Growing plants can be a rewarding hobby, but not all of us have bright sunny windowsills that are ideal for houseplants. For those with low-light indoor spaces, choosing plants well-suited to these conditions is key. With a little strategic selection, even the darkest corners of a room can be brightened with lush greenery. Here are 10 low-light plants that are easy to grow indoors.
ZZ Plant
With its waxy, oval-shaped leaves, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) tolerates a wide range of light conditions. It can survive in very low light, even as dim as artificial fluorescent office lighting. The ZZ plant requires little watering and is very low maintenance. This tough tropical plant grows in the shade on the forest floor in its native Africa. With its exotic looks, the ZZ plant adds an architectural element wherever its placed.
Pothos
A vining plant with heart-shaped leaves, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is almost impossible to kill. Pothos will grow in almost any lighting conditions, from bright light to low indirect light. Let the long trailing stems cascade from a hanging basket or train them to climb a moss pole. The bright yellow and white variegated varieties look especially striking in darker corners. Pothos is excellent for beginners because it tolerates missed waterings and inconsistent light.
Chinese Evergreen
Also known as Aglaonema, the Chinese Evergreen is a perfect low-light plant. With striking leaves in shades of green, red, pink, silver, and white, this plant infuses color into dim areas. The leaves can be solid or variegated depending on the variety. Slow growing, the Chinese Evergreen needs little maintenance and can tolerate very low light areas. Group a few varieties together to create an interesting indoor garden.
Peace Lily
With glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) really purifies the air. Peace Lilies remove harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air. They thrive in bright indirect light but will also grow in low-light corners of a room. Let the soil dry out between waterings and mist the leaves occasionally for added humidity.
Cast Iron Plant
As its common name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is nearly indestructible. With dark green strappy leaves, this plant survives in very dark neglected corners and areas with hardly any natural light. Only requiring occasional watering, the Cast Iron Plant can withstand cramped root conditions and irregular watering that would kill other plants. An ideal choice for beginners and low light areas.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria) filters toxins from the air and purifies indoor spaces. With stiff, upright leaves in shades of green with yellow or white edges, this tropical plant tolerates very low light. The Snake Plant needs to dry out between waterings and can survive occasional neglect. Place a tall Snake Plant in a corner or use the small varieties in tabletop planters.
Lucky Bamboo
Though not technically bamboo, Dracaena sanderiana is called Lucky Bamboo because it resembles bamboo as it grows in crowded clumps. Native to tropical Africa, Lucky Bamboo adapts to the low light indoors when grown in water. Place the canes in a clear glass vase with pebbles and water. The stalks can be trained into spirals or braids for unique shapes. Lucky Bamboo makes a great desk plant in low office lighting.
Philodendron
With over 200 species, Philodendrons are some of the most popular houseplants thanks to their ease of care. Heartleaf Philodendron has classic deeply lobed, glossy green leaves and will grow in low light areas. Other varieties like Brasil Philodendron add a pop of color with yellow and green variegated leaves. Allow the trailing vines to spill over the edges of bookshelves and shelves.
Boston Fern
The lush, cascading fronds of the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) bring the outdoors inside. Boston ferns thrive in cool, humid environments away from direct light. Mist the long arching fronds daily to recreate the moist woodland conditions where they grow best. Hang a Boston fern in an entryway or place on top of a bookshelf where its gracefully drooping branches can be appreciated.
Rubber Plant
With large, oval green leaves, the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) adds a tropical look to indoor spaces. The Rubber Plant filters indoor air pollutants and tolerates low light. Let the Rubber Plant dry out slightly between waterings. Wipe the leaves down every few weeks to keep them looking shiny and healthy. The Rubber Plant grows slowly, so it needs less frequent repotting than other houseplants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Low-Light Indoor Plants
What are the best indoor plants for low light areas?
Some excellent low light indoor plants include ZZ Plant, Pothos, Chinese Evergreen, Peace Lily, Cast Iron Plant, Snake Plant, Lucky Bamboo, Philodendron, Boston Fern, and Rubber Plant.
How much light do indoor low-light plants need?
Most low-light plants need some ambient natural light but can survive in areas as dim as fluorescent office lighting or with as little as 2-3 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Avoid completely dark areas like inside closets.
What causes low-light plants to die?
Overwatering and resulting root rot are the most common reasons low-light plants die. Allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings. Low humidity can also cause leaves to brown and dry out on plants like ferns and Chinese Evergreen. Daily misting helps increase moisture.
Do low-light plants really purify air?
Yes! Many common low-light houseplants like Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Philodendron, and Rubber Plant are excellent air purifiers that remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from indoor air.
Should I use artificial grow lights for my low-light plants?
Grow lights can benefit plants in dark areas with absolutely no natural light. However, most low-light plants don’t require special lights if they get at least 2-3 hours of sunlight from a window during the day.
Are there any flowering low-light plants?
Peace Lilies produce elegant white flowers in low light conditions. Some varieties of African Violet and Orchids also tolerate lower light. Increase water and fertilizer during flowering to ensure abundant blooms.
Conclusion
With the right selections, even extremely low-light indoor areas can support lush plant growth. Plants like ZZ Plant, Pothos, Snake Plant and Cast Iron Plant are almost impossible to kill and add beauty to dim corners. Provide occasional watering and wipe dust off the leaves to keep these low-maintenance greens thriving. Strategically placing plants in different low-light spots creates an attractive indoor garden that purifies the air and adds color. With their ability to tolerate challenging conditions, low-light plants are perfect for inexperienced gardeners who want to enjoy the benefits of houseplants without fussy care regimens.