Lesson 3: Growing at the Speed of Light
Northern Exposure: made in the shade
Dark rooms don't have to be a bust when it comes to growing houseplants. Some plants like the peaceful, directionless ambience of light coming from north-facing windows, or those darker nooks of every home. To plants adapted to the dim jungle floor, north-facing windows remind them of home.
A north-facing window, full of lush greenery, can be very attractive.
As an added plus, plants set in lower levels of light are less likely to be attacked by diseases or insects, and maintain a more humid micro-climate. North windows are ideal spots for hanging plants, which won't dry out as rapidly as they would hanging from sunnier exposures.
Page 8 provides a list of shade-loving plants.
- Aspidistra
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Dracaena
- Philodendron
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
My own experience would add these to this list:
- Monstera
- Screw-pine
- Dieffenbachia
- Baby's Breath
- Ladies' Slipper Orchid
- Some Palms
- Most Ferns
While not their ideal locale, these plants would tolerate a sunless spot as well:
- Pothos
- Yucca
- Rubber Tree
- Weeping Fig
- Wandering Jew (Zebrina)
- Spider Plant
- English Ivy, Grape Ivy
The following are best suited for the beginner:
