What Plants Like Shade in Pots

Not all plants thrive in the bright sun. Some prefer the cool and comfortable shade, especially in pots where the soil can dry out quickly. If you have a shadier spot in your home or garden and want to add some greenery, here are some plants that like shade in pots:

Begonias

Begonias are popular for their bright and showy blooms and their ability to grow well in shade. They prefer a rich, well-draining soil mix and regular watering, especially during the warmer months. You can plant begonias in pots or hanging baskets, and they come in different colors and types, such as tuberous, fibrous, and rhizomatous begonias.

Ferns

Ferns are another shade-loving plant that adds a lot of texture and movement to any space. They prefer moist soil and high humidity, which makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or other humid areas. You can choose from a variety of ferns, such as maidenhair, bird's nest, and staghorn ferns, and pair them with complementary plants in a mixed container garden.

Hostas

Hostas are easy to grow shade-loving plants that are ideal for pots or garden beds. They have large, bold leaves in different shades of green, blue, or variegated colors, and produce tall spikes of white or lavender flowers in the summer. To grow hostas in pots, choose a deep container with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining soil mix that is kept moist but not soggy.

Impatiens

Impatiens are colorful annuals that bloom in a variety of shades, from pink and red to white and lavender. They prefer shade or filtered light and moist soil, which makes them perfect for pots and hanging baskets on your porch, balcony, or patio. To keep your impatiens blooming all season long, fertilize them regularly and pinch back the spent flowers to promote new blooms.

Caladiums

Caladiums are tropical plants that are grown for their spectacular colored foliage and their ability to tolerate shade. They have heart-shaped leaves in different shades of pink, red, green, or white, and can thrive in pots or garden beds. To grow caladiums in pots, choose a large container with good drainage, fill it with a well-draining soil mix, and water the plant regularly but avoid getting the leaves wet.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of plants that like shade in pots. There are many others, such as coleus, heuchera, and azaleas, that can add color and interest to your space without requiring a lot of sunlight. Just make sure to choose the right container, soil mix, and watering schedule for each plant, and you'll have a gorgeous garden even in the shadiest spots.