Florida’s unique climate can make gardening tricky, especially in shadier spots where the sun rarely reaches. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create beautiful container gardens!
Whether you’re dealing with a covered lanai, screened porch, or simply the north side of your home, these shade-loving plants thrive in pots across the Sunshine State, even without much direct sunlight.
1. Peace Lily
Growing peace lilies in Florida’s humid climate feels almost effortless. These elegant white-flowered plants actually prefer the filtered light of a shady porch or lanai.
I’ve had success keeping mine in plastic pots with drainage holes, which helps maintain consistent soil moisture. The glossy green leaves stay attractive year-round, even when not flowering.
Just remember to check the soil weekly – when the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. During summer, mine need watering twice weekly, while winter requires just once every 7-10 days.
2. Cast Iron Plant
Nothing beats the reliability of cast iron plants for Florida’s challenging conditions. These tough performers earned their name by withstanding neglect that would kill most houseplants.
The deep green, strap-like leaves maintain their color even in the darkest corners of my screened porch. Unlike fussier options, cast iron plants rarely show brown tips or edges in our humid climate.
Repotting is needed only every 3-4 years, making maintenance minimal. My oldest specimen has survived three hurricanes and still looks fantastic in its glazed ceramic container.
3. Caladium
Heart-shaped leaves in stunning patterns make caladiums perfect for adding color to shaded spots. The pink, white, and green varieties create instant visual interest without needing flowers.
During hot Florida summers, my caladiums need watering every other day when potted. The good news is they naturally go dormant in winter, giving you a break from care.
Starting with pre-sprouted bulbs from garden centers saves time. For the best results, I use containers at least 8 inches deep to give the tubers plenty of room to develop their showy foliage.
4. Bromeliad
Bromeliads bring tropical flair to shaded spaces with minimal effort. Their colorful central cups hold water naturally, making them surprisingly drought-tolerant once established.
Each plant flowers just once, producing a bright bloom that can last for months in Florida’s climate. After flowering, the mother plant gradually declines while producing baby offsets around its base.
My collection started with just three plants but expanded to thirteen through these pups. For best results, use well-draining potting mix and containers that won’t tip over from the sometimes top-heavy growth pattern.
5. Ferns (Boston Or Kimberly Queen)
Ferns create instant tropical atmosphere in shady corners of Florida patios. The feathery fronds move gently with every breeze, adding a relaxing element to outdoor living spaces.
Boston ferns prefer hanging baskets where their arching fronds can cascade dramatically. Kimberly Queen varieties grow more upright, making them better suited for standard pots.
Misting helps during particularly dry periods, though our natural humidity usually suffices. My oldest fern has been thriving for seven years in the same spot on my north-facing porch, proving their longevity when properly placed.
6. Begonia (Rex Or Wax)
Rex begonias showcase incredible leaf patterns that outshine most flowering plants. Their swirled colors and metallic sheens look almost painted by hand, bringing artistic flair to shaded areas.
Wax begonias offer more flowers but equally impressive performance in Florida’s humidity. Both types have performed wonderfully in self-watering containers on my covered patio.
Watering from below prevents the leaf spotting that can occur when moisture sits on foliage. For extra humidity during winter’s drier months, I group several pots together, creating a microclimate they seem to appreciate.
7. Snake Plant
Snake plants thrive in those tricky dark corners where other plants fail. Their upright, architectural growth creates strong visual lines that complement Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Overwatering poses the biggest threat to these otherwise bulletproof plants. My approach involves completely forgetting about them for weeks, then giving a thorough soak when I finally remember.
Terra cotta pots work especially well by wicking away excess moisture. The plants grow slowly but steadily, eventually filling their containers with dramatic sword-like leaves that need minimal maintenance even during summer vacation absences.
8. Coleus
Coleus plants bring painterly splashes of color to shaded Florida gardens without needing flowers. The leaf patterns range from bold contrasts to subtle blends, with new varieties appearing in nurseries every season.
Pinching back the growing tips encourages bushier growth and prevents the lanky stretching that sometimes happens. Most varieties perform beautifully in morning sun with afternoon shade, perfect for east-facing areas.
Taking cuttings ensures you’ll never need to buy more plants. My collection started with three store-bought specimens but expanded to thirteen different varieties through simple propagation in water.
9. Philodendron
Philodendrons create tropical ambiance with their distinctive leaf shapes and easy-going nature. Whether climbing or trailing, they adapt beautifully to Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Heartleaf varieties cascade elegantly from hanging baskets, while upright types like ‘Congo’ make striking floor specimens. Most perform equally well in bright indirect light or shadier conditions.
Moving pots occasionally prevents the one-sided growth that can happen when plants stretch toward light sources. My specimens have flourished for years with minimal attention, making them perfect for busy gardeners or seasonal residents.
10. Impatiens
Few flowering plants match impatiens for continuous color in Florida’s shadier spots. The newer SunPatiens varieties resist the downy mildew that sometimes affected traditional types.
Grouping several plants in larger containers creates more impressive displays than single specimens. Water needs increase during summer heat, sometimes requiring daily attention to prevent wilting.
Deadheading isn’t strictly necessary but helps maintain a tidier appearance. My containers planted with impatiens provide reliable color from October through May, making them perfect for seasonal residents who want low-maintenance options.
11. Persian Shield
Persian shield’s metallic purple leaves catch every bit of available light, even in deeply shaded areas. The iridescent quality seems to intensify in Florida’s humidity, creating a truly unique container specimen.
Occasional pinching encourages branching and prevents the sometimes leggy growth habit. During summer rainy seasons, adequate drainage becomes crucial to prevent root problems.
Combining Persian shield with silver-leaved plants creates dramatic contrast. My favorite pairing includes Persian shield with white caladiums in a cobalt blue glazed pot, creating a color scheme that pops against my home’s neutral stucco walls.
12. Pothos
Pothos vines practically grow themselves in Florida’s climate, asking almost nothing while giving lush greenery in return. The variegated leaves brighten dark corners with their marbled patterns.
Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings prevents the root rot that can happen in our humid environment. Occasional trimming keeps plants from becoming too gangly or sparse.
Starting new plants from cuttings takes minimal effort – just place stem sections in water until roots develop. My patio features several hanging baskets with pothos that started as tiny cuttings but now cascade dramatically with vines over six feet long.
13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens offer striking leaf patterns in silver, pink, and red tones that brighten shaded areas. These slow-growing plants maintain their attractive appearance with minimal attention.
Rotating pots quarterly helps ensure even growth patterns. The newer varieties with colored leaves perform surprisingly well even in darker corners of covered patios.
Grouping several plants creates a lush tropical feel without overwhelming the space. My collection includes five different varieties that have survived multiple years on my north-facing lanai, proving their adaptability to Florida’s challenging conditions.