16 Low Light Indoor Plants Perfect for Any Space

Many people want to add greenery to their homes but struggle with limited natural light. Indoor plants can brighten up spaces and improve air quality, even in rooms with low light. Choosing the right plants that can thrive without much sunlight helps make indoor gardening easier and more successful.

Low light plants are suited for areas like offices, apartments, or rooms with small windows. They generally need less care and can do well with indirect or diffused light. This article explores 16 low light indoor plants that are practical options for such environments.

1) ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is known for its thick, waxy green leaves. It can survive in low to medium light but grows best in indirect light. It does not need frequent watering, making it easy to care for.

This plant tolerates neglect and low water, which suits busy or new plant owners. While it can survive in low light, it grows more leaves and looks healthier with some morning sun. It also helps improve indoor air quality.

Because it is durable and low maintenance, the ZZ Plant is popular in homes and offices. Its ability to do well under fluorescent light makes it useful in places with little natural light. Learn more about the ZZ Plant’s care at The Sill.

2) Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant is known for its ability to grow well in low light. It can survive in rooms with little natural sunlight but grows faster with more light.

This plant is very hardy and does not need much water. It can go weeks without watering, making it ideal for beginners.

It prefers bright, indirect light but is adaptable to a wide range of lighting conditions. This makes it a popular choice for offices and homes with limited sunlight.

Snake Plants also help improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins. Their tough leaves and low care needs make them one of the best low light indoor plants available. For more details on light tolerance, see this page on snake plant care.

3) Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos is a popular indoor plant known for its heart-shaped leaves with yellow or gold variegation. It adapts well to different light conditions, thriving in low to bright indirect light.

While it tolerates low light, placing it in bright indirect sunlight helps keep its leaf colors vibrant. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, so it’s best avoided.

This plant grows quickly in moderate light but will slow down when light is low. It is an easy-care vine that is often recommended for beginners because of its resilience and low maintenance needs.

For more detailed care tips, see golden pothos sunlight requirements and care advice.

4) Philodendron

Philodendrons grow well in low light and are easy to care for. They prefer medium to bright indirect light but can survive in darker spots.

The heartleaf philodendron is one popular type that handles low light better than most. Its leaves may curl when it needs water.

These plants do not require much attention. They need watering only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Philodendrons are good choices for people who want low-light indoor plants that stay healthy with little effort.

More about caring for philodendrons in low light can be found at this Philodendron low light guide.

5) Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant)

The Aspidistra, also known as the Cast Iron Plant, is well-suited for low light indoor spaces. It can survive in deep shade where many other plants struggle. It should avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.

This plant is known for being very tough and low-maintenance. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and needs only occasional watering. Its dark green leaves add a simple, elegant touch to any room.

Because of its hardiness, the Cast Iron Plant is ideal for people new to houseplants. It grows best in moderate humidity and well-drained soil. Feeding once a month during the growing season helps it stay healthy. Learn more about its care at Cast Iron Plant Care Guide.

6) Dracaena

Dracaena is a popular houseplant known for its sleek, tropical look. It can tolerate low light, making it a good choice for rooms with less natural sunlight.

Some varieties like Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans handle low light better than others. These plants are tough and can grow in shaded indoor areas.

Dracaena prefers bright, indirect light but will survive in dimmer spots if cared for properly. Watch for signs like yellow leaves, which mean the plant needs more light.

Using full-spectrum LED grow lights helps Dracaena stay healthy when natural light is very low. Regular watering and occasional feeding will support its growth indoors. More about Dracaena’s light needs can be found at plantpurify.com.

7) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its glossy green leaves and white flowers. It grows well in low to medium light, making it suitable for rooms with limited natural light.

This plant prefers consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Peace Lilies thrive in average room temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. They also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity.

They are slow growers and don’t need frequent repotting. This makes them a low-maintenance choice for indoor spaces.

For more details on caring for Peace Lilies indoors, visit this Peace Lily indoor care guide.

8) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is a popular indoor plant known for its hardiness. It adapts well to low light but grows best in bright, indirect light. Its long, arching leaves often have white stripes, though low light can reduce this variegation.

It prefers soil that is kept slightly moist with regular watering. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. The plant is also sensitive to chemicals commonly found in tap water, like fluoride.

