11 Plants That Thrive in Low-Light Dark Boho Interiors
This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Read more on our Affiliate Disclosure Page.
The dark boho interior style has taken the design world by storm, combining the free-spirited essence of bohemian decor with moody, dramatic color palettes. This unique aesthetic creates spaces that are both cozy and visually appealing, often featuring rich textures, eclectic patterns, and a mixture of vintage and modern elements.
However, one crucial component of any bohemian-inspired space is the presence of plants, which can pose a challenge in low-light environments often associated with dark interiors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 11 plants that not only survive but thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect additions to your dark boho living room or any other dimly lit space in your home. We’ll also give insight into care tips, styling advice, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your plant babies flourish and enhance your unique interior style.
Understanding Low-Light Conditions
Before we dive into our list of plants, it’s important to understand what constitutes “low light” in interior spaces. Low light doesn’t mean no light at all; rather, it refers to areas that receive minimal natural light throughout the day. This could be rooms with small windows, north-facing windows, or spaces far from any direct sunlight.
To assess your room’s light levels, observe how shadows fall throughout the day. If you can see a clear, crisp shadow, you likely have medium to high light. If the shadow is faint but visible, you’re dealing with low light. If you can barely see a shadow at all, you have very low light, and you’ll need to choose your plants accordingly.
Benefits of Plants in Dark Boho Interiors
Incorporating plants into your dark boho interior offers numerous benefits:
- Adding life and color: Plants provide a vibrant contrast to dark walls and furniture, creating visual interest and bringing a touch of nature indoors.
- Improving air quality: Many plants are natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels in your home.
- Enhancing the bohemian vibe: The presence of greenery is a hallmark of bohemian style, contributing to the laid-back, nature-inspired aesthetic.
- Creating texture and depth: Different leaf shapes and sizes add layers of texture to your space, making it feel more dynamic and lived-in.
Now, let’s explore 11 plants that are well-suited to low-light conditions and can thrive in your dark boho interior.
RELATED: Gypsy Soul, Dark Heart: 35 Dark Boho Living Room Designs
Low-Light Plants for Dark Boho Spaces
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” the snake plant is virtually indestructible. Its tall, architectural leaves come in various patterns and can grow in very low light conditions. It’s also an excellent air purifier, making it a top choice for bedrooms.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
With its glossy, dark green leaves, the ZZ plant is both stylish and low-maintenance. It can tolerate long periods without water and grows well in low light, making it perfect for forgetful plant parents.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This trailing plant comes in various varieties, including golden, marble queen, and neon. Pothos is incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Known for its attractive, patterned leaves, the Chinese Evergreen is an excellent choice for adding color to dark corners. It comes in various shades of green, silver, and even pink.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With its arching leaves and baby plantlets, the spider plant adds a whimsical touch to any space. It’s also one of the easiest plants to care for and propagate.
Related Post: 7 Color Palette Ideas for a Bohemian Witch Aesthetic
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily not only tolerates low light but also produces elegant white flowers. It’s an excellent air purifier and lets you know when it needs water by drooping its leaves.
Dracaena Varieties
There are many types of Dracaena, including the corn plant, dragon tree, and song of India. These plants come in various sizes and leaf patterns, all tolerating low light conditions well.
Philodendron
Both climbing and non-climbing varieties of Philodendron are excellent choices for low-light areas. They’re easy to care for and can add a lush, tropical feel to your space.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough and can survive in very low light conditions. Its dark green, leathery leaves add a touch of elegance to any room.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This classic trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets or training along walls. It grows well in low light and comes in various leaf shapes and colors.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name, lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo. It’s a resilient plant that can grow in water or soil and tolerates low light well. Its straight stalks add a structural element to your decor.
Care Tips for Low-Light Plants
While these plants are adaptable to low-light conditions, they still require proper care to thrive:
Watering: Most low-light plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Always check the soil moisture before watering, and adjust your watering schedule seasonally.
Fertilizing: Low-light plants generally grow slower and require less fertilizer. Feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Cleaning and maintenance: Regularly dust the leaves to ensure they can absorb what little light is available. Trim any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
Rotation: Rotate your plants quarterly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure, promoting even growth.
Styling Tips for Plants in Dark Boho Interiors
To make the most of your plants in a dark boho interior:
- Choose the right planters: Opt for planters that complement your decor. Terracotta pots, woven baskets, and vintage ceramic containers all work well in boho spaces.
- Mix and match: Combine plants of different sizes, textures, and growth habits for a layered, eclectic look.
- Create levels: Use plant stands, shelves, and hanging planters to create visual interest at different heights.
- Group plants together: Clustering plants can create a lush, jungle-like feel and can also help increase humidity for moisture-loving species.
- Incorporate macramé: Hanging plants in macramé plant holders adds to the bohemian vibe while freeing up floor and surface space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When caring for low-light plants in dark boho interiors, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Overwatering: More plants die from overwatering than underwatering. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
- Insufficient drainage: Ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.
- Ignoring pest issues: Even indoor plants can fall victim to pests. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and treat promptly if needed.
- Placing plants in complete darkness: Remember, low light doesn’t mean no light. Even the most shade-tolerant plants need some light to survive.
- Forgetting to dust: In low-light conditions, it’s crucial to keep leaves clean so they can absorb as much light as possible.
Conclusion
Incorporating plants into your dark boho interior not only enhances the aesthetic but also brings numerous benefits to your living space. With this diverse selection of low-light tolerant plants, you can create a lush, vibrant environment even in the moodiest of rooms.
Remember, every plant and every space is unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties and arrangements until you find what works best for your home and lifestyle. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a thriving indoor jungle that perfectly complements your dark boho style.
Additional Resources
To further your plant care knowledge, consider these resources:
Books:
- “The New Plant Parent” by Darryl Cheng
- “Wild at Home” by Hilton Carter
- “The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual” by Barbara Pleasant
Websites and Apps:
- Planta: An app that helps you care for your plants with reminders and care instructions (for iOS) (for Android)
- r/houseplants: A Reddit community for plant enthusiasts to share tips and experiences
- The Sill: Offers plant care tips and online workshops
