Recommended shade-tolerant potted plants: 5 species that thrive even on a desktop
Many people keep flowering plants on indoor desktops, where they struggle to grow well; most flowering plants need very abundant light to grow well, but the foliage plants below are all very suitable for growing indoors. As long as the spot where they are kept stays brightly lit, they will grow well, and they can even be grown under artificial light.
1. Pilea 'Moon Valley' (Peperomia caperata)
The Pilea 'Moon Valley' (Peperomia caperata) is very compact and perfect for placing on a desktop. Its form is very graceful and its leaves are unique, with very wrinkled patterns on the leaf surface, usually purple. As long as it is watered regularly and the soil is not left dry for long periods, it will grow well.
When caring for Pilea 'Moon Valley' (Peperomia caperata), avoid waterlogged soil; keep the minimum temperature above 5 degrees to prevent cold damage, and during care avoid scorching sun or excessive direct sunlight.
2. Nerve plant (Fittonia)
The nerve plant (Fittonia) likes semi-shaded environments and does not like being kept in places with too much light; it likes higher air humidity, so during care you should frequently spray water around it, and the soil must not be allowed to dry out. Only in the colder winter months do you need to appropriately reduce watering; in other seasons, water regularly.
3. Air plant (Tillandsia)
The air plant (Tillandsia) is very compact and can be placed anywhere, but avoid excessive scorching sun; keeping the spot brightly lit is enough. Its care method is also very simple: spray water three times a week and soak it in a basin of water for 5 to 10 minutes each month, and it will maintain good growth. Keep the air humidity relatively high and the minimum temperature above 7 degrees.
4. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has many varieties, with different patterns on the leaves; the most striking is the variegated spider plant with golden edges. It is very suitable as a hanging basket or desktop potted plant, and it grows well in bright indoor spots. It likes a warm and humid environment year-round; during the growing season, water regularly, occasionally mist the leaves, and be careful to maintain simple air humidity.
5. Ornamental maranta (Calathea)
There are many varieties of ornamental maranta (Calathea), such as the common peacock plant (Calathea makoyana), rainbow plant (Calathea roseopicta), and pinstripe plant (Calathea ornata). It especially likes cool, shady environments and actually fears too much sunlight, so placing it on a desktop is very suitable. However, during care you must be sure to spray water every day and keep the soil moist. In addition, you need to maintain higher air humidity, especially in winter; if the air is dry, its leaves easily curl and are also prone to scorched edges.