Let's say, right away - most of the plants,described in this article, belong to the category of decorative foliage, that is, all their charm is not in the flowers, but in the beautiful leaves. But this is not a small thing, if you take into account the "sunless" diet on which they usually live in our apartments.
Grow in the shade
These plants feel quite well in a dark room, the windows of which do not face the sunny side. The pots can be safely placed far from the window, in the back of the room.
Plants growing in the shade
1. Aglaonema
All the beauty of aglaonema is in itsoblong variegated leaves. The flower grows very slowly, so it can be replanted once every three years. Aglaonema loves fertilizer, warmth and humid air (you will have to spray it often). However, it does not tolerate drafts and smoke. Plant the plant in a low pot and protect it from direct sunlight. However, in complete shade, the yellow or white-green leaves will lose their decorative effect: from variegated they will turn into ordinary green ones.
2. The Aspidistra
One of the hardiest indoor plants– It is not for nothing that the English call it «cast iron». Aspidistra is not afraid of polluted air, rare watering, or dry air. However, direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the pot with aspidistra away from the window. The flower should be replanted only in case of extreme necessity - once every five years.
3. Asplenium
The second name of this plant is Kostenetsnesting, the English call it more poetically: Bird's Nest Fern - which means "fern" - bird's nest. This plant of the fern family is quite large: its sword-shaped leaves reach 60 cm in length. Asplenium, like a true fern, loves shade and humid air. Regular spraying is required. In no case should you place a pot with a plant next to a central heating battery - dry, warm air is destructive for it. Another limitation - do not touch the young leaves of the asplenium - they do not like it.
4. Helxina
A moss-like helxine with tiny delicateleaves looks beautiful in hanging planters, as well as in pots next to large, tall plants. Helxina covers the soil with an elegant green carpet. But be careful: do not plant it next to low plants - helxina can "strangle" them. Frequent watering and spraying is required from you. It is very simple for helxina: pinch off a small lump of soil with several stems and dig it into a new pot.
5. Sansevieria
Sansevieria, also known as "Mother-in-law's tongue", isthe same "Snake skin", grows in the sun and in the shade, tolerates dry air, drafts and rare watering, it can go for years without being replanted, and the plant will remain strong and beautiful. Choose what is closer to you - high leaves up to 1 m or low dense rosettes. Both varieties are equally unpretentious. The only thing that sansevieria does not tolerate is over-moistening of the soil. In winter, you can forget about watering altogether.
6. Scindapsus (Potos)
In Britain, this liana with variegated waxyleaves are called "Devil's ivy". Yellow or white streaks, drips and splashes decorate the bright green leaves of scindapsus. However, be prepared for the fact that in full shade they may fade slightly. This popular plant looks great both in a hanging pot and running along a wall. It does not tolerate drafts, dry air and direct sunlight. Spray scindapsus more often. To make the plant branch, pinch the ends of the stems.
7. Philodendron climbing
Philodendrons are tropical plants,which love very humid air and diffused light. Philodendron climbing with bright green shiny leaves is the smallest and most unpretentious of the whole family. It grows well in the shade. It is a liana, so be sure to stick a shaggy pole into the pot, which will become a support for the plant. And do not forget about regular spraying. By the way, this is a sibling of the giant beauty monstera (after all, its second name is Philodendron perforatum).
