Keeping plants alive in a space with little natural light can be a real challenge. Not every plant needs loads of sun to thrive, which is great news for apartments, offices, or any room with tiny windows.
Choosing the right plants can totally change how green and lively your space feels. I’ve learned this the fun way, sometimes by trial and error.
The best indoor plants for low light are easygoing and thrive even in dim corners. These green buddies bring nature indoors without asking for much attention or sunlight.
Here’s a list of fifteen awesome options that can handle those low-light spots.
1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Honestly, I love the ZZ Plant because it’s almost impossible to mess up. It just keeps looking fresh, even if you forget to water it for a while.
Its shiny, thick leaves always look healthy. The plant grows from potato-like rhizomes, storing water so you don’t have to fuss over it.
If you want something green that forgives a little neglect, this is it.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant is a classic for a reason, it’s tough and stylish. Its upright, sword-like leaves often show off golden edges.
I’m a fan of the Golden Bird’s Nest variety, with its short, wide, yellow-edged leaves. It’s perfect for small spaces.
This plant doesn’t need much water and will forgive you for missed waterings. Plus, it helps clean the air, which is always a win.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is basically the MVP of low-light plants. It doesn’t care if your room’s a bit gloomy.
The heart-shaped leaves, often splashed with yellow or white, look great trailing from shelves or climbing up supports. I just water it when the top soil feels dry and it’s happy for weeks.
It even helps clean the air. What’s not to love?
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily is a favorite for low-light corners. The shiny leaves and white blooms really brighten things up.
I only water mine when the leaves start to droop a bit. If your spot is super dark, moving it closer to a window or using a grow light can help.
5. Philodendron Heartleaf
The Philodendron Heartleaf is a real charmer. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves add a sweet touch to any space.
I water mine only when the top of the soil feels dry. If you notice yellow leaves or the stems get too long, it might want a bit more light, but it usually handles shade just fine.
If you want an easy, low-light plant, this one’s a no-brainer.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is as tough as its name suggests. It shrugs off low light and keeps going strong.
It does best in medium temps, between 60°F and 75°F. I just water when the soil’s dry—too much water can be a problem.
If you want a plant that won’t hold a grudge if you forget about it, this one’s for you.
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are fun and super forgiving. They handle low light and don’t need a ton of water.
The best part? They grow tiny baby plants, called spiderettes, on long stems. You can snip them off and start new plants if you feel like it.
With their striped leaves, spider plants make any room feel fresher.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a real lifesaver for dark rooms. It’s easygoing and doesn’t mind a bit of shade.
The leaves come in all sorts of patterns and colors, which keeps things interesting. Here’s what I like about it:
- Tolerates low light
- Needs only occasional watering
- Can improve indoor air quality
It just keeps looking good with hardly any effort.
9. Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Marginata is a cool pick for low light. Its long, arching leaves with red edges stand out in any room.
I let the top inch of soil dry before watering, and it seems to thrive. It’s tough enough to handle a little neglect, which I appreciate.
This plant even helps clean the air a bit. Not bad, right?
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is gentle and compact. Its feathery leaves bring a soft vibe to any room.
I keep mine near an east-facing window for some gentle sun, but it doesn’t mind dimmer corners. It likes temps between 65°F and 75°F and soil that drains well.
Water when the top inch feels dry. It’s a breeze to care for and brightens up any space with no drama.
11. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s Nest Fern loves those low-light spots. Its broad, wavy leaves grow in a rosette, giving it a cool, tropical look.
Filtered or indirect light works best. I keep the soil moist and enjoy the vibes, just don’t overwater or it’ll get cranky.
12. Calathea
Calathea is a stunner for low-light rooms. It hates direct sun but loves bright, indirect light.
It’s happiest in warm, humid spots, think 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and over 50% humidity. I mist mine or use a humidifier to keep it happy.
The patterned leaves always catch my eye. Just remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
13. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Lady Palm is easygoing in low light. Its fan-shaped, glossy leaves bring a classy look to dim rooms.
This palm grows in clusters and stays a manageable size indoors. If you can give it bright, indirect light, it’ll appreciate it, but it won’t complain if things are a bit dark.
14. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is a little show-off in low-light rooms. Its leaves fold up at night like hands in prayer, how cool is that?
It prefers bright, indirect light but won’t fuss in lower light. Just keep the soil moist, not soggy.
Here’s how I care for mine:
- Water weekly
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Keep humidity high if you can
It’s a calm, easy plant that doesn’t mind if your room is a bit on the shady side.
15. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
I like English Ivy because it can grow just fine in low light. Sure, it prefers bright, indirect sun, but honestly, it’s not fussy and will tolerate dim corners.
The leaves are a deep green, sometimes splashed with cream or gold. It’s a breeze to care for, just water it once a week, and you’re set.
English Ivy climbs or trails, so I’ll toss mine into a hanging pot or let it wander along a shelf. It’s a simple way to add some fresh green to any room, and honestly, it always makes the space feel a bit more alive.
🌿 More Green Inspiration for Your Home:
- 20 Best Plant Wall Decor Ideas You Haven’t Seen
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Small space? No problem. These hanging planter ideas are perfect for maximizing charm with minimal room. - 20 Best Indoor Plants for First-Time Owners
New to plant care? These beginner-friendly plants are easy to grow and hard to kill.
