Nephrolepis, a fern to put in total shade.
What plants would you put under a tree or in a place not exposed to the sun (at least, not directly)? Although it may seem easy to choose the species, it really is not so, because although there are many that can be in shade, not all of those could grow in total shade.
So how can we know? Good, next we are going to talk to you about total shade plantsrecommending those species that will live well in sheltered corners of the star king.
What does total shadow mean?
For the avoidance of doubt, I think it is important to clarify this term first. When we talk about plants with total shade, we refer to those that should not be directly exposed to the sun at any time.because its leaves would not support it and would burn. These are the ones that grow naturally in the shade of trees or other large plants, either in the forest or in the jungle.
So, if our garden, patio or balcony is not directly exposed to the sun, or if we have areas where there is always shade, then we can choose to decorate it with the following plants.
Selection of full shade plants
Trees, shrubs, climbing plants … There are many plants with total shade that will brighten up our stay. These are the ones we recommend:
Japanese maple
There are many types of japanese maples, but although the vast majority must be in shade, not all need as much protection from the sun as cultivars with yellowish or multi-colored leaves. For instance, the ‘Katsura’ or the ‘Butterfly’ must be in total shade, especially if they are grown in warm temperate climates such as the Mediterranean. But that is not a serious problem, because by tolerating pruning they can be kept in pots. Likewise, they must be watered regularly throughout the year, since they do not withstand drought. They support up to -18ºC.
Aspidistra
Image – Flickr / Phillip Merritt
La aspidistra It is a herbaceous plant widely used as an indoor plant since it does not need much light. In fact, if it is kept outdoors it is important that it be in total shade so that it can grow normally. It reaches a height of approximately 40 centimeters, and is characterized by having dark green or variegated leaves (green and white). In addition, it needs little water and supports up to -7ºC.
Asplenium
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Vincent Malloy
Asplenium or bird nest It is an evergreen fern whose leaves are about 80 centimeters long, and are green. It is an ideal plant to plant in the shady corners of the garden, as well as on a balcony or terrace protected from the sun. It must be watered several times a week, and it is important that the humidity is high so that it can grow well. Resists mild frosts down to -2ºC.
Calathea
Image – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
La calathea It is a herbaceous plant that is characterized by having rounded leaves of decorative colors, such as green, red or white. There are many varieties, and all of them reach heights between 30 and 50 centimeters. They also produce ornamental, orange flowers in spring. The downside is that they can’t stand the cold, but if you want to keep them outside, you have to put them in total shade.
clivia
Image – Wikimedia / Raul654
La clivia It is a perennial rhizomatous plant, which reaches 30 centimeters in height. It has dark green tapered leaves, and a floral stem sprouts from its center, from the end of which several orange flowers emerge during spring.. It is possible to grow it in a pot, although we recommend that it be wider than tall since it has a tendency to take out suckers and its root system is short. Withstands frosts down to -7ºC.
Ivy
Image – Wikimedia Commons / James St. John
La ivy it is an evergreen climber or upholstery that can exceed 5 meters in length. It has dark green leaves, and although it produces flowers, these are greenish and are not always seen. Of course, you have to know that the fruit, which is a black berry of more or less one centimeter, is poisonous. It grows quickly and withstands drought, as well as frosts down to -12ºC.
Cough
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Stan Shebs
La cough It is a rhizomatous plant characterized by having leaves that grow forming a low rosette, of about 30 centimeters. Depending on the species and cultivar, it can be green, bluish-green, green with a yellowish center, or green with white margins.. The flowers are grouped in clusters and are white or bluish. It is highly recommended to apply products to eliminate snails and slugs during the rainy season as these animals devour it. But otherwise, it resists frosts down to -12ºC.
Living room palm tree
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Bachelor Pierre JP
When we speak of the living room palm tree, we refer to the Chamaedorea elegans. This is relatively small, as it does not exceed 2 meters in height. It has pinnate leaves one meter long, and a very thin trunk 2 centimeters thick.. It is sold in pots with multiple independent specimens, which is a problem because in the end only the strongest will remain. The good thing about it is that it is easy to care for since it only needs a couple of irrigations a week. Supports up to -2ºC.
Homies
El pothos It is an evergreen climber that reaches 20 meters high, although when it is grown in a pot it does not usually exceed 4 meters. It has heart-shaped leaves, green or variegated (green and white). It grows fast, and does not need much care: only a couple of waterings a week, and the occasional pruning when we see that its stems are growing too much. But it must also be taken into account that it is sensitive to frost; in fact, it should be protected from the cold when it drops below 15ºC.
Sansevieria
Image – Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
La sansevier It is a plant with fleshy leaves that are green, variegated or bluish-green depending on the variety. It can reach a height of between 30 and 60 centimeters, and its growth rate is generally slow.. Throughout the spring it produces light colored flowers. It resists drought quite well, but not frost.
Which or which of these total shade plants did you like the most?
