Last updated on February 9th, 2025 at 02:54 pm
Best House Plants for Low Light. I am often asked what plants are best for low-light conditions. House plants bring life to your space, improve air quality, and create a nice atmosphere. But what if your home or office doesn’t get much natural light? I once worked in a government office without windows only artificial light and we could only visualize what it looked like outdoors.
The good news is that there are plenty of plants that thrive in shaded spots. And this post has five plants that I recommend for those with little to no light indoors.
Let’s explore some top picks for low-light environments and how you can care for them.
Best House Plants for Low Light Conditions
Even in the gloomiest corners, these plants can flourish effortlessly. Here’s a selection of my favorites, along with care tips to keep them healthy.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you’re new to house plants or tend to forget about watering, the snake plant is your best friend. Known for its toughness, this plant can survive just about anything. Its upright, sword-like leaves give it a modern, sculptural look.
- Care Tips: It’s incredibly forgiving and only needs watering every few weeks. Allow the soil to dry fully between waterings. Bonus: It’s a great air purifier, filtering toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is often called the “Devil’s Ivy,” but don’t let the name scare you. It’s as easygoing as they come. With its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, it adds beauty to shelves, hanging planters, or desktops.
- Care Tips: It grows in almost any light condition, from low light to bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Trim vines to encourage bushier growth.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant earns high marks for its glossy, dark green leaves and ability to withstand neglect. It doesn’t need much water and can thrive in dimly lit areas.
- Care Tips: Water sparingly—once every two to three weeks is usually enough. Overwatering is one of the few ways to harm it. Keep it in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is almost impossible to kill. It tolerates very low light levels and doesn’t mind the occasional missed watering. This plant is ideal for dim hallways or corners where many plants wouldn’t survive.
- Care Tips: Water it lightly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s a slow grower, so don’t worry if it takes its time to develop new leaves.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are classics for indoor plants, especially the versatile heartleaf variety. Their lush, green foliage brings warmth and elegance to any room. Plus, they tolerate low light better than most tropical plants.
- Care Tips: Place it in indirect light and water when the soil feels dry. Like pothos, philodendrons are excellent for trailing or climbing, making them perfect for creative displays.
- The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is my number one recommended plant for low light. This one can grow in almost complete darkness. It does like lots of consistent watering. It produces a white leaf-like bloom that can shoot straight up and grows 4ft tall and 4ft wide.
Caring for Low Light House Plants
To keep your plants thriving, understanding their needs is essential. Here are some practical tips to ensure their health and growth.
Watering Practices
Best House Plants for Low Light. Overwatering is a common mistake with low light plants. Most of these plants prefer to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger an inch into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Use less water in winter, as plants grow slower in cooler conditions.
Soil Recommendations
Good drainage is key. Choose a potting mix that retains some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Look for a houseplant soil mix or a blend designed for indoor plants with less sunlight. Adding perlite or sand can improve drainage if needed.
Fertilization Tips
Low light plants don’t need as much fertilizer as those in bright light. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength about once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Design Ideas for Low Light Spaces
You don’t just want green plants—you want them to look amazing in your space. These design tips will help you showcase your plants stylishly.
Plant Placement
Think creatively about where your plants could thrive. Place snake plants on the floor beside a couch or in a shadowy hallway. Hang pothos from ceiling hooks to add texture to vertical spaces. ZZ plants look fantastic on desks or low bookshelves.
Combining Plants
Mix and match different plant heights and leaf shapes to create visual interest. Pair the structured appearance of the snake plant with the trailing vines of pothos. Grouping multiple plants together in clusters also helps boost humidity and keeps them happier.
Best House Plants for Low Light
Conclusion
Low light doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker for keeping houseplants. With the right choices, you can transform even the darkest corners into lush, green sanctuaries. From the nearly indestructible cast iron plant to the glossy ZZ plant, there’s something for every space and skill level.
Ready to choose your plants? Bring a little nature indoors and enjoy the benefits year-round—no matter how much light your space gets.
Greenhouse Manager, Master Gardener, and Webmaster.
If you have any questions or enjoyed this post, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
