
These Easy To Care For Plants Can Thrive With Little To No Sunlight

I was first introduced to my love of plants through my mom. There were always plants in our home and we had a luscious garden in the front and back yards. I would watch her water them, cut off dead leaves, repot them, you name it. As a child, I never really gave too much thought as to why she always spent so much time nurturing them, I would just get annoyed whenever she would make me work in the garden with her. Baking in the hot sun while pulling out weeds from the flowerbeds wasn't my idea of fun and still isn't. However, I have developed a love for plants myself.
When I moved into my first place, I was excited to have my own plants to take care of and surround myself with. Because my mom had a lot of plants of her own, I begged her to give me a few to put in my space. She obliged and my apartment finally had its very own greenery. However, my lack of experience taking care of plants resulted in all but one dying.
But I wasn't ready to give up, so I begged my mom to give me another shot and now I have an aloe vera plant that I am proud to say is still thriving. With all that being said, I am still learning new things about plants, such as how often you should water them, how to properly pot them (and repot them), and knowing which ones need sunlight to grow and which ones don't. I live in an apartment that doesn't have a lot of natural light coming in so I have been on a mission to find plants that can grow in little to no light. Here are my results:
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The Best Indoor Plants That Can Survive With Low To No Sunlight
English Ivy
Etsy / Theplantchica
Ivy is probably one of the most popular plants that you will find indoors. Not only did I have one in my home growing up, but I would almost always see it in other people's homes as well. Ivy maintenance is pretty easy as it grows better when the soil is more on the dry side.
Snake Plant
Etsy / PlantCraftingCo.
The snake plant is also easy to maintain. You can go weeks at a time without needing to water it and it can improve the air quality in your home.
Maidenhair Fern
Anthropologie
The Maidenhair Fern is one of the plants that you would have to mist with a spray bottle daily, as it can be easy to drown it with water. It also grows better in slightly acidic soil.
Cast Iron Plant
Etsy / 9EzTropical
Though a slow grower, this plant is robust, hence the name 'cast iron' and its leaves are full and healthy. Also known by the name Aspidistra elatior, cast iron plants are an evergreen foilage house plant can survive dry air and forgotten water days, making it a great choice for low-maintenance plant-lovers.
Lucky Bamboo
Plants.com
The Lucky Bamboo plant needs a little light to grow, so placing it near a window would be ideal. You can grow it in soil or water, but if you decide to grow it in water, make sure to change the water every two to four weeks.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is great for beginners as it can pretty much withstand anything. However, be sure not to water the soil to the point where it gets soggy or it can lead to root rot.
Monstera
Etsy / RareHousePlants
Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, the Monstera is known for its unique splits in its leaves and stiff roots. It grows best in warmer temperatures and needs to be repotted every year.
Chamaedorea
Home Depot
The Chamaedorea is a palm plant that, with indirect sunlight, can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is also known as being an excellent air purifier.
Sago Palm
Garden Goods Direct
Although the name suggests its a palm plant, it's actually a cycad plant and it can be grown indoors and outdoors. The Sago Palm thrives with little moisture, so water it sparingly.
Chinese Evergreen
Etsy / findusintheforest
The Chinese Evergreen plant can handle a variety of growing conditions as it is tough and easy to manage. However, make sure to check for pest periodically as it can harbor spider mites, scales, mealy bugs, and aphids.
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Originally published on January 26, 2019.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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