Looking for Gorgeous Greenery That's Super Low-Maintenance? Here Are the 35 Best Low-Light Houseplants

Vanessa Hall

Updated April 18, 2023 at 7:30 AM·16 min read

Perfect plants for those who don't possess a green thumb.

Let's face it, not all of us have that ever-so-coveted green thumb. While we wish that luscious gardens and flourishing greenery were a part of everyday life, sometimes they just aren't. With schedules growing busier and busier as the temperatures start to warm up, there seems to be less time for anything other than work, school, laundry, grocery shopping and preparing to do it all over again.

It's been proven that bringing the peaceful sceneries of the outdoors into our living spaces can bring us a bit of peace and tranquility. But isn't that just one more thing to remember to take care of? Not if you get a low-maintenance plant it isn't! And what if you're an introverted nature lover? Not to worry! We have the list of 35 best low-light indoor plants for you to enjoy nature in your home—and hopefully catch some of the calming vibes they provide.

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35 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants

1. Costa Farms Peace Lily Plant, $24.63 on Amazon

Costa Farms Peace Lily Plant, Live Indoor House Plant with Flowers, Room Air Purifier in Modern Decor Planter, Potting Soil, Plant Lover, Anniversary or New Home Gift, Desk Decor, 15-Inches Tall

A peace lily requires watering once a week and the right amount of light. While they don't need much, getting too little light is not ideal either. Cared for correctly, a peace lily can last anywhere between three and five years. Costa Farms Peace Lily Plant, $24.63 on Amazon

2. American Plant Exchange Golden Pothos, $27.75 on Amazon

American Plant Exchange Golden Pothos Indoor/Outdoor Air Purifier Live Plant, 6" Pot

Also known as Devil's Ivy (because it's just that hard to kill), pothos plants are not actual ivy. They need a warm, room-temperature home and bright indirect light. They only need to be watered when the soil feels dry and would flourish if given a diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly in the spring and summer. American Plant Exchange Golden Pothos, $27.75 on Amazon

3. English Ivy Houseplant, $15.50 on Amazon

Common Ivy Live Houseplant - Kolibri English Ivy 4" Grower Pot - Healthy Houseplant - Easy Care Indoor Houseplant (Ships from Malibu Tropical Nursery in California)

Grown indoors, English ivy requires medium light and should be watered weekly. These plants can be trained to grow on topiaries, or you can create your own shapes with wire hangers on a wall and place the ivy near it. It should start to grow up the wire! English Ivy Houseplant, $15.50 on Amazon

4. Greendigs Snake Plant, $22.40 on Amazon

Greendigs Snake Plant in White Ceramic Fluted 5 Inch Pot - Low-Maintenance Houseplant, Pre-Potted with Premium Soil

To prevent root rot and overwatering, snake plants should only be watered once every couple of weeks and you should allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. During the winter, this can translate to only watering once a month. Greendigs Snake Plant, $22.40 on Amazon

5. Janet Craig Compacta, $40.97 on Amazon

Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta - Live Plant in a 6 Inch Pot - - Dracaena Deremensis ‘Janet Craig Compacta’ - Florist Quality Low Maintenance Indoor Houseplant

As it helps to remove dust from the air, this plant benefits from a good dusting every now and then. Dampen a washcloth or paper towel and wipe the leaves to keep them clean. It also removes impurities from the air keeping your home nice and fresh! Janet Craig Compacta, $40.97 on Amazon

6. Bird's Nest Fern, $15.95 on Amazon

Bird's Nest Fern (4" Grower Pot) - Eye-catching, Easy to Grow, Easy to Care Houseplant - Live Healthy Houseplant for Home Office Decoration

Exposing this plant to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. It can withstand the morning sunlight, but should not get too much. On top of air purification, the bird's nest fern can also increase indoor humidity and lower the temperature. Bird's Nest Fern, $15.95 on Amazon

7. Victorian Parlor Palm, $15.99 on Amazon

Victorian Parlor Palm (Neanthe Bella Palm) - 4'' from California Tropicals

This plant has a maximum growth of two or two and a half feet, making them perfect for indoors! Only water every one to two weeks, or after the topmost few centimeters have completely dried out and keep it out of direct sunlight. Victorian Parlor Palm, $15.99 on Amazon

