The 26 Best Low-Light Houseplants
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You might be under the impression that you need a ton of sun and a green thumb to keep houseplants alive, but that's not necessarily the case. There are plenty of indoor plants out there that are easy to care for, forgiving, and low-light tolerant. Some even do better in shadier spaces, if you can believe it. If you're not a full-blown plant parent yet because you haven't found the right low-light, low-maintenance greenery, then you're in the right place.
If you've ever dreamed of having a palm tree as part of your decor, look no further. It might not be quite as tall as the ones in Beverly Hills, but it's way cuter (and easier to maintain).
Nicknamed the "happy plant," the aralia can be counted on even in the low light of winter. Just make sure it avoids direct sunlight and water it weekly.
This plant (a.k.a. Pothos) gets its name from the fact that it grows vines even in the worst conditions. That can be bad if it's planted outdoors where it can choke out other plants, but for growing inside, it's perfect.
Nerve Plant
Nerve plants, or fittonia, prefer brighter light, but they can handle low light quite well—although more colorful varieties might look a little less bright with less sun, according to Costa Farms.
This whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like plant can be an adorably small tabletop plant or a full-on tree, but in any case, it's adaptable enough to survive in just about any light levels.
Don't let the sad name turn you off. This quick-growing tree adds some life to any room in the house, and requires little more than the occasional trim and some regular watering.
Bromeliads
Didn't expect to find a tropical plant on this list? This houseplant can actually survive on florescent light alone (!) and thrives in humid conditions, like bathrooms.
Since this plant is one of the most durable indoor plants (it does quite well in low light) and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners.
This succulent is pretty tame (read: easy!) when it comes to maintenance. More light will help it grow, but it can tolerate darkness—just watch out for root rot caused by overwatering.
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, these beautiful, flowering tropical plants are very tolerant of low light, they just won't flower as much without as much sun.
Peperomia Obtusfolia
This cute little plant with its thick, spoon-shaped leaves is both pet-friendly and low-light tolerant. In fact too much intense sunlight can hurt this variety.
This pretty, pink-and-green plant is as low-maintenance as they come, and while its colors will show even more in brighter light, it'll thrive in low light, too.
Like some of the other colorful plants on this list, the oyster plant thrives—and will show its purple hue—more in brighter light, but it's a low maintenance plant that can handle lower light, too.
This plant, also known as the victorian parlor palm, is famously resilient. Those pretty feathery leaves liven up any bland corner of your home. It does well in medium light, though can survive in lower light areas. It's cousin, the majesty palm, is another great option.
Filtered light is best for this plant. Try using a curtain as a barrier between it and the sun, especially during the the spring and summer when the plant is producing new, tender leaves.
With thick, waxy green leaves, the ZZ adds colors and lushness without being too high maintenance at all.
Spiky leaves that grow upwards and have a red outline make these plants totally stunning. But too much direct sunlight can damage them, so give this plant some sun and some shade.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
The sweetheart plant (a nickname given because of the shape of its glossy leaves) can stand dim rooms, but requires pinching to prevent it from growing in long, single stems.
Spider Plants
This plant's adaptability makes it super easy to grow and therefore, super popular. Plus, it's easy to breed and share with others. It can stand up to a lot of neglect and will thrive in indirect light.
The staghorn fern thrives in high-humidity environments with indirect light. This makes them great shower plants.
Brittney Morgan is a noted land mermaid and a Virgo with a penchant for crafts, red lipstick, and buying way too many throw pillows. Her work has also been published at Apartment Therapy, NYLON, HuffPost, Hello Giggles, Elite Daily, and more.
Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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