Growing plants indoors can be challenging, especially when you have limited natural light. However, there are many tall houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions. With the right care and placement, the following 19 plants can add greenery and style to dim rooms in your home.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and hardy houseplants. Native to tropical West Africa, this evergreen perennial can grow up to 8 feet tall. It features stiff, upright leaves with sharp points and striking yellow or light green horizontal stripes. Snake plants tolerate low light and require little watering, only needing moisture every 2-3 weeks. They help purify indoor air as well.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Native to China and Japan, the cast iron plant has long, lush leaves that can reach 2 feet in length. Growing up to 2 feet tall, this plant thrives in low light and is very tolerant to neglect. It prefers little water and does well in most indoor conditions. The cast iron plant adds an elegant, tropical look to any space.
Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)
Also known as the spineless yucca, this sturdy succulent has spear-shaped leaves growing off a thick cane stem. Mature plants can reach 15 feet tall with proper light but still adapts well to low-light rooms 6 feet or taller. The yucca requires minimal watering and is resistant to pests. Its exotic, tropical appeal makes an accent piece.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
A popular houseplant in the 1970s, the corn plant is making a comeback! This tropical plant has slender leaves sprouting from one or more woody stems. With proper care, it can grow up to 6 feet tall inside. The corn plant needs only moderate water and can handle low-light rooms. The green and yellow variegated cultivars add color.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata)
Recognized by its large, violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig makes a dramatic statement in any room. This plant can reach heights up to 10 feet tall inside your home. Despite its tropical origins, it adapts well to indoor conditions and lower light areas. Provide plenty of space for its wide spreading leaves and branches.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
A popular houseplant for over a century, the rubber plant has broad, oval-shaped leaves that can grow quite large. With enough light, rubber plants can reach 8 feet tall indoors. The leaves come in various colors like burgundy, purple, or yellow. Though it prefers bright light, rubber plants still do well in indoor corners away from windows.
Dracaena Marginata
Sometimes called the dragon tree, Dracaena marginata is an upright, irregularly branched plant with long slender leaves edged with red. It can reach heights up to 6 feet tall inside and does well in low to medium light. Let the soil dry between waterings and provide humidity. With minimal care, Dracaena marginata adds architectural interest and exotic appeal.
Philodendron (Philodendron species)
With hundreds of species, philodendrons offer many options for low-light spots. Heartleaf philodendrons are vines with small heart-shaped leaves perfect for hanging baskets. Larger leafed philodendrons like P. bipinnatifidum and P. selloum can grow into trees up to 6 feet tall in low to bright light. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Prune and train philodendrons as needed.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Sometimes called Zuzu plant or Zanzibar gem, the ZZ plant has shiny oval leaves that emerge from thick underground rhizomes. It flourishes in low to bright light with little water and care. Their unique geometric shapes and ability to purify air make ZZ plants great desk companions. ZZ plants also come in petite varieties for tabletops and shelves.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)
Chinese evergreens are known for their striking colorful leaves, often variegated in silver, green, pink, and red. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, they tolerate low light beautifully and help clean indoor air. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Wipe dusty leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. The lovely Chinese evergreen provides a pop of color in shady spots.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A favorite since the Victorian era, the parlor palm has feathery fronds growing atop single slender stems. Indoors, it reaches heights up to 5 feet tall in bright light but adapts to low-light areas 3 feet or taller. Native to Mexico and Central America, parlor palms need humid conditions and occasional misting. Water when the soil surface becomes dry. Give them space to spread out their arching fronds.
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
The umbrella plant, also known Schefflera or dwarf schefflera, is a popular houseplant with glossy green, hand-shaped leaflets radiating from single stems. It flourishes in low to medium light and grows up to 6 feet tall inside. Pinch back tips to encourage bushiness. Water when topsoil is partly dry. The scalloped leaflets make a graceful, sculptural statement in any indoor space.
Dracaena Janet Craig
The Dracaena Janet Craig is a compact, slow-growing plant with strappy green leaves. It reaches about 3 to 4 feet tall in bright light indoors but still does well in low-light rooms up to 2 feet tall. Water sparingly but keep humidity high. Let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. Dracaena Janet Craig adds simple elegance and clean lines to modern decor.
Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
Though it prefers bright light, the majesty palm can reach heights up to 10 feet in medium to low light indoor spaces. This exotic plant has long feathery fronds atop multiple stems. Provide plenty of warmth and humidity. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. The majesty palm brings a tropical, beachy feel with little fuss or maintenance.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A favorite houseplant for decades, the spider plant produces arching ribbon-like leaves that cascade from a central rosette. With proper care and feeding, spider plants grow quickly up to 3 feet tall in medium to low light. They also produce young plantlets on flowering stems, allowing propagation. Spider plants naturally remove pollutants too.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not a true palm but a succulent. Its tuberous trunk stores water topped with a fountain of long, curved leaves. It slowly reaches heights up to 10 feet tall inside and adapts well to low light. Allow soil to dry between waterings and provide bright light when possible. An eye-catching accent plant for any room height.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
With lush, dark green leaves and distinctive white flowers, peace lilies brighten up rooms and purify air. They flourish in low to medium light and reach 2 to 3 feet tall. Provide plenty of water but allow soil to partially dry. Yellow leaves indicate overwatering. Trim spent blooms and dust leaves to keep your peace lily looking its best. A classic indoor plant that’s easy to grow.
19 Tall Low-Light Plants FAQ
What causes leggy growth in indoor plants?
Leggy growth happens when a plant stretches out and becomes lanky looking for more light. This often occurs in low-light conditions inside. To prevent leggy growth, make sure to provide adequate light and rotate your plants periodically.
How much light do indoor plants need daily?
Most houseplants need at least 4 hours of bright, indirect light daily from a south or west facing window to thrive. Low light plants can get by on as little as 2 hours daily. Always provide as much natural light as possible.
What’s the best temperature for indoor plants?
Indoor plants prefer consistent, warm temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and around 60°F at night. Avoid drafty areas and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Do tall plants need repotting?
Yes, tall houseplants usually require repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overpotting. Use a porous potting mix and water thoroughly after repotting.
Should I mist my tall indoor plants?
Some tall tropical plants like palms and philodendrons benefit from regular misting to increase humidity. Let the leaves dry within a few hours to prevent disease. Only mist plants that originate from humid environments.
Can I grow tall indoor plants in office lighting?
It’s possible to grow tall plants in office environments if you place them directly under light sources. LED grow lights also help supplement overhead lighting. Rotate plants weekly for even exposure. Avoid areas with no windows or light.
Conclusion
With proper selection and care, there are many tall houseplants that can thrive in low-light indoor spaces. From snake plants and yuccas to philodendrons and palms, you can create a indoor jungle even in dimly lit rooms. Consider the origin and natural habitat of each plant. Provide the right potting mix, water, light, humidity, and temperature for healthy growth. Rotate and prune plants as needed. Tall, low-light plants help purify air and bring natural beauty into any home or office.