Question
hi
I live in San Francisco so the temp drops at lowest around 37 degrees F.

My condo complex wants to put some plants in an outdoor, covered entryway to the complex.  The area gets no sunlight.  

Our criteria is based on minimal/ no sunlight, a plant that needs minimal watering, minimum care.


I've researched the following suggestions:

Sansevieria aka snake plant, minimal water but 50 degree night temp
Aglaonema
Dracaenas
Warneckii
Cyrtomium falcatum- aka rochford holly fern
NO: Kentia and Parlor Fern bc need too much h2o

These seem particularly appropriate:
***Spathiphyllum
**** Aspidistra aka cast iron plant can reach 3 ft tall
****Chinese evergreen- keep barely moist

Your thoughts?  

Answer
Sara,

I would consider sanseviera also, it will survive a few nights down to 37 deegrees ocasionally, just not weeks of that cold. They also get 3 feet or even taller. The variegated ones are especially nice.

You do need to realize that even though they do not need the sun shining on them they do need bright light.  If there is not enough light for your hand to make a shodow where you are putting the plants they will not survive. They may tske a long time to die but they will go slowly downhill. I think the ones you are considering are great. Good luck!

Darlene