8. Heart Leaf Philodendron, $17.20 on Amazon

Heart Leaf Philodendron - Easiest House Plant to Grow - 4" Pot - Live Plant

The heart leaf philodendron prefers bright diffused light or even shade and only requires watering every week or two. You should repot it once it outgrows its container, and it would be best if you trimmed the trailing stems when they get long. Heart Leaf Philodendron, $17.20 on Amazon

9. California Tropicals Bonnie Curly Spider Plant, $15.00 on Amazon

California Tropicals Bonnie Curly Spider Plant - Real Live Tropical Houseplant, Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Home and Office Decoration, Easy Care, Perfect for Pots, Baskets or Patio - 4 Inch

The spider plant is easy to take care of in that it only requires watering once a week in the spring and summer and even less in the winter. If brown spots appear on the leaves, simply trim those areas and you're good to go! California Tropicals Bonnie Curly Spider Plant, $15.00 on Amazon

10. Ficus Benjamina, $18.99 on Amazon

Ficus Benjamina Variegated - 6" from California Tropicals

This ficus needs bright, but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight will burn its leaves. According to a Clean Air Study done by NASA, Ficus Benjamina is effective in cleaning airborne impurities such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Ficus Benjamina, $18.99 on Amazon

11. Zebra Plant or Haworthia, $9.99 on Amazon

Zebra Plant - Haworthia fasciata - Easy to grow/Hard to kill Succulent- 2.5" Pot

This miniature succulent is native to South Africa and is one of the easiest plants to care for. It needs moderate light (but avoid very shady areas) and only needs watering about once a week. It can thrive in a fairly wide range of temperatures, from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Zebra Plant or Haworthia, $9.99 on Amazon

12. California Tropicals Staghorn Fern, $17.99 on Amazon

Staghorn Fern - 4'' from California Tropicals

While this fern may not require much light, it does require consistent moisture. It soaks up water from its leaves as well as from the soil, so it would be best to mist this plant all over for the best effectiveness. California Tropicals Staghorn Fern, $17.99 on Amazon

13. Hoya Carnosa Krinkle Wax Plant, $19.99 on Amazon

Hoya Carnosa Krinkle Wax - 4'' Pot- Easy to Grow House Plant

Another plant that likes being misted, the wax plant only requires watering when the soil has dried out. Wax plants prefer indirect light and can help to improve oxygen levels in your home which has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, including improved mental health. Hoya Carnosa Krinkle Wax Plant, $19.99 on Amazon

14. Brussel's Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree, $26.44 on Amazon

Brussel's Live Hawaiian Umbrella Indoor Bonsai Tree - 3 Years Old; 5" to 8" Tall with Decorative Container

Great at air purification, this bonsai requires quite a bit of water. Unlike most other low-light plants, the soil of the umbrella tree must not dry out. Watering a few times a week should be sufficient. Brussel's Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree, $26.44 on Amazon

15. Costa Farms Ponytail Palm, $30.37 on Amazon

Costa Farms Ponytail Palm Bonsai, Live Indoor Plant, Clean Air Purifying Houseplant in Modern Decor Planter, Fresh From Farm, Birthday Gift, Tabletop Office Desk or Home Décor, 15-20 Inches Tall

Let the soil dry out completely before watering your ponytail palm. Watering once every two weeks should be enough for this plant. Any browning that appears on the leaves can be cut off with clean, sharp scissors. Costa Farms Ponytail Palm, $30.37 on Amazon

16. Madagascar Dragon Tree, $12.99 on Amazon

Madagascar Dragon Tree - Dracaena marginata - 6" Pot - Easy to Grow House Plant

This indoor plant can reach up to six feet in height, but they are very slow growers. They do require about four to six hours of light a day, but should mostly be kept in shade. If there are brown places appearing on the leaves, it means this plant is getting too much sun and needs to be moved. Madagascar Dragon Tree, $12.99 on Amazon

17. Costa Farms ZZ Plant, $24.36 on Amazon

Costa Farms ZZ Plant, Live Indoor Houseplant in Modern Decor Planter, Natural Air Purifier in Potting Soil, Gift for Plant Lovers, Birthday Gift, Tabletop Living Room Decor, Desk Decor, 12-Inches Tall

ZZ plants only need watering once every two to three weeks. Signs that you need to give more water include wilting or wrinkled leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can result in yellowing and mushy leaves and wet potting soil. Costa Farms ZZ Plant, $24.36 on Amazon

