As fall creeps in, the days shorten and natural light dwindles. Fortunately, there are tons of house plants that thrive in low light environments and they are just as beautiful as their sunny counterparts! This article features five plants that fair well in the darker months.

Money Tree

Money trees (Pachira aquatica) are native to Central and South America, this unassuming house plant can grow up to 60 feet tall in its natural habitat (but don't worry, it won't get that big in your home!). It likes to grow in swamps, so a room with moderate to high humidity is ideal, like your bathroom.  Avoid direct sunlight, as this will cause leaf-scorching (plant sunburn) and leaf loss.  Learn more on how to care for a money tree here.

Light

Indirect sunlight is ideal. This plant will thrive in a north facing window.

Watering

Money trees prefer to remain moist. Keep it from sitting in stagnating water to prevent rot. It enjoys a bit of humidity because it is a tropical plant.

Soil

Standard potting soil is great for a Money Tree.

Air Plant

Air plants (Tillandsia sp.) are strange, fascinating plants since they grow on top of surfaces rather than in the ground. There are many types of plants that grow this way, but when we hear "air plant" we typically think of species in the genus Tillandsia. One reason we love air plants so much is that they're so easy to care for - even if you have branded yourself with a black thumb! 

Light

Air plants thrive in bright indirect light, so they're perfect for hanging in your north or west facing windows. 

Watering

We recommend misting them once or twice weekly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they dry off within a few hours, or you may have issues down the road due to overwatering. 

Soil

None.

Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo moss balls (Aegagropila linnaei) are not actually moss at all, they are a species of round algae (plant-like organism that makes energy from sunlight but lives in water) that grow on the bottom of a few fresh water lakes around the world. They make a fun statement to any room, and come in a variety of sizes. All they require of you in some water and a consistent cool temperature.

Light

Marimo thrive in low, indirect light. If they begin to turn brown, move them to a cooler location with less direct light. 

Watering

You don’t need to “water” a marimo like you would a plant, as it is an aquatic species and lives in fresh water. Do change your marimo’s water once every two weeks using regular tap water.

Soil

None.

Bird’s Nest Fern

The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium sp.) comes in a few, stunning varieties. This tropical plant's leaves range from extremely curly and lace like to wavy or straight, and they typically grow up to two feet long. Regardless of the leaf type, all varieties of Bird's Nest Ferns prefer to be away from direct sunlight. They are slightly more forgiving than other fern plants, making them great for beginners. Plus they will add a sense of refinement to any room!  

Light

Indirect sunlight is ideal. This plant will thrive in a north facing window.

Watering

Bird's Nest Ferns prefer to remain moist. Keep it from sitting in stagnating water to prevent rot. It enjoys a bit of humidity because it is a tropical plant, but it's less necessary for this type of fern.

Soil

Standard potting soil is great for the Bird's Nest Fern.  

Staghorn Fern 

Staghorn Ferns (Platycerium sp). are a unique variety of fern that, well, resemble a stag’s horns. Most of them feature a “shield” at their base for some added protection, and it's totally normal for them to turn brown. These ferns are great for low light rooms and they grow well in hanging baskets or mounted on boards.

Light

Staghorn Ferns prefer medium to bright indirect light. They're used to growing on the trunks of trees, so they naturally prefer some shade.

Watering

Much like air plants, Staghorn Ferns need to be misted or soaked once per week. If misting, take care to mist the entire plant. When soaking on a board, leave it in the water for 10-20 minutes.

Soil

Staghorn Ferns prefer to grow on something, rather than in something. If placed in a basket or pot, it is important to use fast draining soil such as cactus or succulent mixes. When mounting on boards, they  prefer sphagnum moss.

What’s your favorite fall plant?