15 indoor plants for partial shade and shade

The philodendron is native to the South American rainforests, which can be seen by looking at its large, palm-like glossy green leaves. However, there are also species that have reddish-purple foliage. Due to its origin, the tree lover is used to shady locations under the canopy of tall rainforest trees. The light supply is ideal at a distance of about 3 to 4 m from a window.

The indoor plants form a flower only in rare cases. Although the reddish structure appears quite attractive, it is advisable to separate the flower for two reasons. On the one hand, it robs the plant of a lot of energy, on the other hand, it gives off an unpleasant odor, which is particularly noticeable in closed rooms.

Dragon Tree (Dracaena)

• maximum light supply: 3 hours daily
• Watering: little
• Temperaturoptimum: 15°C

The dragon tree from Africa or the Central American and Asian tropics impresses with its tall growth and several strong trunks. Many people also know Dracaena as lucky bamboo. Does this name come from the air-purifying effect? You can count yourself lucky if you choose a specimen with soft leaves that you won’t cut yourself on when cleaning your home.

Ivy (Hedera Helix)

• maximum light supply: tolerates any location
• Watering: Spray regularly with lime-free water
• Optimum temperature: preferably cool (warmth accelerates growth)

Around 9 to 11 different ivy species are native to the northern hemisphere. Each of them has a different pattern. In this regard, the grower has the choice between a uniform green, white-speckled foliage or leaves with a striking yellow tinge. Due to the diversity of its appearance, ivy is one of the leaf ornamental plants. Its climbing growth also makes it a popular houseplant. What luck that its foliage shines green all year round. Only pet owners are advised not to cultivate it due to the toxic plant juices.

Efeutute (Epipremnum aureum)

• maximum light supply: continuously bright, but no direct sun
• Watering: moderate
• Temperaturoptimum: 15°C

The ivy belongs to the arum family and is related to the philodendron. Anyone who has already gained experience with the tree friend can use their care requirements as a basis for cultivation. The ivy is the perfect beginner’s plant as it has few requirements. She is preferably tied to a moss stick to prevent her aerial roots from climbing over shelves. Even with its slender growth, its leathery, partly patterned leaves have an attractive appearance. From its appearance it can be concluded that it is an exotic plant. The rainforests of Asia and Australia are their original home, where they can grow up to 20 m in the wild.

Elefantenfuß (Beaucarnea)

• maximum light supply: 5 hours per day
• Casting: minor
• Temperaturoptimum: 15°C

The elephant foot comes from Mexico and is visually reminiscent of an indoor palm tree . Its most striking feature, however, is the trunk that gave it its name. At the transition to the root ball, this shows a thickening reminiscent of an elephant’s foot. In Germany, however, the term Pony Tail is also common. The houseplants are primarily suitable for partial shade, as too much darkness inhibits growth. Otherwise, the elephant foot is remarkably easy to care for.

Judgment

• maximum light supply: preferably in permanent semi-shade
• Watering: Always keep the substrate moist
• Temperaturoptimum: 15°C

Evergreen ferns bring the jungle into your own four walls. The immeasurable diversity of varieties makes the spore plants so popular. Ferns are now also growing in the wild in this country. The grower usually encounters them in shady forests, because sunlight turns their leaves yellow and causes burns. When cultivating in closed rooms, care must also be taken to ensure that the humidity is high. Dark bathrooms are the best place for centuries-old plants.

window leaf (Monstera)

• maximum light supply: bright location possible, but no direct sun
• Watering: always keep moist
• Temperaturoptimum: 22°C

The window leaf conveys a true jungle atmosphere. The leathery, shiny leaves are riddled with holes and are vaguely reminiscent of palm fronds. In addition, aerial roots up to one meter long climb out of the planter. The window leaf is ideal as a room divider because, despite its name, it does not require a direct seat at the window. Monstera is evergreen even in the shade .

Flamingoblume (Anthurie)

• maximum light supply: no direct sun (east or west window)
• Casting: a lot
• Temperaturoptimum: 20°C

Where the flamingo flower got its name from is obvious at first glance. The exotic, creamy white flowers are reminiscent of the shape of the pink birds. It is an imitation in two senses, because the original flamingo flowers are too demanding for indoor cultivation. Breeds, however, make maintenance easy for the owner. Anthurium is also ideal as a cut flower, although it would be a shame to separate the flowers from the heart-shaped leaves as the flamingo flower blooms almost all year round.