18. Black Raven ZZ Plant, $24.99 on Amazon

Rare Black Raven ZZ Plant -4'' from California Tropicals

Another form of the ZZ plant, the raven plant thrives when it is not kept in direct sunlight. Allowing the soil to completely dry out before rewatering is best. This air-purifying plant has been proven to eliminate toxins in the air such as xylene, toluene and benzene. Black Raven ZZ Plant, $24.99 on Amazon

19. Arcadia Garden Products Lucky Bamboo, $24.88 on Amazon

Arcadia Garden Products LV25 5-Stem Lucky Bamboo, Live Indoor Plant in Aged Wood Planter for Home, Work, or Gift, Dark *Cannot Ship to Hawaii

This bamboo is deemed lucky because it is said to bring prosperity when placed in the correct location of the home. It is best to keep this plant in the east corner of the room for luck, and the southeast corner of the home to draw in wealth and fortune. Arcadia Garden Products Lucky Bamboo, $24.88 on Amazon

20. California Tropicals Peperomia Obtusifolia, $15.00 on Amazon

California Tropicals Live Peperomia Obtusifolia - 4" Real Small Pot, Unique Gifts for Home Decor, Garden, Office, and Indoor Outdoor Easy Care Green Plants, Mini Live Rubber Plant

Also known as "baby rubber plant," keeping this plant indoors can increase humidity by reducing carbon dioxide levels. It also helps to remove pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and benzene and only requires watering every week or two. California Tropicals Peperomia Obtusifolia, $15.00 on Amazon

21. Sago Palm, $21.99 on Amazon

Sago Palm (Cycad) - 6" from California Tropicals

It is best to keep the sago palm in a semi-bright location in your home. A slow grower, this plant will reach about two feet tall if kept longer than five years. Only water once a week in summer and once every two or three weeks in winter and fertilize once or twice a year. Sago Palm $21.99 on Amazon

22. Money Tree Plant, $15.99 on Amazon

Live Money Tree Plant, Pachira Aquatica Money Tree, Feng Shui Money Tree Pachira Aquatica Plant, Pachira Plant Bonsai Tree in Planter Pot With Soil, Money Tree Plant Indoor Plants by Plants for Pets

Unfortunately, this tree does not grow money... but we wish it did! To care for a money tree, simply give it about six to eight ounces of water every three weeks or so and keep it in a bright area of your home that is not near a vent and is not drafty. Money Tree Plant, $15.99 on Amazon

23. Calathea Dottie, $23.00 on Amazon

HOUSEPLANTSHOP | Calathea ‘Dottie’ - 4” Pot | Live Indoor House Plant | Free Care Guide

Regularly cleaning dust off the leaves of this plant and giving it a good misting will help it to flourish in your home. The more indirect light the Calathea Dottie receives will allow it to produce finer foliage. This plant is thought to reduce stress, amplify mental clarity and improve your mood! Calathea Dottie, $23.00 on Amazon

24. Schefflera Arboricola, $19.00 on Amazon

Schefflera Arboricola Variegated 'Umbrella Plant' 4" Pot

A natural air freshener and detoxifier, schefflera arboricola originates in Australia. While the leaves release oxygen, they also absorb impurities from the air which makes your home smell even better! Placing this plant in an east-facing window would be best, but can be placed in a south or west-facing window so long as it is not directly in the sun's rays. Schefflera Arboricola, $19.00 on Amazon

25. California Tropicals Red Anthurium, $18.99 on Amazon

California Tropicals Anthurium Red - Live House Plants Indoor, 4 Inch Pot for Easy Care, Perfect for Office, Home & Flamingo Decor, Real Plant, Plant Gift, Flowering Plants, Sympathy Flowers

The red anthurium loves humidity, so it would be best to avoid placing this plant near air vents or fans and to mist regularly, especially during dryer winter months. Watering once a week should be sufficient for this indoor plant. California Tropicals Red Anthurium, $18.99 on Amazon

26. American Plant Exchange Cast Iron Plant, $19.76 on Amazon

American Plant Exchange Live Cast Iron Plant, Ballroom Plant, Plant Pot for Home and Garden Decor, 6" Pot

Avoid overwatering by checking the top two inches of potting soil every ten days or so. If that soil is dry it's time to water, if not it can wait a few more days. As long as there is a window somewhere in the room you decide to place this plant it will do well. Just don't put it in direct sunlight! American Plant Exchange Cast Iron Plant, $19.76 on Amazon

