Houseplants are an amazing, healthy hobby that has recently gained lots of traction in the mainstream. However, many people are unaware about the care many of these botanicals require. So, if you’re keen to start incorporating plants that don’t need sun into your space, let’s start by exploring the undemanding low light options.
These are the best low light indoor plants that are fantastic for beginners and pros alike. Each one is still a gorgeous green decor addition no matter how little attention it needs. Find the perfect plant for those dimmer rooms that could use a little more life. As you’re perusing our picks, keep in mind the pet plant safety and always check the ASPCA expertise on which plants are toxic.
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1. Snake Plant
A tried & true classic, the snake plant never disappoints for first-time plant parents. It’s tall, green-yellow leaves need little watering and even smaller amounts of light, making it a great choice for virtually any indoor space. Snake plants have several menacing nicknames, including the mother-in-law’s tongue and the viper’s bowstring hemp.
Water: Infrequently, about every two weeks. Be extra cautious of root rot!
Light: While snake plants prefer bright, indirect light, they can also thrive in low light
2. Cast Iron Plant
Credit: Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aspidistra_02_(fcm).jpg
Cast iron plants are hard-to-kill houseplants that require minimal light exposure. Their beautiful dark green foliage growing in an almond shape will definitely add a tropical flare to your sun-challenged rooms.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Light: Low to medium indirect sunlight, or can tolerate shade.
3. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is not only one of the most popular Indoor plants for low light, but is also available in many varieties. Because these plants come in so many varieties, you can choose a species that promotes your desired beauty and features. Do you want a flourishing plant with pink-tinged leaves? Or a tall house plant exuding a bright green color?
Water: Moderate water every 1-2 weeks.
Light: Medium light or low light, and humid conditions.
4. Peace Lilies
The peace lily isn’t nicknamed the “closet plant” for nothing. They’ll still somehow grow tucked into the darkest nooks and crannies. Set and forget the glossy green leaves as they sprout white leaf bract extrusions resembling ivory flowers. Keep the peace by wiping down leaves with a damp cloth occasionally as dust accumulates. For more tips and tricks, check out our peace lily care guide. And if you want to grow flowers yourself, learn everything about starting a cut flower garden here.
Note: Peace lilies are highly toxic to some pets including cats.
Water: Every 10 days or when the lily begins to droop
Light: Medium light or low light.
5. Prayer Plant
Despite being a tropical botanical, the prayer plant can thrive in light shade to low light areas. Take a peak after the sun goes down as the leaves fold into a “prayer pose”, hence the name. These round, dark-green leaves include pinkish veins that resemble stripes and light-green centers. Prayer plants require intermediate know-how to thrive, so refresh your green thumb status by reading our prayer plant care guide.
Water: Every 10 days with well-draining soil.
Light: Medium to low direct light.
6. Air Plants
This extra low maintenance choice is perfect for people who keep killing their plants. Air plants often grow on other flora in nature, but can lead a long and happy life indoors with little to no upkeep. It’s the king of plants that don’t need sunlight. These plants are an excellent choice to fill a hanging pot or unique vessel in your office, such as a seashell, vintage glass, or hand-made basket.
Water: Every two weeks.
Light: Low light, avoid direct light especially.
7. Money Plant
Cash in more luck, wealth and prosperity in the shadows or sunshine with a Chinese money tree. Its lightweight leaves carry a gentle nature and add a certain tranquility to possibly stuffy spots inside. Great for work spaces and countertops away from windows.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks.
Light: Prefers bright to medium, indirect light, but can tolerate low light.
8. Peacock Plant
Expect the same peacock showmanship from this equally stunning plant, adorning upright patterned leaves resembling peacock feathers. Its green and pink colors grow best indoors and may require more attention than most low-light varieties. Refresh your peacock plant habits for these finicky beauties. Many peacock plant owners use moisture meters to regulate their plants’ watering schedules.
Water: Every 10 days with well-draining soil.
Light: They love shady spots or indirect, filtered light.
9. Dumb Cane
This hardy plant is actually a smart choice for low-light dwellings. It’s large, droopy leaves grow from a trunk reaching up to six feet tall. The dumb cane is a prime option for living room corners and decor pieces in low-light basement rooms. They may produce flowers in the right conditions from their high-contrast dark and light green leaves.
Note: Dumb cane plants are very toxic to cats and dogs. Find out what plants are okay in our pet-friendly guide.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Light: Can tolerate bright to low indirect light.
10. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia) puts the z’s in pizazz with its swanky, attractive aesthetic. Up the ante on your home decor with these elegant dark green leaves sprouting in a spiral pattern. Those leaves aren’t just for looks—it’s a fantastic houseplant for air purification.
Note: These plants are toxic when ingested. Be sure to wash your hands after handling your ZZ plant and keep it away from children and pets.
Water: Every 10 days with well-draining soil.
Light: Prefers low natural light.
11. Dragon Tree
Credit: Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dracaena_draco_2.jpg
This Madagascar native is hands-down one of the easiest indoor plants for low light, even reaching eight feet in the best conditions! Its spiky, firework shape grows outward from a central stem, creating a one-of-a-kind effect.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks, and it’s drought tolerant.
Light: Loves low filtered light, or shady areas.
12. Spider Plant
Credit: Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spider_Plant_(Chlorophytum_comosum).jpg
The spider plant is a unique alternative to its popular counterpart, the snake plant. Similar in color, it will grow dark green edges on light green leaves, but sprout in a thinner, longer fashion. With enough low light and regular watering, this marvel can produce baby spider plants called “pups” at the end of their bright leaves.
Water: Every 10 days with well-draining soil.
Light: Prefers low light coverage.
13. Bromeliad
A tropical punch of color, bromeliads are a low light indoor plant that can grow a colorful central rosette. Their small statue suits bookshelves, countertops and especially humid low-light spots like bathrooms.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks, also drought tolerant.
Light: Bright, indirect light, low light, or even fluorescent light. Avoid direct exposure.
14. English Ivy
Let this climbing plant trail along lack-luster surfaces to create a more natural interior. Patience is key when it comes to this low light indoor plant, as the vines take time to reach a substantial length.
Water: About every 10 days.
Light: Can tolerate low light or bright, indirect light.
15. Parlor Palm
This Victorian-era plant conveys affluence and class with its opulent, feathery leaves. Tend to this little slice of sophistication in shadier corners of your home, with ample humidity and extra moisture.
Water: Once every 1-2 weeks.
Light: Prefers medium to low light in shadier areas.
16. Philodendron
Enjoy the distinct, heart-shaped philodendron leaves up close even in areas without much light. This cult-classic plant is resilient, surviving with minimal care and varied conditions. Pick between non-climbing or climbing varieties depending on where you’d like to display your philodendron.
Water: When the top inches of soil are dry.
Light: Prefer bright, indirect light, but can tolerate partial shade.
17. Pothos
Pothos are a staple to any green thumb’s collection. They’re gorgeous, low maintenance, and can survive in a variety of conditions. Sit your pothos on a tall shelf or on the top of your fridge to let the vines trail down the side fairly quickly.
Water: Once a week, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Light: Pothos love medium to low light, can survive in shadier spots.
18. Rabbit Foot Fern
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Davallia_trichomanoides_kz01.jpg
Add a little good fortune to your shady corners with a cute rabbit foot fern. Its fronds resemble a lucky rabbit’s foot when cared for in humid environments like a bathroom shelf and away from direct light in a windowsill.
Water: Once a week.
Light: Prefers low, indirect light and can survive in shaded areas.
19. Bamboo
The spiritually rich bamboo plant typically likes sunny spots, but can be resilient in low light. It’s also capable of substantial air purifying, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Bamboo is also one of the best low maintenance garden plants.
Note: Bamboo is toxic to pets, so keep well out of paws’ reach.
Water: Once a week.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light.
20. Peperomia Obtusifolia
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peperomia_obtusifolia,_Conservatorio_bot%C3%A1nico,_Fort_Wayne,_Indiana,_Estados_Unidos,_2012-11-12,_DD_01.jpg
Also known affectionately as baby rubber plant, the Peperomia Obtusifolia is a flirty low-light plant adorning spoon-shaped, waxy leaves. Their thick leaves struggle in direct sunlight, so the more shade the merrier.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect light, but also tolerates low indirect light.
Introduce Life to Low-Light Corners
There’s now 20 new low light indoor plants that will kick start your indoor plant collection no matter how many windows you’re working with. No excuses! It’s time to grow a greener space and watch how it affects your lifestyle for the better. Once you leave those excuses at the door, you can pick up your freshly delivered Bouqs houseplants off the welcome mat. Order plants today to create a greener spring.
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