Friedenslilie (Spathiphyllum)

• maximum light supply: 3 to 5 hours daily
• Casting: a lot
• Temperaturoptimum: 15°C

Single leaf, sheath leaf or leaf flag, all the synonyms indicate the appearance of the peace lily. Its white flower is almost entirely encased in a single leaf. This unusual growth habit is once again an exotic species. This time the indoor plants come from the Amazon. Accordingly, the peace lily requires high humidity. Too dry an environment will result in brown leaves. Spathiphyllum thrives in the shade but avoids direct sunlight. In its homeland, the plant is a true survivor: it can even survive below the surface of the water during floods.

Lucky Feather (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• maximum light supply: no direct sun
• Watering: little
• Temperaturoptimum: 21°C

The lucky feather from East Africa, also known as zamie, also belongs to the aroid family. The indoor plants usually reach a height of 1m, but with good care and a suitable location in the semi-shade they develop into even larger structures. Even in the shade, Zamioculcas zamiifolia thrives as it is incredibly hardy and adaptable. Thanks to its succulent properties, its dark green glossy pinnate leaves are able to store water for a long time.

Grünlilie (Chlorophytum comosum)

• maximum light supply: bright, but no direct sun
• Pouring: medium
• Optimum temperature: 21°C (growth stagnates below 10°C)

With its long leaves and white flowers, the spider plant is an eye-catcher for the home. It is particularly pleasing that the houseplants bloom all year round, even in the shade or partial shade. However, Chlorophytum comosum requires large amounts of nutrients. Keeping them in plant pots limits their availability, so the breeder must use a suitable substrate. Palm soil is recommended, for example.

Cobtail (Aglaonema)

• maximum light supply: maximum 3 hours of direct sunlight
• Watering: moderate, also tolerates dry periods
• Temperaturoptimum: 18°C

The cob thread comes from the rain forests in and around Indonesia. With a maximum growth height of 90 cm, the indoor plants remain comparatively small. Due to their ground-level location, they are used to a location in the shade. If the sun is too intense, the sensitive leaves threaten to burn quickly. Another advantage of a location in the shade or semi-shade is the slowed growth of the houseplant, which saves the grower maintenance effort. In general, the cobtail is considered to be very undemanding, which makes it a popular office plantpower. Aglaonema is still rare, because among the few 55 species, only a small selection of varieties is suitable as houseplants. Among them, however, are numerous handsome specimens with a beautiful leaf pattern. Due to the almost no trunk, the leaves seem to grow straight out of the substrate.

Lanzenrosette (Aechmea)

• maximum light supply: bright, but no blazing sun
• Watering: moderate with soft rainwater
• Optimum temperature: 18°C ​​to 20°C

The lance rosette is an attractive eye-catcher that even beginners can cultivate. Bright pink flowers surrounded by rosette-shaped leaves appear from May to October. After the flowers have faded, this rosette remains as a decorative plant decoration for a few weeks. Although the rosette of lances is very frugal in terms of its location, it must not be completely in the shade. Some daylight is essential for healthy development.

Purpurtute (Syngonium podophyllum)

• maximum light supply: bright, but no direct sun
• Watering: moderate
• Temperaturoptimum: 21°C

Depending on the space available in the apartment, the purple mare is suitable either for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant on a trellis. Although the reddish coloring of their leaves is typical for indoor plants – the name suggests it – specimens with a green and white look are also available. Regardless of the variety, the shape of the foliage changes with age. When young, they appear arrow-shaped. Later they begin to divide, which increases the charm of these indoor plants, which are best kept in semi-shade.

Dwarf pepper (Peperomia)

• maximum light supply: morning and evening sun is sufficient
• Watering: little
• Optimum temperature: 18°C ​​to 23°C

The dwarf pepper hardly takes up any space and is the ideal houseplant for narrow, dark spaces. The pot plant with slightly succulent properties has a remarkable variety of species. The breeder can choose from around 1,600 different varieties. Each copy is optically unique. Sometimes the long leaves taper to a point, sometimes they are plate-shaped and round from the plant shoot. They are either smooth or curly. In addition to green houseplants, there are also reddish-brown or two-tone plants.