Columnists > Ellen Brown > AdviceAugust 19, 2005

Indoor Plants That Don't Require Too Much Sunshine

By Ellen Brown
Q: I am looking for a rather tall indoor plant that requires very little sunshine. Also, what are small indoor plants that do not require too much special attention?

A: I would classify the following plant groups as easy to grow, tolerant of low-light conditions and able to withstand a fair amount of neglect. Within each group you can find shorter and taller varieties.

The Dracaena Group (False Palms): Three in this group will stand up well to low light conditions, a fair amount of neglect and fairly low winter temperatures: Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree), D. draco (Dragon Tree) and Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree/Grass Palm). These three varieties can also grow quite tall. The Madagascar Dragon Tree can grow up to 10 ft, the Dragon Tree around 4 ft and the Grass Palm 1-2 ft.

Sansevieria- This plant is known to be nearly indestructible. Often called Mother-in-Law's Tongue in Britain (because of its sharp tongue-like leaves), it is commonly called Snake Skin or Snake Plant in America. The only sure way to kill it is with prolonged over watering or exposure to freezing temperatures. Taller varieties grow up to 3 ft tall, while the low growing pot group is perfect for windowsills.

Philodendrons- These plants have been around since Victorian times and are known to be great air purifiers. They come in two basic varieties: climbers and non-climbers. The climbers can be trained to climb as high as 7 ft (e.g. Philodendron imbe), while the non-climbers traditionally make great hanging baskets, but can be kept smaller by cutting back.

Scindapsus (Pothos)- The species of Pothos that is easiest to grow is the Scindapsus aureus. This is similar in look to the philodendron, but has more colorful leaves. This pothos can be easily trained to grow on a moss stick to a height of up to 6 ft.

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Answers

Read answers for this post below.

By Steve Jordan (Guest Post) 10/06/2006

Does anyone know where I can purchase a tall moss stick?

Steve

By Steve (Guest Post) 10/19/2005

Does anyone know where i can buy a Moss Stick for my Devil Ivy? I have looked everywhere and cant seem to find any.... Please help.

By
08/08/2005

For a tall plant I have a Corn plant, I only water it a little, once every 2-3 weeks. One of the easiest small plants is a Pothos, they come in a few varieties and they hardly need any care and they do great in low light.

By April (Guest Post) 08/08/2005

I love cacti and succulents for plants that don't require much care. Ivy for a shade plant.

By Kathy K. (Guest Post) 08/08/2005

Spider plants are great. Mine keep plugging along no matter how badly I mistreat them.

By MARN (Guest Post) 08/07/2005

A "PEACE LILY" IS A WONDERFUL INDOOR PLANT THAT REQUIRES VERY LITTLE LIGHT AND VERY LITTLE CARE; JUST WATER.

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