered.
  • Dracaena Marjinata (Dragon Tree): When the tips of this tree turn brown, the plant is over watered, not under watered.
  • Golden Pothos: Green Jade variety is the best.
Step 3:

As a general rule, plants that are dark green require less light than plants that have variegated leaves or plants that flower. If you need a tree and your choice is between a Dracaena Warneki with green and white striped leaves and a Dracaena Janet Craig that is solid green, go with the latter. If you need a sitting plant and the store offers you a pothos with green and yellow leaves or a pothos that is only green, don't let them tell you the plants are the same; stick with the green one.

It's important to remember that the less light a plant has, the slower it grows. A slow growing plant requires very little water; if you give it more than it can use, the roots will rot. The same is true of fertilizer; too much unused fertilizer will cause the roots to burn.  Many times plants in low light areas can go three or four weeks without water. Think benign neglect and the plants will thrive.
About this Author:
Judy Feldstein founded Foliage Unlimited Inc, one of the largest interior plant maintenance companies in Arizona, in 1976. For more information about the care and selection of  house plants, plants that clean the air, or selecting the right plants for your office, home, or business go to: www.foliageunlimited.net or contact Judy directly (judy@foliageunlimited.net).
View more information and all guides by Judy Feldstein

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