Alaska’s long, dark winters can make growing house plants difficult. All species need some light year-round, but there are a few that will thrive even if they’re getting only artificial light. Here’s what you need to know to bring a touch of green to your home even during the longest night.

Types of Indoor Plants That Tolerate Low Light

Many popular house plants come from natural low-light settings, like a jungle floor where light is partly blocked out by the dense canopy overhead. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine) both grow in shady environments. 

Others, like snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), need more abundant sunlight to grow initially, but once they’re established, they’ll tolerate shade. Place these varieties near a window during summer to give them a boost, and they’ll stay healthy all winter.

How to Care for Low-Light Plants

While the light needs of these species are modest, they do need some exposure to light. Ordinary LED bulbs in your home are enough to keep them healthy. You can help maximize their exposure by placing them up high, either on a shelf or in a hanging basket. Mirrors can also help redirect light to where it’s most needed.

Each species has its own water and fertilizer needs. Pothos needs only weekly watering and a monthly dose of plant food. Dumb cane needs much more water; you should do this daily to avoid letting the soil dry out, and fertilize it mostly during the spring and summer. Snake plants don’t tolerate overwatering, so feel the soil; let it dry out completely before you water it again. Monthly fertilizer treatments will help keep it healthy and green.

For beautiful indoor plants that will thrive in Alaska, visit P & M Garden Services Inc in Eagle River, AK. For 45 years, their locally owned greenhouse has provided the Anchorage and Wasilla areas with beautiful potted plants and flower arrangements to bring a little nature into your home. To ask about their inventory, call (907) 694-9293 or visit their website today.