8 Houseplants That Thrive in Low Light
If you have limited access to daylight indoors—or you're looking to dress up a room where sunlight is harder to come by, like a bathroom or bedroom—then you'll want to check this list of low-light-loving houseplants. According to Bridget Zazzara, the indoor retail and seasonal plant manager for Logan's Trading Company in Raleigh, N.C., these houseplants can withstand the darker corners of your home.
Related: Houseplants That Grow Well with Little to No Light
GETTY IMAGES
Snake Plant
Also known as Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria), this plant is known for its tall, skinny leaves and attractive foliage. "Varieties can be anywhere from 3 to 4 inches tall to 3 to 4 feet tall," says Zazzara. "When in bloom, flowers resemble small lilies along a single stem and are very fragrant." This plant is drought tolerant, which means it is perfect for more negligent plant parents.
Alexandr Kolesnikov / GETTY IMAGES
ZZ Plant
The ZZ, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is another drought- and low-light-tolerant option. This slow-growing variety comes with solid green foliage that reaches between 1 to 3 feet in height. "The cultivar 'Raven' has unique leaves that emerge light green and then fade to near black," notes Zazzara.
Helin Loik-Tomson / GETTY IMAGES
Peace Lily
Known for its beautiful large white blooms and dark green leaves, the Spathiphyllum sp., or Peace Lily, is a moisture-loving plant that can get by with slightly less light than other tropical plants. It's normal for the spathe (the white petal-like structure protecting the actual flowers) to die, but you can encourage it to bloom again with good soil, moisture, and a little light.
Jenny Sun / GETTY IMAGES
Devil's Ivy/Pothos
If you're looking for a plant that thrives in low light, you can't go wrong with Devil's Ivy. Also known as pothos, these long vining plants can reach lengths of 15 feet or more. "Foliage can range from dark green to chartreuse to variegated white-and-green and more," says Zazzara. These plants are also easy to propagate—just placing cuttings in water.
GETTY IMAGES
Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans, which also goes by the common names of Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlor Palm, is a slow-growing palm that can reach several feet in height. It likes to be slightly dry, so beware of over-watering it.
GETTY IMAGES
Chinese Evergreen
Looking to brighten up a dark corner with some color? Try Aglaonema sp., or Chinese Evergreen, which is known for its multicolored green or red-and-pink foliage. The colorful plant can tolerate moist to slightly dry soil in between watering. Some varieties can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
GETTY IMAGES
Lady Palm
The Rhapis Excelsa, or Lady Palm, is an extremely slow-growing palm with unique dark green foliage that is shaped like a hand. The Lady Palm can grow to be 15 feet tall and wide over the course of several years. These palms will tolerate some soil dryness, and will also fare well with a bit of bright but indirect light.
GETTY IMAGES
Spider Plant
If you're looking for a hanging plant, the Chlorophytum sp., or Spider Plant, is the perfect choice. It likes to get slightly dry between watering and will tolerate indirect light (so it's best for a spot where some light hits). If you want to propagate some for yourself or a friend, you can do so by taking one of the "baby" plants and setting it in a dish of water until new roots sprout.
