10 Best Low Light Plants to Grow at Home
Growing the best low light plants at home is the perfect way to fill dimly lit rooms with vibrant greenery and tropical vibes. Plants with variegated foliage will add color and brighten a gloomy room.
But what plants do well in low sunlight? Surprisingly, many plant varieties prefer medium light and don’t need to be exposed to bright sunlight to thrive.
About Low-Light Indoor Plants
The best house plants for low light thrive in medium to low indirect light. They can tolerate low-light conditions when necessary, and they are usually easy to care for. Some plants for low light are very resilient and require less frequent watering. It’s best if you water them only when the soil feels dry.
Depending on your space, you can choose from different-sized low-light house plants. Some are small and will fit perfectly on desks and shelves, while others can grow large and tall, making the perfect floor plants that need plenty of space. Hanging or climbing varieties are ideal for vertical spaces, for instance. If you have a cat or dog, consider choosing low-light pet-friendly plants that your furry friends can be safe around.
The best plants for low light suit all kinds of indoor spaces with little light. Many of the best plants for low light indoors are also ideal for shady patios or porches because of their high tolerance for shade.
Advantages of Growing Low Light Plants
Growing the best low light plants for indoors can transform gloomy corners into lively and comforting spaces, especially in rooms where other houseplants may struggle. Some of the advantages of shade-tolerant plants include:
- They’re often low-maintenance
- Ideal for north-facing bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms with little light
- They require less watering as the soil doesn’t dry quickly in low light
- Many low-light plants have air-purifying and mold-reducing properties
- Tolerant of occasional neglect, making them perfect for busy plant lovers
- Perfect for shaded porches or other dimly lit outdoor spaces
Finding the right plants for your space will help you fill your home with greenery that will thrive and look lush year-round. So, what indoor plants need the least light?
10 Best Indoor Plants for Low Light
Indoor low-light plants differ in shape, size, and foliage patterns, making it easy to find the perfect plant for your home. There are low-light trailing plants, bold and large statement plants, as well as compact varieties you can decorate your desk or shelves with.
1. Cast Iron Plant – Sculptured Elegance
Tough and practically indestructible, the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) adapts to various indoor conditions with ease, providing glossy, elegant greenery. It’s one of the best plants for growing in low light, and unlike many other plants, it can also adapt to cooler room temperatures.
2. ZZ Plant – Easy-Care Beauty
With lovely emerald green foliage, the ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can thrive in almost any lighting conditions, even in artificial light, making it one of the best low-light office plants. It’s also very low-maintenance and makes an excellent plant for beginners.
3. Peace Lily – Snowy Blooms
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is popular for its lush foliage and exceptional air-purifying properties, as well as for its snow-white blooms. The variegated variety has beautifully speckled leaves. Considered one of the best low-light bathroom plants, the flowering Peace Lily fills your space with a delicate, sweet aroma. It will bloom best in medium light and requires consistently moist but not soggy soil.
4. Snake Plants – Stunning Patterns
Snake plants (Sansevieria) are resilient plants with beautifully patterned, upright foliage. These tall, low-light plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant; water only when the soil dries completely. Moreover, their elegant vertical shape is ideal for filling narrow spaces. They thrive near north-facing windows or in spaces with artificial light.
5. Calathea Dottie – Neon Glow
The leaves of the charming Calathea Dottie (Calathea roseopicta 'Dottie') are marked by neon pink halos. These low light high humidity plants thrive in warm and humid spaces, but don’t require bright light. In fact, direct light can scorch its delicate leaves. Moreover, these small, low-light plants are entirely pet-friendly.
6. Red Prayer Plant – Bold Foliage
The bright and cheerful Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is one of the low-light plants safe for cats and dogs because of its non-toxic foliage. The leaves fold in the evening like praying hands, opening first thing in the morning when the sunlight is gentle.
7. Aralia Fabian Stump – Exotic Indoor Tree
The Aralia Fabian Stump (Polyscias scutellaria) is a unique low light plant with a thick trunk and small, round leaves that have an unexpected purple underside. It tolerates low light, but will thrive in medium-lit spaces.
8. Song of India Plant – Jungle Charm
The spectacular Song of India Plant (Dracaena reflexa) is one of the large low light plants that make great focal points in interiors. Use this easy-care plant to add zest to a dimly lit space with its bright colored foliage.
9. Pothos Plants – Versatile Low Light Plant
Easy-care and often described as thriving on neglect, Pothos Plants (Epipremnum aureum) are tropical vines with vibrant green or variegated leaves. These undemanding, low light climbing plants can be trained up a moss pole or grown as a hanging plant with cascading vines.
10. Philodendron Brasil – Variegated Cascading Vine
One of the most eye-catching low light hanging plants, the Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum) boasts gently variegated, heart-shaped leaves in hues of cream and green. This stylish vine will thrive in medium to low light.
Best Low Light Indoor Plants: FAQs
Q: What plants are good for low light bedrooms?
A: Plants like Peace Lilies or Calatheas are ideal for bedrooms. They filter toxins out of indoor air, and their calming foliage creates the right atmosphere for refreshing and healthy sleep.
Q: What is the best plant for a low light bathroom?
A: Ferns are some of the best indoor low light plants for bathrooms. They thrive on high humidity and moisture, and most varieties prefer medium to low indirect light.
Q: What plants do well in office lighting?
A: Snake plants are magnificent office plants. Resilient and forgiving of neglect, these beauties will not wilt if you forget to water them once in a while. Another great choice for offices is the adaptable, easy-care, and dramatic Black ZZ plant.
Q: What small house plants thrive in low light?
A: The compact Spider Plant is an ideal plant for shelves or hanging containers. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an ideal plant for small spaces.
Conclusion
Plants for low light are diverse and adaptable. Many of the best low light plants are also resilient and don’t require a lot of upkeep. Because of their adaptability to partial shade and dim light, they can thrive where other plants won’t. This makes them an ideal way to add greenery and positive energy to gloomy rooms that don’t receive much sunlight.
From stunning foliage plants, such as Calathea or Dracaena, to low-maintenance vines like Pothos plants and Philodendrons, there are low-light plants for any space and preference. Adorn your home with lush greenery! Fill shady nooks and add color to empty corners with well-chosen low-light plants.