There are many benefits of houseplants. Not only do they improve air quality - reducing headaches and improving dry skin and respiratory systems - they’re proven to make us happier and more focused! If you live on the south side of your building, or don’t have several huge windows, here are 14 houseplants that thrive in lowlight conditions. 

Cast Iron Plant

Pet-Friendly 

This plant was named after cast iron because it’s virtually indestructible. It grows in the shade and can also bounce back after neglect making it perfect for brown thumbs or those who travel a lot. It’s susceptible to root rot, so allow the soil to completely dry out between waters. 

Lucky Bamboo

NOT Pet-Friendly

Lucky bamboo isn’t a type of bamboo - it just looks like one. Because of this, it’s mildly toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s best to keep it out of their reach. The plants look great on coffee tables or desks but remember to moisten the soil with regular light watering.

Pothos

NOT Pet-Friendly

Pothos plants are a type of trailing ivy that are a favourite among indoor plant enthusiasts due to their low-mantience nature and vibrant colours. However, all parts of this plant can cause poisoning in animals, so it’s best to avoid this one if you live with some curious critters. 

Chinese Evergreen

NOT Pet-Friendly 

Similar to pothos plants, the leaves of Chinese evergreens contain calcium oxalates making them extremely dangerous for cats and dogs (and horses!). If that’s not a problem for you, these plants are great for beginners or brown-thumbs!

Fig Trees

NOT Pet-Friendly

Don’t let the name fool you; chances are you won’t be growing fresh figs in your apartment. But smaller species of fig tree - like fiddle leaf figs, rubber trees, and weeping figs - are great for indoor growing since they can’t tolerate the cold. These plants grow faster and look healthier when in bright, but not necessarily direct sun, so it’s best to keep them near a window. 

Another thing to note is that the leaves’ sap can irritate dogs and cats. It’s best to keep your furry friends away from these trees! 

Bromeliad

Pet-Friendly

Looking to add some colour to your home? Bromeliads have brightly coloured flowers and can survive off fluorescent light alone! They’re relatively easy to take care of but require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Bromeliads are tropical plants, meaning they love humidity and do great in bathrooms with windows. 

Dieffenbachia 

NOT Pet-Friendly 

Who came first - Prime Minister Diefenbaker or this plant? It was this plant -discovered in 1830 in Vienna. Also known as dumb cane, this plant prefers to be kept in moist soil and indirect sunlight. 

Once again, the leaves of dieffenbachia contain calcium oxalates, so it’s best to keep them away from curious cats and dogs. 

Spider Plant

Pet-Friendly 

Spider plants are a popular house plant due to their fast-growing nature. They like moist soil and need to be kept in indirect sunlight to keep their leaves from burning. Best of all, they are safe for cats and dogs to nibble on, so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s safety. 

However, the chemicals in the leaves act as mild hallucinogenic for cats. There is a possibility your feline friend will become addicted to the high they get from eating this plant! 

Peacock Plant

Pet Friendly

Peacock plants have gorgeous, springy leaves. That being said, they require a bit more maintenance than some other plants on our list - they need regular watering to keep from drying out and a pot with good drainage to avoid root rot. 

Snake Plant

Not Pet-Friendly 

Snake plants are another popular houseplant due to their hardiness and striking appearance. Great for brown thumbs, snake plants only need to be watered once every 2-3 weeks and do great in low light and shade. They will, however, grow faster if placed in bright light in front of a window. 

The leaves are mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and kids and cause nausea and diarrhea, so it’s best to keep them out of reach when possible. 

Peperomia Obtusifolia 

Pet-Friendly

Although a mouthful, peperomia plants are beautiful rubber plants that do great on window sills and other surfaces near or around windows. They're also low maintenance, needing only to be watered once the soil dries out every few weeks. 

Ponytail Palm 

Pet-Friendly 

This mini-tree looks like something straight out of a Doctor Seuss book - and is excellent for brown-thumbs and travellers! Technically, it’s not a palm plant; it’s a succulent, requiring minimal watering and only once the soil is completely dry. Every now and then, it might need a ‘haircut’ to trim old leaves that have started to brown. 

Red Anthurium 

NOT Pet-Friendly

Anthuriums are another excellent plant for adding colour to your space. They require warmth and humidity to thrive and moist, well-drained soil. These plants are tricky to take care of, but plant lovers benefit from the beautiful flowers that last almost 3 months each time the plant blooms! 

ZZ Plant

Not Pet-Friendly

ZZ plants are great for brown thumbs since their virtually unkillable. They’re tough as nails and can survive in pretty much any light. Plus their drought-resistant. ZZ plants only need to be watered once the soil dries out every few weeks. 

Although not lethal, ZZ plants will make your furry friends nauseous if eaten, so it’s best to keep them out of reach. 

Where to Find Plants in London

Now that you have your plant shopping list, we recommend shopping local and have compiled a list of places to buy houseplants in London: 

• Parkway Garden Centre
• Grow & Bloom Co.
• Van Luyk Greenhouses and Garden Centre
• Heeman’s
• A&M Garden Centre
• Tropicouture Plants