Discover the best indoor plants that flourish in indirect light

Discover the best indoor plants that flourish in indirect light. Learn how to care for Snake Plants, Rubber Plants, Pothos, and more, while creating a vibrant, stress-free home environment.

Dec 10, 2024 - 11:53
Dec 10, 2024 - 12:02
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Discover the best indoor plants that flourish in indirect light

Discover the best indoor plants that flourish in indirect light

Indoor plants are a wonderful addition to any home, bringing greenery, fresh air, and a calming ambiance. However, not all plants thrive in direct sunlight. Some species require indirect or low light to grow healthy and vibrant, and exposure to harsh sunlight can cause stress, discoloration, or even irreparable damage. Let’s explore some of the most popular houseplants that should be kept away from direct sunlight and how to care for them effectively.


1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy and low-maintenance indoor plant. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Snake plants can tolerate low light but will experience leaf burn and yellowing if exposed to intense, direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

  • Care Tips:
    Place the plant in a spot with indirect or filtered light. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.


2. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are known for their large, glossy leaves that add a touch of elegance to any room. They grow well indoors, provided their light and water needs are met.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    The leaves of the rubber plant can become scorched, losing their shine and developing brown spots when exposed to direct sunlight.

  • Care Tips:
    Position the plant in bright, indirect light near a window with sheer curtains. Water it moderately, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist but not soggy.


3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, often called the devil’s ivy, is a popular trailing plant that is both easy to care for and visually appealing. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a table centerpiece.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Direct sunlight can bleach the vibrant green and golden hues of its leaves, causing them to fade and dry out.

  • Care Tips:
    Keep your pothos in indirect light or low-light conditions. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.


4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are among the most adaptable houseplants, known for their arching leaves and small, spider-like offshoots.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Exposure to strong sunlight can cause the leaf tips to turn brown and crispy.

  • Care Tips:
    Place the spider plant in a location with bright, indirect light. It also thrives in artificial light, making it a great choice for offices. Water regularly but ensure the soil is well-drained.


5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Nerve plants are small, colorful houseplants with intricate vein patterns that add a touch of vibrancy to any indoor space.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Harsh sunlight can damage their delicate leaves, causing them to fade or wilt.

  • Care Tips:
    Provide medium to low indirect light and maintain high humidity levels. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.


6. Ferns

Ferns are a diverse group of plants with feathery, lush green foliage. Popular varieties like Boston ferns and maidenhair ferns are widely grown indoors.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Most ferns thrive in shaded environments, and direct sunlight can dry out their leaves, causing them to turn brown.

  • Care Tips:
    Keep ferns in areas with filtered or dappled light, such as near a north-facing window. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist and mist the leaves occasionally to maintain humidity.


7. Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)

The waffle plant is a unique houseplant with textured, purplish-green leaves. Its compact size makes it ideal for tabletops and shelves.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Direct exposure can scorch its leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant color.

  • Care Tips:
    Place the waffle plant in indirect light. Maintain a humid environment and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.


8. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Lucky bamboo is often associated with good fortune and is a favorite in feng shui. It can grow in water or soil, making it versatile and low-maintenance.

  • Why Avoid Direct Sunlight?
    Direct sunlight can cause the stalks to turn yellow and weaken the plant.

  • Care Tips:
    Keep lucky bamboo in bright, indirect light. If grown in water, change the water every two weeks and ensure the roots are fully submerged.


General Tips for Caring for Indoor Plants:

  1. Understand Light Requirements:
    Always research the specific light needs of your plant. Bright indirect light often works well for most indoor species.

  2. Maintain Humidity Levels:
    Many houseplants thrive in humid environments. Mist their leaves regularly or use a humidifier.

  3. Avoid Overwatering:
    Overwatering is a common cause of plant death. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly before watering again.

  4. Monitor for Stress:
    Check for signs of sunburn, such as browning leaves, discoloration, or wilting, and adjust the plant's location accordingly.


By understanding the light needs of these plants and providing the right care, you can ensure your indoor garden flourishes beautifully without the risk of direct sunlight damage.

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Shyamli Shyamli Chugh is a talented content creator and storyteller based in Delhi, India, known for her creative vision and passion for impactful storytelling. She began her academic journey at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and later earned a degree in Humanities from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, combining intellectual depth with artistic flair. Shyamli is a co-founder of the YouTube channel Honestly Talking, which she manages alongside her sister, Deepali Chugh—an MS graduate in Computer Science from New York University, now based in New York. Through Honestly Talking, Shyamli creates compelling content on travel, food, lifestyle, and culture, with a special emphasis on the vibrant life of Delhi. From uncovering the best local cuisines to curating unique experiences, her work reflects a deep love for storytelling and a keen attention to detail. In addition to Honestly Talking, Shyamli is also the co-founder of SouthDelhi.com, a platform dedicated to capturing the contemporary, urban lifestyle of South Delhi. By showcasing the area's dynamic culture, luxury, and innovation, Shyamli has crafted a space that resonates with the affluent class and young audiences, offering fresh insights and exclusive content about this iconic part of the city. Shyamli excels in scripting, filming, and editing, ensuring her projects are engaging and of the highest quality. Her vision for both Honestly Talking and SouthDelhi.com is to connect audiences across borders and create content that inspires and entertains viewers worldwide. With her dedication and creative approach, Shyamli continues to make a significant mark in the digital content space.