These Low Light Houseplants Will Grow Practically Anywhere
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Houseplants make every space feel cozy and welcoming. (Here are 15 of the most popular houseplants.)
But what if you have a house, dorm or office with little natural light and you still want to add some greenery? If you don’t have bright, sunny wall-to-wall windows, no worries! Many indoor plants will do fine in low light levels.
But just how little light qualifies as "low light?" If your area doesn’t receive any direct sunlight and a plant would not cast a shadow at any time of day, it’s a low-light situation.
If you’re trying to figure out what kind of natural light you have, windows that provide the highest light levels are those facing east, west, and south; most north-facing windows are considered low light, especially in northern regions of the country in the winter.
Low light plants tend to grow more slowly than if they were receiving bright light. They also may not need to be watered as frequently as plants in high light areas of your home.
That means you should poke your finger in the soil of these plants to test whether or not it needs water. It’s very easy to overwater low light plants if you’re not paying attention.
Finally, remember that low light doesn’t mean no light. Every plant needs at least some natural or artificial light to survive. If you’re stuck with a really dark room (or you have your heart set on a plant that needs high light levels, such as calathea or bromeliad), invest in an LED plant grow light. This allows you to enjoy being a plant parent without worrying your baby won't make it!
Ahead, our favorite low light houseplants:
Read more: 28 Pet-Friendly Houseplants You Can Grow Without Worry
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The glossy upright foliage of this handsome plant lends an architectural feel to your space. It’s almost indestructible! Water ZZ plant few weeks when it feels mostly dry.
Learn more: How to Care for a ZZ Plant
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is as sturdy as they come, and it’s available in an array of varieties with golden, yellow or creamy white variegations.
Although it prefers medium light, it does just fine in low or artificial light. This handsome vining plant likes to dry out slightly between waterings. It’s also super-easy to make new pothos plants from cuttings.
Learn more: Pothos Plant Growing Tips
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The dark green heart-shaped leaves of this vining philodendron make it especially eye-catching when cascading over an end table or book shelf. Let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.
These Fool-Proof Philodendron Care Tips Will Have Your Plant Thriving
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plants are nearly impossible to kill! They don’t mind low light levels at all, and they only need watered every few weeks. In fact, overwatering is the only sure way to kill this plant.
Learn more: How to Care for a Snake Plant
Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
This is one of the easiest plants you can grow! Aglaonema survives on very low light levels and has beautiful silvery or pink-streaked foliage. Let it dry out between waterings.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
With dark green or spotted strappy leaves, cast iron plant— named for its sturdy temperament-- is a great option for very low light levels. Let it mostly dry out between waterings.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo can take very low light levels. It’s actually a type of dracaena with the lower leaves stripped off to resemble bamboo. This plant is grown in either soil or water; in soil, keep it slightly moist. In a vase of water, change the water weekly.
Interested? How to Care for the Lucky Bamboo Plant
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With dramatic arching leaves and variegated foliage, spider plant likes high light but can adapt to low light levels. In high light, it may produce “babies” you can snip off and plant to make new plants, but that’s less likely in low light. Let it dry out between waterings.
How To Care for a Spider Plant Like a Pro
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This popular plant has style to spare! The holey leaves of Swiss cheese plant make a statement in any room. A few different types of Monstera go by this name, but Monstera deliciosa is probably the most common. Though this plant prefers bright or moderate light levels, it can adapt to low light levels. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
Keep Reading: Easy Monstera Plant Care Tips
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The dramatic markings on this plant make it a must-have. Although it likes moderate light, it can adapt to low light, though it will grow more slowly. Interestingly, the plant gets its name because the leaves curl up, as if in prayer, at night.
20 Meaningful Bible Verses About Prayer
Scindapsus (Scindapsus spp)
Scindapsus is sometimes lumped in with pothos because they look similar, but it’s actually a different plant altogether. The plant has a vining form and heart-shaped leaves, and it’s easy to grow. Let it dry out slightly between waterings.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Most palms are a little fussy and prefer high light and humidity levels. However, parlor palm is more forgiving and will do okay in low light. Keep it lightly moist.
Read on: How to Grow and Care for Indoor Palm Plants
Dracaena (Dracaena spp)
There are many different types of dracaena plants, but most have long strappy leaves. They’ll do fine in low light levels. Keep it slightly moist.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Money tree has a braided stem or bonsai form. It does best in moderate light but can adapt to low light levels. Just make sure to turn it frequently, or it will have the tendency to stretch toward the light. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Have one? How to Care for a Money Tree
Haworthia (Haworthia spp)
This cute little plant maxes out at just 6 to 8 inches tall. The striped foliage make it an adorable plant for end tables or night stands. Because it’s a succulent, it can go several weeks without water.
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