Question
I was wondering if you could give me a few suggestions as to what types of plants would best suit my 3rd floor apartment. The front windows of the apartment face north, which is where I'd like to put some plants. There is a ton of indirect sunlight. If you could just throw out some names of good house plants that thrive in indirect sunlight, I'd be most appreciative! Thanks!


Answer
Hi Giulia,

You may be surprised that any of the most common houseplants do best in bright indirect light. You are also very wise to select plants based on the available light.

Here is a list of my favorite and most commonly available plants suitable for indirect and low light:


Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) ?This low light plant come in a variety of green, silver, and white variegations. This is an upright plant that thrives on neglect, needing little water or fertilizer. Some varieties become leggy and should be pruned back. Cuttings root easily in water or damp soil. Mealybug is the only common pest problem. This is a cold sensitive plant that does not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees. Small plants are suitable for tables and larger sizes are up to 2.5 feet tall.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus aureus) is a hanging plant with vines that spill over the edge of the pot. Most varieties have variegated green and yellow or green and white heart-shaped leaves. Some are all green and are commonly mistaken for philodendron. The variegation tends to disappear when kept in very low light. This is an excellent plant for a high shelf that receives little light. Pothos should be pruned regularly to keep the plant full and bushy. Cuttings root very easily in water or moist soil. Watch for mealybugs.

Heart-leafed philodendron (Philodendron scandens oxycardium) is similar to the pothos but somewhat more fragile. The leaves are a deep shade of green and are thinner. In most cases, a pothos is a better choice.

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans massangeana) ?This plant is commonly grown with several thick, bark-covered canes of staggered heights. The foliage grows at the top of each cane. The leaves are broad and long and sometimes variegated with stripes of yellow-green. Overall, this is a tall and slender plant that is a good plant for a corner that receives little light. It is sold in heights from three to eight feet tall. Be careful not to overwater this plant. The corn plant is nearly pest-free.

Dracaena 慗anet Craig' (Dracaena deremensis 慗anet Craig') and Dracaena 慙isa' (Dracaena deremensis 慙isa') are close relatives of the corn plant. They have very dark green, naturally glossy leaves. They are fuller plants than the corn plant with leaves all along the stems. The leaves are sensitive to the buildup of minerals from fertilizers, hard water, and fluoride as the plant ages. They are mostly pest-free plants. They are available in heights from three to seven feet.

Snake plant (Sansevieria) has a reputation as a plant that is tough to kill. If you tend to neglect your plants, then this is the plant for you. As a succulent, it can go for a month without water when kept in low light. It will not need fertilizer or high humidity and will stay in the same pot for years if it is in low light. This plant can adapt more readily than most low light plants to bright light. In good light, the snake plant grows rapidly and puts up new growth with such vigor that it will bend and break its pot! The snake plant comes in a range of sizes from a few inches to 4 feet tall. It is ideal for any location that needs a vertical emphasis. Cuttings root easily in moist soil. Pests are rarely a problem

Parlor palm (Chamadorea neanthe bella elegans) ?This plant is the palm of choice for a table that is in low light. It is a quiet, unobtrusive plant that adds just the right touch in many locations. Although it doesn't use much water, it doesn't tolerate dry roots very well. It is also prone to spider mite infestations. This palm is often included in small dish gardens. It rarely grows taller than three feet.

Kentia palm (Howeia forsteriana) ?This is the classic and elegant Victorian palm that has been an indoor mainstay for over 100 years. It has long arching fronds that can grow to 8 feet or more. It is one of the few palms that does well in low light. It is a slow grower and for that reason is more expensive than most plants. The 揔eeline?brand of Kentia is of superior quality and is worth seeking out. Like most palms, Kentias, are propagated by seed or division. Kentias are one of the few palms not regularly bothered by spider mites or any other pest.

Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is another low light palm that is also more expensive than other comparably sized plants. The fronds appear as finger-like projections at the end of very thin stems, giving the lady palm a very unique look. This plant is a bit more demanding than most low light plants. IT doesn't tolerate dryness very well and the tips of the fronds turn brown when the soil is kept a bit too dry or wet. Spider mites are sometimes a problem when the air is dry. The lady palm is available in sizes ranging from 12 inches to eight feet.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a very popular low light plant because it will bloom in moderately low light. The flowers are white hood-shaped flowers. It also has beautiful, large, shiny green leaves. There are dozens of hybrid varieties that range in size from 6 inches to nearly 5 feet. The peace lily must stay in moist soil. It collapses pathetically as soon as the soil becomes a bit too dry, but it recovers rapidly when the water is replenished. It is not a good choice for those who prefer to ignore their plants for long stretches. It is relatively pest free, but it is vulnerable to cold temperatures, root diseases, and the build up of excess minerals in the soil.

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra) is well named because of its toughness and adaptability. It has broad, dark green, glossy leaves at the end of short stems. It rarely grows taller than three feet.  It tolerates occasional over and under watering better than most plants. Spider mites appear when the air is dry. Its overall look is similar to the peace lily.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcus zamiifolia) is a relatively new plant on the market with an unusual pre-historic look. This is aslant that can adapt to bright light, as well as low light. The ZZ plant thrives on neglect and in low light will need only monthly watering. It is pest resistant and the only ting that seems to harm it is watering too frequently. A great plant for folks who are away a lot or lead busy lives.

Of course, there are many others that are also suitable. If there is a particular plant that you like and might want to try, let me know what it is and I will let you know if it is suitable.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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