Low light indoor plants that thrive: Greenery for darker spaces

It can be challenging to decorate a space with little natural light, particularly when it comes to adding plants. Many plants require a great deal of sunlight to thrive, which makes it difficult to bring greenery to low-light areas. This is a frequent concern for apartment dwellers in a space without much natural sunlight, those sitting in dim offices and rooms at home that aren’t particularly well lit.

But the good news is that there are lots of indoor plants that don’t need direct sunlight. These plants don’t need much sunlight to grow, so they’re perfect for dim spaces. The right plants will make the darkest rooms come alive and feel inviting. This article will present a few of the best lowlight indoor plants that look beautiful and hard to kill.

Understanding Low Light for Indoor Plants

Low light means the place is receiving minimal sunlight, normally less than 3 -4 hours a day at max. Some of these spaces may still get some natural light, but it is indirect, filtered through curtains or blinds. Low-light is typical of rooms in north-facing windows, basement rooms or rooms that are sheltered by taller buildings and trees.

Common Misconception

A lot of people think that plants need only the tiniest amount of light to survive, but there’s a big difference between a plant that can survive in low light and a plant that can thrive in it. Some plants can stay alive in low light however, the majority will become weak and will not reach their full potential in that environment. Conversely, there are plants which enjoy low light and they do survive and grow very well, in fact full and healthy.

Ideal Environments

Low-light plants thrive in spaces where they don’t get direct sunlight but where there’s still some ambient light. For instance, north-facing windows, which receive soft, indirect light, are perfect. There are also rooms at home with plenty of shade, such as those with larger trees or buildings that block direct light. Keep in mind that they don’t require full sun, but they do need some natural light to continue to grow and remain healthy.

Best Plants for Low Light Indoors

If seeking to brighten up darker areas, these low-light plants not only grow well in dim light but also enhance the home with beauty and cheer. Here’s a curated list of the best indoor plants for low-light spaces:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Very low-maintenance, the snake plant can withstand neglect. It can survive in very low light, but does best in indirect light. It’s great for those new to gardening, or for anyone who wants a low care plant.

• Light Requirements: Low to medium light
• Benefits: Snake plants are the great indoor low light plants for purifying air removing toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.Their upright, sword shaped foliage also makes them look modern and not like a granny plant. 
• Placement: Perfect for corners, living rooms and bedrooms.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The resilient ZZ plant is low maintenance and does well in low light. It’s drought-tolerant and does not require regular water.

• Light Requirements: Low to moderate light
• Benefits: It is a plant that purifies the air and has glossy, dark green leaves to add sophistication to any room.
• Placement: Great for desks, bathrooms, or dim areas.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies thrive in low light but should be situated in indirect light to grow best. They need to be watered often, with the soil being a little damp.

• Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light
• Benefits: In addition to adding vibrancy to the space, peace lilies can help clean the air by combating dangerous toxins. Their flowers are white and with those flowers grow so lovely.
• Placement: Position this one in living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms, especially near windows with diffused light.

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

This plant is great for those who want to make sure they do not have to worry about their plant dying right away. It is easy to please, thriving under a range of light, even in low-light conditions. It needs nothing more than occasional water.

• Light Requirements: Low to moderate light
• Benefits: Chinese Evergreen is an attractive, variegated plant, available in a range of shades of green and silver. It also purifies the air and brings color to darker corners.
• Placement: Ideal for offices, hallways, or rooms with indirect light.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are simple to grow and produce. They’re not high maintenance, but do regular watering and well-draining soil.

• Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light
• Benefits: These plants are air-purifying machines that discharge toxic gases collected in the home. Their green and white leaves, which hang and cascade, make a fresh and playful look for any room.
• Placement: Great for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a table centerpiece.

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Named for its sturdiness, the cast iron plant is indeed so tough. It does well in low light and can tolerate a bit of neglect in watering. It can also tolerate dry air.

• Light Requirements: Low to moderate light
• Benefits: The cast iron plant has lovely dark green, shiny foliage. And it’s beautiful for bringing a bit of lush, green environment into the world without demanding too much care.
• Placement: Suitable for dim corners or places with very little light.

7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

This is a plant that does well with little light and little care. Water it when the topsoil is dry; take care not to overwater.

• Light Requirements: Low to moderate light
• Benefits: The parlor palm’s fine, soft leaves make it appear decorative and tropical. It cleans the air as well so it works best indoors.
• Placement: Perfect as a centerpiece in a living room, bedroom, office, or as a fairy garden accessory placed by a low-light window.

8. Philodendron

The philodendron is an extremely adaptable plant that tolerates all kinds of light in the low range. It requires intermittent watering and isn’t that high-maintenance.

• Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light
• Benefits: Philodendrons have trailing vines and large, heart-shaped leaves. They are a little green in the spaces, and can be trained to climb or trail.
• Placement: Ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, or floor plants in corners.

