Just to add on plant choices for indoors/low light: this one is by our north facing window
Clivia plants
I had a bloom last Feb 2015, a cheerful bloom during winter time:
Hoya shooting star - I find this a really easy low light plant, and does not mind overwatering really, since I deliberately make it sit in water. It blooms on and off all year long indoors. This one is by our west facing window and north facing sliding glass door, but partially covered by a curtain most of the time.
Ficus microcarpa ginseng is also an easy plant to grow. I always love its caudex. During summer I can bring it outdoors but only at the northside of my garden. During cold season, once temps start going below 50F, it stays indoors till mid Spring, much reduced watering during the cold season.
