Plants That Grow In The Dark And In Low Light

There are many types of plants that grow in the dark and in low light. So, if you do not have enough light sources in your house but you want to grow plants, then plants that grow in the dark can be the best option for you.

We have grown up hearing that growing plants and trees is very important for us and for nature. We all know that plants need carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to grow properly. But did you know that there are some plants that can grow without sunlight? Ever wondered how plants grow under forest floors and in caves?

This article is here to solve all your doubts about the plants that thrive in the dark.

There are many plants that grow in the dark without sunlight, which you can choose to plant in your dark area to make it go greener. Some of the very popular plants that don’t require light are:

Chinese Evergreen

Origin- tropics, and subtropics of Asia

Temperature require- 65-80 ºF (18-27 ºC) 

Light requirement- Doesn’t require any light.

Water- twice a day in summers and once in winters

The other name of the Chinese evergreen plant is the aglaonema. This plant comes in many unique varieties like

• Modesto
• Nitidum
• Widuri, “red peacock.”
• Cutlass
• Emerald Bay
• Harlequin
• Silver queen
• Silver king
• Suzy
• Red gold, etc.

Cast-iron plant

Origin- asiatic regions

Temperature- 45-85 degrees, optimal 60-70

Light- shade to partial shade, does not require direct sunlight.

Water- moist soil 

The cast-iron plant is also known as room plant and barroom plant. The varieties of this plant are:

• Milky way
• Striped cast iron plant
• Green glory
• White planter

Kangaroo vine

Origin- Australia

Temperature- 5-18°C / 40-65°F

Light- deep or partial shade

Water- drained soil

Kangaroo vine is also known as Cissus Antarctica; it is a type of dark and ornamental plant. It is the best species of the cissus family.

It grows 2-3 meters tall and can also thrive in hanging pots. The leaves of kangaroo vines are glossy green with a beautiful appearance.

Kaffir lily 

Origin- South Africa

Temperature- 60°F/15.5°C – 75°F/23.8°C 

Light- avoid direct sunlight

Water- fairly moist two times in a day

Kaffir lily is also known as the bush lily. The bloom is spring for kaffir lilies.

This dark plant does not require much care; it just needs water and fertilizers to thrive. Kaffir lilies can grow upto 18 inches.

Goldfish plant

Origin- Mexico, brazil, costa

Temperature- 65-85 degrees

Light- bright indirect light

Water- need water three times in a day.

Goldfish plants are also called columnea gloriosa. It gives an orange colored mouth shaped flower when it thrives nicely.

These dark plants can thrive in hanging pots but make sure the place is not too cold.

Umbrella plant

Origin- Australia

Temperature-  55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C)

Light- low light (not direct sunlight)

Water- umbrella plants do not require a high amount of water. It requires watering only once per day.

Other names of these plants are cyperus alternifolius, cyperus papyrus. The Thai plant looks like grass; it does not get leaves or flowers.

Read more- Gift A Beautiful Friendship Plant Or Pilea Plant

Edible plants that grow in the dark

Along with plants with flowers, some edible plants also grow in the dark.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are edible plants. They can be commonly found in grocery stores or vegetable shops or can be grown at home.

Remember that there are many varieties of mushrooms, but not all are edible. Edible variety of mushrooms are:

• Button (white) mushrooms
• Chanterelle mushrooms
• Cremini mushrooms
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Oyster mushroom
• Enoki mushrooms
• Portobello mushrooms
• Porcini mushrooms
• Morel mushrooms

Chicory

This plant is eaten like celery, and its roots and buds are eaten when boiled. Some coffee mixes include ground chicory leaves in them.

Chicory can be used to enhance the richness of food and beverages also.

Chinese bean sprouts

These are used for salad. Chinese bean sprouts also help in losing fat because it burns the fat calories.

This plant is usually found in the mountains.

grass/wheatgrass

The juice of wheatgrass provides many health benefits like boost the immune system, increase metabolism, help in the digestion process, eliminate toxins from the body, give energy, etc.

How to take Care of the plants that thrive in the dark?

It is very important to take Care of the plants that grow in the dark. Following are some basic tips that can be used for taking Care of dark plants:

• Keep the pot and soil moist (not too wet)
• The pot should have a drainage hole in the bottom 
• Place near in low light 
• Do not place in direct sunlight
• Provide fertilizers from time to time
• Use pesticides and insecticides
• Check if any mosquito is there
• Cut the damaged leaves

Read more- Benefits of Having Indoor Plants

The common reason due to which dark plants die

• Overwatering

Overwater reduces the length of a plant, due to which the plant dies after a few days.

• Direct sunlight

Direct sunlight damages the leaves and soil. Also, sometimes the leaves burn due to sunlight.

• Neglect

Every plant requires good Care, but if you do not take Care of them from time to time and do not provide them with the fertilizers, then the plant will die.

• Mosquitoes

Sometimes due to the change in weather, insects, and bugs come near the plant and start damaging the soil and leaves. Eventually, because of this, the plant dies itself.

The bottom line

If you want to grow plants, but you have no time to take Care of them, then the plants that grow in the dark can be the best type of plants for you.

There are many types of dark plants like Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant, kangaroo vine, kaffir lily, goldfish plant, umbrella plant, etc.

If you found this article informative and useful, hit the like button and share your plant’s pictures in the comment section below.