Do you know that there are Houseplants That Survive in Complete Darkness for Long Durations? Read this post and find out for yourself!
Like humans need food, plants require sunlight or at least indirect daylight. And these houseplants are no different. However, they have evolved in such a way that they can survive and live in low light longer than many other indoor plants.
Houseplants that Survive in Darkness for Long
These plants may be able to survive without bright indirect light for a long time, but you have to remember that they won’t thrive in it as they need light for photosynthesis. However, there is no doubt that these indoor plants are best to grow in low light conditions.
1. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema spp.
The Chinese Evergreen is one plant that does not mind prolonged periods of low light. In fact, it can survive for several months in a room without windows, but we don’t recommend that!
When you do this, ensure you do not overwater it and allow the soil to remain dry between waterings. Another pro tip would be to wipe its leaves periodically to remove dust buildup and allow their proper functioning.
2. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra spp.
The name alone shows how resilient this plant is! This near-indestructible plant has broad, glossy leaves. And if you thought keeping Chinese evergreen for a few months in a not-so-well-lit spot was astonishing, the Cast Iron plant is capable of surviving in dim indirect light for 3-4 hours for years.
You might need to care a little more for this plant to make it last longer. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth and removing the dead foliage should be a regular practice to keep it thriving.
3. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria spp.
Snake plants have many hidden skills–from air purification to drought resistance. But their ability to go without any bright indirect light is the best among all the plants on the list!
This succulent houseplant is perfect for beginners as it requires very little babysitting and is difficult to kill.
You will notice a drastic change in their growth pace as they slow down and utilize stored energy in dark locations. During this time, make sure the watering frequency is slightly reduced and the soil is dry between each session.
4. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
Peace Lilies need no introduction due to their iconic white spathes, but a relatively uncommon fact about these adaptable houseplants is that they can handle very low light rooms for approximately 4-6 weeks by reducing energy needs!
Even though they may not need sunlight for prolonged periods, they do require humidity and warmth ranging from 65 to 85 F (18 to 30 C).
Also, they are mildly toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, so keep them away from children and pets.
5. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Considered one of the best plants for cleaning indoor air, Pothos can easily grow without sunlight. It doesn’t mind being kept in the dark corners of your living room or bathroom.
However, there are a few common mistakes that even the most experienced gardeners make while growing this easy-to-grow houseplant.
6. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Want to add botanical beauty to a dark, gloomy room? The ZZ plant is up for the job! Distinguished by shiny, plump leaves, it withstands deficient light levels exceptionally well due to water-storing stems and the habit of growing slowly.
The secret to a healthy ZZ plant is infrequent watering and well-draining soil that will allow proper seepage. It will thrive and still give you these benefits!
7. Lucky Bamboo
Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
Don’t be fooled by its name; the Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo but a resilient member of the Dracaena genus.
While true bamboos need abundant sunlight to grow, this indoor plant can grow in water as well as survive in a dark room for months, but eventually, if you want to grow it for years, exposing it to several hours of indirect light is necessary.
If you are growing your lucky bamboo in a liquid growing medium, remember to change the water on a weekly basis and add in a weak fertilizer to aid growth.
8. Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
The Rubber tree might reach colossal heights of up to 100 feet in the wild, but indoors, it can be trained to live in a dark location and only grow to about 3-6 feet tall. You can find many pretty varieties for your home.
Apart from the low light conditions, this plant requires medium humidity and temperatures greater than 55 F (12 C). So keep these factors in mind while growing this broadleaf evergreen tree.
9. Spider Plants
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
This plant is perfect for the spooky season, as you can hide it in a gloomy room, and its arachnid-like shape will bring out a few screams! Now something serious, the Spider Plant is also known for cleaning the indoor air.
It can grow with just a few hours of indirect light in a dimly lit room with some indirect light. When you grow it in low light, water it when the soil is partly dry, and remember to maintain the humidity above 40 percent by following one of these methods.
10. Dragon Tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
The Dragon tree is perfect for adding vertical appeal to the dull corners of a dark room. It has a palm-like appearance and can endure extended periods of darkness for up to 8 weeks.
But just like many others on this list, you will see a noticeable change in its growth speed as it reduces photosynthesizing. Take care to mist it from time to time for humidity and to keep it clean.
11. American Evergreen
Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum
If you think tropical plants can’t do well in the dark, think again! The American Evergreen is a tropical shrub/vine that is perfect for your rooms with exposure to less indirect daylight.
As it matures, the plant turns more leggy and takes on a vine-like growth pattern. Make sure you keep the humidity high by misting it with lukewarm water or grouping it with other plants. You can also grow it in water!