27. Costa Farms Aglaonema, $25.49 on Amazon

Costa Farms Aglaonema Live Indoor Plant, 14-Inches, Ships in White-Natural Décor Planter, Gift, 1-2 Feet Tall, Chinese Evergreen, Red

Also called "Chinese evergreen," the aglaonema needs low to bright indirect light. The variations of this plant with darker green leaves can withstand more shade, while the lighter leaves require brighter light conditions to maintain their coloring. Costa Farms Aglaonema, $25.49 on Amazon

28. California Tropicals Monstera, $14.50 on Amazon

California Tropicals Monstera Adansonii Real Live Indoor Houseplants - Big Low Light Tropical Plant for Air Purifying Decorations - 4" Pots Easy Planting in Homes, Offices, and Outdoor Gardens

Morning sun is best for the monstera. It can tolerate lower levels of light, but will be much slower growing. Water every week or two, depending on the amount of light. The more light this plant gets, (and the drier the soil) the more water it will need. California Tropicals Monstera, $14.50 on Amazon

29. Brussel's Bonsai Dwarf Jade, $29.97 on Amazon

Brussel's Bonsai Live Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree-3 Years Old 4" to 6" Tall with Decorative Container, Small

In winter months, the dwarf jade only needs to be watered once every four to eight weeks, so long as it is kept in a cool place. During other seasons, it will only need water when the soil is very dry. It would be best to keep your dwarf jade in indirect light for at least five or six hours every day. Brussel's Bonsai Dwarf Jade, $29.97 on Amazon

30. Costa Farms Bromeliad, $33.12 on Amazon

Costa Farms Bromeliad, Flowering Live Indoor Plant in Premium Ceramic Decor Planter, Houseplant with Flowers in Potting Soil, Grower's Choice, Great Mother's Day Gift for Mom, 20-Inches Tall

Water once a week in the center of the plant and keep in indirect light and you'll have a beautiful bromeliad on your hands! Some varieties can even flourish in fluorescent lighting only, as long as it gets fourteen to sixteen hours of it a day. Costa Farms Bromeliad, $33.12 on Amazon

31. American Plant Exchange Philodendron Brasil Plant, $19.65 on Amazon

American Plant Exchange Live Philodendron Brasil Plant, Sweetheart Plant, Heart-Leaf Plant, Plant Pot for Home and Garden Decor, 6" Pot

Low lighting conditions will be sufficient for the philodendron brasil, but more indirect light will allow it to produce more leaves and grow faster overall. You should only need to water it weekly, or any time the topsoil has become dried out. American Plant Exchange Philodendron Brasil Plant, $19.65 on Amazon

32. Dieffenbachia Plant, $19.85 on Amazon

Dieffenbachia Compacta (Tropical Snow) - 6'' from California Tropicals

This plant prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. If kept in lower light the soil can dry out a bit more than usual, but should still be watered fairly quickly after it has dried. While it can be kept in full shade, it would be best to keep it in diffused sunlight or partial shade. Dieffenbachia Plant, $19.85 on Amazon

33. Calathea Peacock, $11.99 on Amazon

Calathea Peacock Makoyana- 2'' from California Tropicals

Named for the way its leaf patterns resemble a peacock's tail, the calathea peacock is a stunning addition to any room! It requires moderate but indirect sunlight and should be watered twice a week in the winter and once every two or three days in warmer months. Calathea Peacock, $11.99 on Amazon

34. Rooted Maidenhair Fern, $31.99 on Amazon

Rooted Maidenhair Fern - Adiantum aethiopicum | Live, Healthy, and Low Light Houseplant (6" Wide Pot)

Unlike most plants in this list, the maidenhair fern's soil should never dry out. It requires consistently moist soil and should be watered daily or every other day. It does like indirect light like many others listed, but can withstand an hour or two of direct sunlight as long as you pay close attention to the soil moisture. Rooted Maidenhair Fern, $31.99 on Amazon

35. Dracaena Fragrans Corn Plant, $24.00 on Amazon

Creme & Green Corn Plant - Dracaena - 6" Pot - Easy to Grow House Plant Indoor

Medium to indirect sunlight is best for the corn plant, but it can tolerate lower lighting situations. Keep in mind that the lower the lighting, the slower the growth. Watering once a week will do, or when you notice the soil is dry or the leaves have started to wilt. Dracaena Fragrans Corn Plant, $24.00 on Amazon

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