Spider plants produce small white flowers and plantlets called “pups.” These pups can be easily propagated to grow new plants. Because of its easy care and air-purifying qualities, it suits both beginners and experienced plant owners. For detailed care tips, see the guide on cultivating spider plants in low light.

9) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is a popular houseplant known for its ability to thrive in low light. It has long, lance-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, sometimes mixed with cream or pink.

The plant grows well in medium to low light and prefers moderate humidity. It needs well-drained soil and should be watered when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

Aglaonema is low maintenance and tolerates occasional neglect, making it a good choice for beginners. It also helps improve indoor air quality, adding to its appeal as a houseplant. For detailed care tips, see this Chinese Evergreen care guide.

10) Marble Queen Pothos

The Marble Queen Pothos is a popular indoor plant known for its green and white marbled leaves. It grows well in low to bright indirect light but needs indirect light to keep its variegation clear.

This plant is easy to care for and adapts well to different indoor light levels. It should be rotated regularly to ensure even light reaches all sides.

It can trail or climb up to 6-10 feet indoors with proper care. The Marble Queen Pothos prefers moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Its low maintenance and tolerance for low light make it a common choice for home and office spaces. More care tips about this plant can be found at Balcony Garden Web.

11) Sansevieria Zeylanica

Sansevieria Zeylanica, also called snake plant, is a low-maintenance indoor plant. It grows well in low to bright light, making it suitable for many indoor spaces.

This plant has tall, upright leaves with green and silver stripes. It is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering. Overwatering can harm it.

Sansevieria Zeylanica prefers well-draining soil and rarely requires fertilizer. If used, a light feeding in spring is enough. It is a good choice for beginners or busy people.

It also helps improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins. This tough plant adapts well to different room conditions and adds a simple, natural touch to any home or office. More care details can be found at Succulent Alley.

12) ZZ Plant ‘Raven’

The ZZ Plant ‘Raven’ is known for its dark, almost black, glossy leaves. It adds a bold look to any indoor space without needing much light.

This plant is very hardy. It can grow in low light but prefers bright, indirect light to stay healthy and grow faster.

It needs watering only when the top soil feels dry, making it low-maintenance. Overwatering can harm it, so careful watering is important.

Its tolerance for low light and infrequent watering makes the Raven ZZ an excellent choice for offices or rooms with limited sunlight. For detailed care tips, see the guide on Raven ZZ Plant care.

13) Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron is a popular indoor plant known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It adapts well to low light and is a good choice for rooms with limited sunlight.

This plant prefers consistent but light watering. Overwatering can harm its roots, so it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

It thrives in indirect light but can survive in darker spots of the home. Using grow lights can help if natural light is very weak.

The Heartleaf Philodendron is low-maintenance and fits well in many indoor spaces. It adds greenery while requiring minimal effort. More details on its light needs can be found by reading about Heartleaf Philodendron light requirements.

14) Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant is known for being tough and easy to grow indoors. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, making it ideal for dim spaces. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can damage the leaves.

It prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) and can tolerate different humidity levels. This plant needs watering only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root problems.

The Cast Iron Plant is slow growing but resilient. It can survive neglect, poor air quality, and low light, which makes it a good choice for beginners or low-maintenance indoor gardens. More details on its care can be found at cast iron plant care for low light spaces.

15) Kentia Palm

The Kentia Palm is a popular indoor plant known for its graceful, feathery fronds. It adapts well to low light but grows best in medium light.

This palm is slow-growing and can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors. It is forgiving and handles dry indoor air better than many tropical plants.

Kentia Palms need regular watering to keep the soil moist but tolerate some drought. They are low-maintenance and resistant to common pests.

Its elegant look fits well in homes and offices. The Kentia Palm brings a tropical feel without needing much effort to care for, making it a good choice for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. More care details are available in this Kentia Palm care guide.

16) Parlor Palm

The Parlor Palm is a popular indoor plant known for its graceful, feathery leaves. It grows well in low light, making it ideal for rooms with limited sunlight.

This palm prefers indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions without much trouble. It thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.

The Parlor Palm needs regular watering but should not sit in water. It also benefits from moderate humidity to keep its leaves healthy.

