Hey everyone! I recently moved into a basement apartment that has become a bit on the chilly side this winter. I can't control the thermostat because it's managed by the unit above, which makes it hard to maintain a stable temperature. Right now, the indoor temperature fluctuates between 50 and 78 degrees, which isn't ideal for most plants. My snake plant is the only one that survived, and I'd love to find some other types that can thrive in low-light and cooler conditions. I really miss having a variety of plants around, and I'm hoping to avoid fighting the natural environment of my place. If anyone has suggestions for interesting plants with unique leaf variations (besides snake plants, which I find a bit dull), I'd really appreciate it!
3 Answers
You might want to consider getting some grow lights, as the lack of natural light could be a bigger issue than the cold. For easier care, I’d suggest starting with pothos, spider plants, or holiday cacti. They thrive in lower light and are simple to propagate, so you can gradually fill your space with more plants as you get comfortable!
Just to let you know, having temperatures drop to around 50°F might actually be against housing laws depending on your area. If it gets too cold, you might want to bring it up with your landlord! But for plants, most can handle short drops to the 50s as long as it warms up again. Consider getting a grow light to help keep things lively, especially if you don’t have any windows.
If you're looking for interesting plants, Aeoniums are a great choice! They handle cooler temps pretty well. Also, check out local nurseries for plants that thrive in deep shade; they might have some hidden gems for your space. Just make sure you have some warm and grow lights to give them a good boost during the day if the temperature stays low!