12 house plants for shade
Every home has a shady spot or two – we pick some of the best house plants to grow there.
Many house plants are native to jungle or forest conditions, growing on the ground or as epiphytes beneath the tree canopy. They're therefore used to low light levels and will thrive in a shady spot in the house. Other plants will tolerate shade as long as they receive some indirect light.
Direct sunlight can do more harm than good for these plants, which may suffer from leaf scorch or wilting if in the wrong position.
More house plants content:
- Winter care for house plants
- How to raise humidity for house plants
- 11 of the best house plants to grow
We've chosen 12 of the best house plants to grow in a shady spot, below.
Boston fern
Nephrolepis exalata, or the Boston fern, is an easy to grow house plant performing best in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. It thrives in a humid environment, so a steamy bathroom is ideal.
Heart-leaf philodendron
This climbing evergreen is native to the Caribbean and Central America, where it clambers up trees in order to reach the light. Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves are the perfect accent in a shady area indoors. Grow in a pot and allow it to tumble over the edges, or add a moss pole to provide a vertical support.
Calatheas and marantas
Grown for their colourfully patterned leaves, calantheas and marantas have a tendency to shrivel in sunny conditions, so shady spot suits them. They do best if given a regular misting.
Spider plants
If grown in too bright a spot, the colourful foliage of spider plants can bleach out, so they lose their vibrancy. A shady spot will produce the best colour and help to ensure they don't dry out too quickly.
Swiss cheese plant
Grown up a moss pole or other vertical support Monstera deliciosa doesn't need to be grown in full or direct sun. Its large leaves do a terrific job of catching the smaller levels of light available to it when growing in a shady spot.
Areca palm
Sited here on the wooden pot stand, the areca palm is a lovely choice if you need a bushy house plant to fill a large gap. The split leaves lend a tropical feel. Grow it in a shady but bright spot indoors, and mist regularly. For a similar look, consider Howea fosteriana (the Kentia palm) and Chamaedorea elegans (the parlour palm).
Hoyas
Most hoyas are epiphytic plants that non-parasitically attach themselves to other plants, using them as a growth support or anchor. They'll thrive in a bright but shady area indoors, and most produce umbels of deliciously scented flowers to perfume the home.
Cast iron plant
In warmer climates, aspidistras can often be spotted thriving in great pots sited in the darkest courtyards, surrounded on all sides by tall buildings. Indoors, they're ideal for your darkest spots.
Mother-in-law's-tongue
Also known as snake plant, Mother-in-law’s tongue has sword-like leaves with yellow edges. It does best in bright light, out of direct sun, but will tolerate shade. Wait for the compost to dry out before watering and water sparingly in winter.
Peace lily
Peace lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii, is a low maintenance house plant with glossy green leaves and occasional white flowers, which are called spathes. It does best in a bright spot out of direct sunshine but will also tolerate shade.
Parlour palm
The parlour palm, Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular houseplant grown for its attractive light green fronds. For best results, grow in a bright spot, shaded from full sun. It can also cope with shade.
Silver inch plant
Silver inch plant, Tradescantia zebrina, has unusual, variegated leaves in green, purple and silver. It has a trailing habit so looks great in a hanging planter or on a shelf. It does best in a warm spot out of direct sunshine. It does well in shade but may lose its leaf variegation.