Low light indoor plants are often considered the unsung heroes of the plant world. Contrary to popular belief, many beautiful and resilient plants thrive in conditions where sunlight is scarce. These botanical wonders not only purify the air but also add a touch of nature’s beauty to spaces that might otherwise feel dull. With their ability to adapt to low-light environments, these plants are perfect for those with limited natural light in their homes or offices.
From elegant, upright varieties to trailing vines, the world of low-light indoor plants offers a diverse range of options to suit any style. These hardy specimens require minimal care, making them ideal for busy individuals or those new to plant parenting. With a little love and attention, these low-light champions will thrive and transform your space into a tranquil oasis.
Low Light Indoor Plants: Tolerate vs Thrive
Many people believe that all indoor plants require ample sunlight to flourish. However, this isn’t entirely true. While some plants prefer bright light, others can not only tolerate low light conditions but actually thrive in them. This article focuses on the latter – the indoor plants that not only survive but excel in dimly lit spaces.
Plants That Thrive in Low Light Indoor Conditions
These are the top 10 indoor plants that have proven their resilience in low light environments:
10 Best Low Light Plants for Indoors
- Lucky Bamboo: Known for its good fortune symbolism, this plant is surprisingly adaptable to low light conditions.
- Spider Plant: With its long, arching leaves, the spider plant is a classic choice for low-light areas.
- Golden Pothos: This vining plant is a low-maintenance superstar that thrives in various light conditions, including low light.
- Snake Plant: Its striking vertical leaves and ability to withstand neglect make it an ideal low-light plant.
- Staghorn Fern: This unique plant doesn’t require soil and can thrive in hanging baskets, even in low light conditions.
- English Ivy: With its trailing vines and air-purifying qualities, English Ivy is a great option for low-light spaces.
- Peace Lily: This elegant plant produces beautiful white flowers and can tolerate low light levels.
- ZZ Plant: Renowned for its durability, the ZZ plant is virtually indestructible and thrives in low light.
- Anthurium: With its vibrant flowers and glossy leaves, the Anthurium adds a touch of color to low-light environments.
- Chinese Evergreen: This low-maintenance plant offers a variety of leaf patterns and colors and thrives in low light.
Lucky Bamboo
It is one of the best low-light indoor plants. Lucky Bamboo, despite its name, isn’t actually a type of bamboo. It’s a Dracaena sanderiana, a member of the asparagus family. This aquatic plant is renowned for its slender green stalks that can be braided or spiraled for decorative purposes.
Benefits:
- Feng Shui: Symbolizes good fortune, wealth, and health.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives in water, making it an ideal plant for those with busy lifestyles.
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
Care:
- Water: Place in a vase with clean water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Change water every week.
- Light: Prefers indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions.
- Temperature: Thrives in average room temperature.
The number of stalks in Lucky Bamboo holds significance in Feng Shui. For example, two stalks represent love, three for happiness, wealth, and longevity, and five for balance and harmony.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a classic indoor plant recognized for its long, arching leaves with white stripes. It’s a prolific plant, producing baby spiderettes that can be propagated to create new plants and It is one of the best low-light indoor plants
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Effectively removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Therefore, it is one of the plants that clean air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates neglect and thrives in various lighting conditions.
- Pet-Friendly: Safe for pets if ingested.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos, Epipremnum aureum, is a popular vining plant known for its heart-shaped leaves with vibrant gold variegation. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets or climbing up supports.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Extremely tolerant of low light and irregular watering.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciata, is a striking plant with upright, sword-shaped leaves. It’s renowned for its durability and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Snake plants symbolize good luck, purity and protection. However snake plant propagation is very easy.
- Air Purification: Converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, improving air quality.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and tolerates neglect.
- Low Light Tolerance: Thrives in low-light conditions.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can be fatal.
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Fern, Platycerium, is an epiphytic plant that grows on trees in its natural habitat. It has unique, flat, antler-like fronds that resemble deer antlers. Also It is one of the best low-light indoor plants.
Benefits:
- Unique Appearance: Adds a tropical touch to any space.
- Air-Purifying: Helps improve air quality.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
Care:
- Mounting: Typically mounted on wood or cork bark.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity, so misting or a pebble tray can be beneficial.
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
English Ivy
English Ivy, Hedera helix, is a classic vining plant with dark green, glossy leaves. It’s known for its ability to climb walls or trail down from hanging baskets. Also English Ivy propagation is very easy.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Effectively removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Versatile: Can be grown as a groundcover, climber, or trailing plant.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii, is a graceful plant with large, glossy leaves and elegant white flowers. It’s a popular choice for adding elegance to any space.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Removes toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Humidity Lover: Benefits from increased humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a nearly indestructible plant with glossy, dark green leaves. It’s perfect for those with a busy lifestyle or a black thumb.
Benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Extremely tolerant of neglect and low light.
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Drought Tolerant: Can withstand periods of drought.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can be fatal.
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Anthurium
Anthurium is a tropical plant known for its vibrant, heart-shaped flowers that come in various colors. It adds a touch of exotic beauty to any room.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Long-Lasting Flowers: Flowers can last for several weeks.
- Unique Appearance: Adds a tropical flair to your home.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity, so misting or a pebble tray can be beneficial.
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema, is a versatile plant with a wide variety of leaf patterns and colors. It’s a low-maintenance option for any room. Also Chinese Evergreen propagation is very easy.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Variety: Available in various leaf colors and patterns.
Care:
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Sword Fern: The Classic Fern
Sword Fern, Polystichum munitum, is a classic fern with long, arching fronds. It adds a touch of greenery and elegance to any space.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by adding humidity.
- Beautiful Foliage: Offers long, arching fronds with a classic fern look.
- Calming Atmosphere: Creates a serene and peaceful ambiance.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight.
- Humidity: Requires high humidity levels.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Guiana Chestnut
Guiana Chestnut, Pachira aquatica, is a unique plant with braided trunks and glossy green leaves. It’s often associated with good luck and prosperity.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Unique Appearance: Offers braided trunks and glossy green leaves.
- Symbolism: Associated with good luck and prosperity.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum, is a beloved trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a groundcover.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Versatile Growth: Can be grown as a trailing plant or climber.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum raddianum, is a graceful fern with delicate, fan-shaped fronds. It adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any space.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by adding humidity.
- Beautiful Foliage: Offers delicate, fern-like fronds.
- Calming Atmosphere: Creates a serene and peaceful ambiance.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight.
- Humidity: Requires high humidity levels.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Rubber Plant
Rubber Plant, Ficus elastica, is a classic houseplant with large, glossy leaves. It’s known for its sturdy growth and air-purifying abilities.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Sturdy Growth: Grows well indoors and requires minimal care.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm, Chamaedorea elegans, brings a touch of the tropics indoors with its graceful, feathery fronds. It’s a popular choice for adding greenery to any room.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
- Tropical Look: Adds a touch of the tropics to your home.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Sansevieria zeylanica: The Snake Plant
Sansevieria zeylanica, commonly known as Snake Plant, is a popular choice for its striking foliage and low-maintenance care. It’s perfect for beginners.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Low Maintenance: Extremely tolerant of low light and neglect.
- Stylish Appearance: Offers unique and striking foliage.
Care:
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Calathea orbifolia
Calathea orbifolia is a stunning variety of Prayer Plant with large, round leaves featuring striking dark green veins. It adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Benefits:
- Beautiful Foliage: Offers large, round leaves with striking patterns.
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Calming Atmosphere: Creates a serene and peaceful ambiance.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Humidity: Requires high humidity levels.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, is a popular houseplant with large, colorful leaves featuring unique patterns. It adds a tropical vibe to any room.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers large, colorful leaves with striking patterns.
- Easy Care: Relatively low maintenance.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Aspidistra elatior
Aspidistra elatior, often called the Cast Iron Plant, is renowned for its hardiness and resilience. It can thrive in low-light conditions and tolerate neglect. Also It is one of the best low-light indoor plants.
Benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Extremely tolerant of low light and irregular watering.
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Durability: Can withstand harsh conditions.
Care:
- Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant, Calathea ornata, is a captivating foliage plant known for its striking leaf patterns. Its leaves fold upwards at night in a prayer-like position, earning it its unique name.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Beautiful Foliage: Offers stunning leaf patterns and colors.
- Calming Atmosphere: Creates a serene and peaceful ambiance.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Humidity: Requires high humidity levels.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a diverse group of plants with various leaf shapes and sizes. They are popular for their ease of care and ability to climb or trail.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps remove toxins from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Versatile Growth: Can be trained to climb or trail.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Dracaena
Dracaena is a genus of elegant, tree-like plants with long, slender leaves. They are popular for their air-purifying qualities and low maintenance requirements.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps remove toxins from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
- Stylish Appearance: Adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is a popular choice for low-light conditions. It boasts a variety of leaf colors and patterns.
Benefits:
- Air Purification: Helps improve indoor air quality.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Variety: Offers a wide range of leaf colors and patterns.
Care:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers average room temperature.
Any recommendations for low-light plants that are pet-friendly?