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Low-light houseplants: Aspidistra
Aspidistra is an evergreen plant genus that is very suitable for apartment living, especially in unfavorable light conditions. It is characterized by extremely decorative bright green foliage and its cultivation requires very little care. It is important to place the Aspidistra in a corner of the house that is not too cold and in any case protected from frost. The plant does not particularly like direct sunlight, it needs to be watered often in the summer, and only once or twice a month – in the winter. Among low-light houseplants, the Aspidistra is undoubtedly one of the most hardy and hardy, but it is good not to overwater. However, to maintain the beauty of the leaves, it is best to wash them gently with a damp cloth.
Low-light houseplants: Beaucarnea
Beaucarnea (also called “smoke eater”) is an evergreen succulent from Mexico. The stem of this miniature palm is semi-woody and is characterized by its typical bottle shape: wider at the base (where water is stored) and elongated towards the top. The branches are not numerous and at each of their ends are born tufts of leaves which descend curved downwards (hence the name of B. recurvata). In our country, the Beaucarnea is grown mainly as an ornamental plant and grows very slowly: that is why its dimensions are usually less than one and a half meters in height. Growing the smoke eater is very easy, since it is not at all affected by weather changes and tolerates any type of temperature well, but it is afraid of cold drafts.
Low-light houseplants: the Philodendron
The philodendron is a plant that often changes shape depending on the stage of development and a young plant often has a different conformation than it will take on as an adult. It adapts well to low light conditions but in apartments its height is considerably reduced compared to plants grown in greenhouses. Its emerald green leaves are sagittate, clear, shiny and can even reach 25 cm in length. Thanks to the water deposited inside the petioles, the philodendron is able to withstand even long periods of drought. The flower is spadix-shaped, very fleshy and is only formed in adult specimens, while the fruits are berry-shaped. To develop well, the philodendron needs to grow sheltered from drafts and sheltered from the sun.
The Zamia is a perennial plant of the Zamiaceae family and is one of the most cultivated indoor plants in low light thanks to its ornamental qualities and because it does not require special attention. Its leaves are very shiny, succulent, with a pinnate shape and smooth edges. For the correct development of the Zamia it is necessary that the plant be exposed in a bright environment but not in close contact with direct sunlight. It is a very resistant plant that loves heat but also lives at very low temperatures. Watering must be frequent but, when the plant is already adult, it is possible to water it only when the soil is dry. For vigorous growth, the plant should be placed in loose, well-drained soil because Zamia fears stagnation of water.