The 26 Best Low-Light Houseplants
The 26 Best Low-Light Houseplants
You might be under the impression that you need a ton of sun and a green thumb to keep houseplants alive, but that's not necessarily the case. There are plenty of indoor plants out there that are easy to care for, forgiving, and low-light tolerant. Some even do better in shadier spaces, if you can believe it. If you're not a full-blown plant parent yet because you haven't found the right low-light, low-maintenance greenery, then you're in the right place.
Japanese Sago Palm
JM BAMBOO
If you've ever dreamed of having a palm tree as part of your decor, look no further. It might not be quite as tall as the ones in Beverly Hills, but it's way cuter (and easier to maintain).
Ming Aralia Pre-Bonsai Tree
JM BAMBOO
amazon.com
Nicknamed the "happy plant," the aralia can be counted on even in the low light of winter. Just make sure it avoids direct sunlight and water it weekly.
Golden Devil's Ivy
9GreenBox
amazon.com
This plant (a.k.a. Pothos) gets its name from the fact that it grows vines even in the worst conditions. That can be bad if it's planted outdoors where it can choke out other plants, but for growing inside, it's perfect.
Nerve Plant
Nerve plants, or fittonia, prefer brighter light, but they can handle low light quite well—although more colorful varieties might look a little less bright with less sun, according to Costa Farms.
Ponytail Palm
Brussel's Bonsai
This whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like plant can be an adorably small tabletop plant or a full-on tree, but in any case, it's adaptable enough to survive in just about any light levels.
Weeping Fig Tree
JM BAMBOO
amazon.com
Don't let the sad name turn you off. This quick-growing tree adds some life to any room in the house, and requires little more than the occasional trim and some regular watering.
Bromeliads
Didn't expect to find a tropical plant on this list? This houseplant can actually survive on florescent light alone (!) and thrives in humid conditions, like bathrooms.
Chinese Evergreen
California Tropicals
amazon.com
Since this plant is one of the most durable indoor plants (it does quite well in low light) and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners.
Snake Plant
American Plant Exchange
This succulent is pretty tame (read: easy!) when it comes to maintenance. More light will help it grow, but it can tolerate darkness—just watch out for root rot caused by overwatering.
Peace Lily
Generic
amazon.com
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, these beautiful, flowering tropical plants are very tolerant of low light, they just won't flower as much without as much sun.
Peperomia Obtusfolia
This cute little plant with its thick, spoon-shaped leaves is both pet-friendly and low-light tolerant. In fact too much intense sunlight can hurt this variety.
Aglaonema Chinese Evergreen
American Plant Exchange
amazon.com
This pretty, pink-and-green plant is as low-maintenance as they come, and while its colors will show even more in brighter light, it'll thrive in low light, too.
Oyster Plant
7 continent
amazon.com
Like some of the other colorful plants on this list, the oyster plant thrives—and will show its purple hue—more in brighter light, but it's a low maintenance plant that can handle lower light, too.
Parlor Palm
thesill.com
This plant, also known as the victorian parlor palm, is famously resilient. Those pretty feathery leaves liven up any bland corner of your home. It does well in medium light, though can survive in lower light areas. It's cousin, the majesty palm, is another great option.
Dieffenbachia (Tropical Snow)
California Tropicals
amazon.com
Filtered light is best for this plant. Try using a curtain as a barrier between it and the sun, especially during the the spring and summer when the plant is producing new, tender leaves.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Costa Farms
amazon.com
With thick, waxy green leaves, the ZZ adds colors and lushness without being too high maintenance at all.
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Hirts: House Plant
amazon.com
Spiky leaves that grow upwards and have a red outline make these plants totally stunning. But too much direct sunlight can damage them, so give this plant some sun and some shade.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
The sweetheart plant (a nickname given because of the shape of its glossy leaves) can stand dim rooms, but requires pinching to prevent it from growing in long, single stems.
Spider Plants
This plant's adaptability makes it super easy to grow and therefore, super popular. Plus, it's easy to breed and share with others. It can stand up to a lot of neglect and will thrive in indirect light.
Staghorn Fern
JM BAMBOO
amazon.com
The staghorn fern thrives in high-humidity environments with indirect light. This makes them great shower plants.
Bird’s Nest Fern
thesill.com
The fun ripple edges give the bird's nest fern a unique, fun look. It's also a pet-friendly plant. It thrives in medium indirect light but can usually tolerate low indirect light.
Calathea Rattlesnake Lancifolia
California Tropicals
amazon.com
With light and dark flecks, the colorful calathea adds an extra punch to you indoor plant lineup. They like medium to low light. Not to mention, it's nontoxic and pet safe.
Money Tree
bloomscape.com
If you want a larger indoor plant that can handle medium indirect light, opt for the money tree. The braided tree trunk sets it apart, too.
Dracena Limelight
AmericanPlants
etsy.com
Full, bright, and wide neon leaves, this option is a lovely low-maintenance indoor plant. And it offers more than just good looks, removing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Begonia Rex
Ger
Though these are more vibrant and colorful with deep red, purple swirls throughout the leaves when in direct, bright light, they can still survive in lower light conditions.
Kimberly Queen Fern
bloomscape.com
As mentioned earlier, ferns are flexible, easy going plants. They can survive in a variety of conditions, from low to bright indirect light. And this variety is also relatively compact and neater than other types of ferns.
Your windowsill is crowded enough already.