Whether you’re an urban dweller with limited natural light or seeking green companions to liven up your office cubicle, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve handpicked a selection of the best plants that survive and thrive in low-light conditions; there’s no more need to worry about your plant friends withering away from lack of sunlight! With our list, you can effortlessly transform your space into an indoor oasis in no time.
Need help determining what type of light you have in your space? Consider this: south-facing rooms tend to have high light or direct sunlight, east- or west-facing rooms have medium light, and north-facing rooms have low light. Those north-facing rooms are perfect for growing low-light houseplants.
Low-light plants are a great way to add color and liveliness to your home or office, and they also bring several benefits – they purify the air, help absorb noise pollution, and soothe the mind. Plus, you’ll be happy to know that taking care of these low-light champions is a breeze.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just getting started, our guide has everything you need to know about selecting the right plants for your low-light space. Bonus, we’ve also included some of our favorite plant lady accounts from IG!
10 Best Indoor Plants for Low Light
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants with their stripes and curls, are fantastic additions to any indoor space. Their cascading leaves add a touch of elegance, and they are incredibly easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. These resilient plants tolerate a wide range of conditions, thriving in various light levels and adapting well to sporadic watering.
Light: Low or indirect light.
Watering: Water once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 20 inches tall indoors.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
The ZZ plant is an excellent choice for indoor greenery, known for its durability and adaptability. Its glossy, dark green leaves add sophistication to any space, while its architectural structure makes it a standout decorative piece. The ZZ plant is resilient; it thrives in low-light conditions and can tolerate infrequent watering, making it a perfect option for those who may not have a green thumb or a lot of time for plant care.
Light: Low or bright indirect light.
Watering: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet tall indoors.
3. Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
The arrowhead vine is a delightful houseplant choice that brings vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes into any indoor setting. This plant is versatile, thriving both as a hanging plant or in pots, allowing for creative placement options. It’s relatively low-maintenance, requiring low to moderate light and consistent moisture to flourish.
Light: Low or medium indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks when the soil is dry to the touch.
Size: Can grow up to 36 inches tall indoors.
4. Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The Heart Leaf Philodendron is a classic houseplant cherished for its timeless beauty and easy-going nature. Its heart-shaped, glossy leaves create a lush, trailing display that adds a touch of natural charm to any indoor space. This plant thrives in various light conditions, from bright indirect light to lower light areas, making it suitable for different rooms in the home. One of its most appealing traits is its resilience and low-maintenance needs; it tolerates irregular watering and can withstand occasional neglect.
Light: Low or indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks when the soil is dry to the touch.
Size: Can grow up to 4 feet tall indoors.
5. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil’s Ivy, also known as Pothos, is appreciated for its stunning foliage and ease of care. Its heart-shaped leaves create a vibrant, lush display that enlivens any indoor setting. This plant is incredibly adaptable, thriving in various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, making it suitable for almost any room in the house. Devil’s Ivy is a top choice for beginners due to its forgiving nature; it can withstand irregular watering and tolerate neglect. Perfect for hanging baskets.
Light: Low or indirect light.
Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks or when the first two inches of soil are dry.
Size: Can grow up to 6.5 feet tall indoors.
6. Moonlight Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The Moonlight Philodendron is a beautiful houseplant admired for its striking foliage. This plant is an excellent choice for adding a touch of fun tropical elegance to indoor spaces, thriving in moderate to bright indirect light. Like other Philodendron varieties, it is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating sporadic watering and adapting well to different humidity levels.
Light: Low or indirect light.
Water: Water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Size: Can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide indoors.
7. Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant doesn’t get nearly enough credit, but it is an exceptional choice for indoor greenery, celebrated for its durability and resilience. This plant lives up to its name, thriving in low-light conditions and tolerating neglect or irregular watering. It is an ideal option for those seeking a low-maintenance houseplant or who don’t have much time for plant care.
Light: Low light
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet tall indoors.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen’s glossy leaves come in shades of green, silver, or red, often accented with striking patterns. This plant thrives in low to medium light conditions, making it adaptable to various indoor environments. What makes the Chinese Evergreen an excellent green companion is its resilience and tolerance for neglect; it can withstand irregular watering and fluctuations in humidity.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water every one week.
Size: Can grow up to 1-3 feet tall indoors.
9. Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco)
The Dragon Tree is a striking and resilient houseplant admired for its unique appearance and easy maintenance. This plant thrives in low to bright indirect light, growing well in different areas of the home. Known for its tolerance to drought and forgiving nature, the Dragon Tree is an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet visually impactful plant.
Light: Low or indirect light.
Water: Water once a week or when the topsoil is dry.
Size: Can grow up to 4-6 feet indoors.
10. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The Snake Plant (aka mother-in-law’s tongue) is a standout houseplant with sleek, upright foliage and effortless care requirements. Its long, sturdy leaves, often edged in vibrant yellow or deep green hues, add a contemporary touch to any indoor setting. This plant thrives in low light conditions and tolerates irregular watering, making it perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance plant friend.
Light: Thrives in any light level.
Watering: Water every two weeks when the soil is completely dry.
Size: Can grow up to 1-3 feet tall indoors.
Don’t let low light conditions stop you from adding greenery to your indoor spaces. With the right selection of low-light plants, you can liven up your space while reaping the benefits of better air quality and a calming atmosphere. By learning the proper care for low-light plants, you can grow plants that thrive in even the dimmest corners of your home or office!
There are also a ton of amazing plant ladies on Instagram that are definitely worth a follow!
