Low Light Cactus Plants

on Mar 16, 2015 As those of us who just don’t get great sun in their homes might already know, lack of light is the primary reason that your terrarium plants might croak (next to overwatering, of course). But don’t give up just yet! There are plenty of low light tolerant plants out there–even succulents!–that work wonders in terrariums. 1 – Rhipsalis species Sometimes called “mistletoe cactus,” we love this genus of epiphytic jungle cacti for it’s bright green branches unique structure. Plus there are hundreds of varieties, all of which are well suited for low-medium light. 2 – Hatiora salicornioides “Drunkard’s bones” Think of Drunkard’s bones as Rhipsalis’ woodier cousin. More upright growing, we love this plant because in addition to being easy to care for, it creates an uncannily underwater vibe in a terrarium. 3 – Haworthia species Our ultimate go-to succulent for low light terrariums, planters and just about everything else, members of the haworthia genus are sometimes striped with white, sometimes jewel-like, and always beautiful and just as hardy.

We use a haworthia in just about every low light terrarium we make! 4 – Gasteria species A haworthia and aloe relative, gasteria are smoother and less geometric than some other succulents, but easy to care for and producing lots of baby offshoot plants. The quintessential “beginner” houseplant, philodendron (especially darker-leafed, non-variegated varieties) thrive in a tropical terrarium. Given their vining habit, they fare particularly well in hanging vessels.The pothos brazil (and more common golden pothos) have you covered. This plant is nearly indestructible and makes a great low light terrarium plant. Because it’s highly sensitive to drying out, fittonia makes a perfect low light terrarium plant. We love it because it’s starkly patterned leaves provide color and contrast – it makes a great accent plant – just don’t forget to keep it wet. 8 – Sansevieria ‘Snake plant’ (compact varieties) The ultimate low-maintenance plant, straddling the line between succulent and tropical, sansevieria, especially smaller, more compact species, thrive in a low light terrarium with little care.

This plant is a perfect choice for someone who needs low light terrarium plants but doesn’t want to have to remember to water very often! Sometimes called ‘Earth stars,’ we love cryptanthus because, with their shallow roots, they fit just about anywhere.
German Bathroom Mirror CabinetsPlus, they often have deep pink, red and green colors, all on the same plant!
Funky King Size Comforter SetsA beautiful accent for your low light terrarium.
Does Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Get Hot 10 – Asplenium ‘Bird’s nest fern’ Though many people swear by ferns as the best low light terrarium plants, we’ve found that the bird’s nest fern fares the best of them all. Beautifully shaped and slow growing, this bright green beauty makes a fabulous choice for a low light terrarium.

What are your favorite low light terrarium plants? Join the conversation on facebook!Cast Iron Plant - Aspidistra Elatior Easy and low light: The cast iron plant is one of the easiest house plants I have come across to care for. While this species does prefer bright light it survives well in shaded spots and rooms lacking natural light. The main way a grower can harm this plant is by over-watering or re-potting too often, so for those that forget about watering and care will love the aspidistra elatior (botanical name). Corn Plant - Dracaena Fragrans Easy and low light: Another favorite for many households and offices is the corn plant that looks outstanding as a focal point within a large sized room. This plant will grow best in bright light conditions, but it tolerates low light as well. Like other dracaena's it's a slow growing plant that tolerates neglect. Worst things to do is over water, sit it in direct sun for too long or let it get too cold. Mother In Laws Tongue - Sansevieria T

Easy and low light: The mother in laws tongue (also known as snake plant) is a flowering species which is primarily grown for it's slick looking long leaves. This is a slow growing plant which anyone can grow because of it's low or high sun light tolerance and ease of watering. I would put this species on the same par as the cast iron plant above, for being so easy to grow. Dragon Tree - Dracaena Marginata Easy to grow: The dragon tree is another plant that is near impossible to kill. I have seen so many of these (including one I'm growing now) reach what seemed to be death, to see it return to it's full glory after re-potting and care. Direct sunlight and over-watering is not something the dracaena marginata likes at all. Parlor Palm - Chamaedorea Elegans Easy and low light: The parlor palm is one of the smaller indoor palms. Average room temperatures, not too much watering and just about enough light but not direct sunlight will keep this plant happy. Fully grown the neanthe bella (other common name used) will reach approximately 4ft tall and displays quite wide leaflets.

ZZ Plant - Zamioculcas Zamiifolia Easy and low light: The worst thing you can do to a ZZ plant is over water it, otherwise it survives well, even with a certain amount of neglect. This easy to grow plant will grow well in low lighting conditions and with bright light, so you can't go wrong, really. It's appearance is like a small tree or bush. Lucky Bamboo Plant - Dracaena Braunii Easy to grow: The lucky bamboo plant is a very popular house plant that is nice and easy to care for. It likes indirect sunlight but it does like its bright light. The lucky bamboo grown in it's native country (West Africa) can grow up to 5ft tall (or much more), and as a house plant up to approximately 2 or 3 feet. These are grown in water or potted soil. Spider Plant - Chlorophytum Comosum Easy to grow: Just about everyone has owned, owns or have seen a spider plant within a home. This is one of the most popular house plants and very easy to grow, but it does need a fair amount of light.