9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Fast-growing, easy to care for pothos performs well in low light. It thrives on neglect and doesn’t need much water.

• Light Requirements: Low to bright indirect light
• Benefits: Pothos plants are the best air purifying low light plants that remove toxins like formaldehyde & benzene from the air. But the trailing heart-shaped leaves on their vines are so lovely.
• Placement: Perfect on the shelves, hanging baskets, or as a flow plant in a corner.

10. Dracaena

Dracaena plants are low light houseplants safe for pets and are very tolerant of occasional neglect. They prefer well draining soil and moderate watering.

• Light Requirements: Low to moderate light
• Benefits: Dracaena plants, with their tall, architectural silhouette, come in a variety of shapes and sizes with stunning green, yellow, or red leaves. And hold on, because they clean the air too, which is a plus for most, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked when taking steps to improve indoor air quality.
• Placement: Perfect for large spaces, corners, or near windows with indirect light.

Tips for Thriving in Low Light

Taking care of low-light plants is simple but there are a few things people should do to keep them healthy and thriving.

1. Watering

Watering correctly is key, and overwatering is a frequent mistake, especially when it comes to low-light plants. Plants often use less water in dim environments, where they are not photosynthesizing as rapidly. Root rot can occur if people don’t let the soil dry out.

A good way is to check the soil moisture by sticking a finger down about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water. If it’s moist, it’s better to wait for a few days. In low light, it’s always best to underwater than to overwater.

2. Humidity

Many low-light plants originate from the tropics, where humidity is naturally higher. The air indoors becomes dry in winter, which stresses plants. To encourage them to thrive, it’s a good idea to boost the humidity around them.

To increase humidity around the plant as the water evaporates, put a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the plant. An alternative is a room humidifier to keep the moisture level adequate. This added humidity is especially good for plants such as peace lilies and Chinese evergreens.

3. Temperature

Low-light plants prefer stable, moderate temperatures. Most are happiest in 65°F – 75°F (18°C–24°C). Drafts or exposure to direct heat sources like radiators or air-conditioning units will create temperature changes that will stress the plants, so keep them well away from such ruins.

Being able to adjust to its new conditions is crucial, and plants can falter if moved to cool rooms at night and then back to warm rooms during the day. Maintaining the temperature helps in uniform growth and avoids stress to the plants.

4. Cleaning

It’s crucial to clean up the leaves of the low-light plants to keep them healthy. Dust and dirt may obscure light and prevent the plant from being able to effectively photosynthesize. You can wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or give the whole plant (in its pot) a gentle rinse in the sink to wash away dust.

Cleaning the leaves makes sure that the plant can take in so much light, even if the light is low.

5. Rotation

Plants that thrive in low-light conditions will naturally want to grow toward the light. To promote even growth, it’s wise to give the plant a quarter turn every week or so. Simply spin the plant 1/4 turn and each side will get the same amount of light so the plant will not grow lopsided.

Rotating the plant on a regular basis will help it grow straight and not lean toward the light, which can produce weak stems. It’s really good for even balanced, healthy growth.

How to Enhance Aesthetics with Low-Light Plants

Low-light plants can do a lot more than simply bring a little greenery to a room. Here are some ways users can put the plants to work in the home or office decor:

1. Decorative Pots

The right pot can have a big impact on a plant’s appearance and the room’s aesthetic. Pick pots that suit the interior style. Simple ceramic or concrete pots are for something more modern, versus woven baskets or old-school terracotta pots for more of an earthy feel. Match the pot’s color and texture with the furniture and wall colors to give the room a cohesive look. 

2. Grouping Plants

One plant alone can be a statement, but a collection of them can paint a whole picture. Staggering a variety of low-light plants in different sizes and heights creates depth and intrigue in a room. This can transform a bland space into a lively focal point, especially when used indoors in living rooms, entryways, or offices.

3. Vertical Gardens

Determined by the space on the floor, use wall hanging planters or shelves. A great way to show off trailing plants, such as pothos or philodendrons. Consider hanging planters or placing greenery on shelves if looking to add a unique, green-filled element to the room that doesn’t take up much space on the floor.

4. Complementing Furniture

Greenery can play well with furniture to establish a balanced and welcoming environment. Add plants next to furniture items like the couch or a side table, to round off the room and to add warmth even to the room. You can also put some plants up on top of the cabinets or near the lighting to bring the room together.

The Bottom Line

It doesn’t have to be hard to bring plants into spaces with minimal natural light. As long as users have the proper low-light plants, dark corners can also shine. Plants like the Snake Plant, ZZ Plant and Peace Lily don’t take too much to care for, help purify the air and add a touch of beauty to any room. If you know what these plants require like a little watering, some humidity and some indirect light, you can make them thrive in low-light places.

For more advice or to buy low-light plants, Growcycle is an excellent resource. They have a range of indoor plants, including those that thrive in low light, as well as some helpful care tips for keeping them alive and growing.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.