Because it is low-maintenance and adaptable, the Parlor Palm is a good choice for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. Learn more about care tips for the Parlor Palm at this detailed indoor plant guide.

Care Tips for Low Light Indoor Plants

Low light plants need careful attention to water, placement, and common care errors. Keeping these factors in balance helps them grow healthily despite limited sunlight.

Best Watering Practices

Low light plants generally require less water since they use less energy. Overwatering is a common problem that causes root rot.

It’s best to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Using a pot with drainage holes helps prevent water buildup.

Plants like snake plants and pothos tolerate dry soil well. Consistent but moderate watering encourages steady growth without stressing the roots.

Using room temperature water avoids shocking the roots. Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity but avoid soaking plant bases.

Optimal Placement Strategies

Low light plants thrive in shaded corners, north-facing windows, or rooms with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves.

Artificial lighting, like fluorescent or LED grow lights, can supplement natural light if needed. Position plants 2-3 feet from a light source for best effects.

Rotating plants every few weeks ensures all sides get light exposure and prevents uneven growth.

Grouping plants together boosts humidity and improves air circulation, which benefits their overall health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overwatering and poor drainage rank highest among mistakes. It often leads to yellowing leaves and root decay.

Placing plants in complete darkness or near heat sources, like vents, harms their growth. Even low light means some light exposure is necessary.

Ignoring pests like spider mites or scale insects weakens plants. Regular inspection and gentle cleaning help prevent infestations.

Using heavy or compacted soil reduces oxygen to roots. Opt for loose, well-draining soil designed for indoor plants.

Avoid sudden changes in environment, which can shock low light plants and cause leaf drop.

Benefits of Low Light Indoor Plants

Low light indoor plants offer practical benefits beyond decoration. They improve air quality and bring natural elements into spaces with limited sunlight.

Air Purification Advantages

Low light indoor plants help remove harmful chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene. This can reduce indoor pollution and improve breathing comfort.

They increase oxygen levels by converting carbon dioxide, making rooms feel fresher. Some plants also raise humidity, which helps reduce dust and dry air problems.

Since they thrive without direct sunlight, they are suitable for offices, apartments, or rooms with small windows. This makes it easier to maintain better air quality even in darker spaces.

Enhancing Interior Spaces

Low light plants add green tones without needing bright sun. Their lush leaves create a calming atmosphere that can reduce stress.

They can fill empty corners or brighten shaded areas, making rooms feel more complete and inviting. Many low light plants, like philodendrons or spider plants, grow well in containers and require little care.

Because they tolerate shade, these plants offer flexibility in placement. This helps decorate areas that would normally stay bare due to lack of natural light.

For more options on these plants, see 16 Low Light Indoor Plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low light indoor plants vary by size, safety, and how well they adapt to dim areas. Some thrive in corners with almost no natural light, while others need just a little indirect light to do well. Choosing the right plant depends on space, pet safety, and the amount of light available.

Which indoor plants thrive in low light conditions?

Plants like ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Golden Pothos, Philodendron, and Aspidistra do well in low light. They can survive with limited sunlight and often need minimal care.

What are the best large plants that can grow with minimal light indoors?

Large plants such as the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra) and certain Philodendron varieties are good for low light. These plants grow tall and wide, making them ideal for filling empty spaces.

Can you list non-toxic indoor plants suitable for homes with pets that require little light?

Golden Pothos and Philodendron are common low light plants but can be toxic to pets. Instead, consider Spider Plant or certain types of Ferns, which are safer for animals and can manage in dim areas.

What options are available for small spaces needing plants that can flourish in limited lighting?

Small plants like Snake Plant and ZZ Plant fit well in tight spaces. They grow slowly and don’t need much light, making them perfect for desks or shelves.

What tall plants are recommended for growing in dark corners of a home?

Tall options such as Snake Plant and Aspidistra handle dark corners well. They tolerate low light and can reach heights that brighten shadowy areas.

Are there any indoor trees that can survive with low natural light?

Some indoor trees, like certain Dracaena species, can survive in low light. They may not grow fast but will stay healthy with minimal sunlight.

For more details on these plants and care tips, see low light indoor plant guides like this one on the best low light indoor plants for every home.