Indoor plants can bring so much life and joy into a home, even in the coziest corners where the sun rarely peeks through. It’s amazing how many plants not only survive but actually thrive in low light conditions!
After diving into countless options, I’ve gathered a fabulous list of 22 indoor plants for low light that are perfect for those shadowy spots. These green beauties don’t need a lot of light to show off their charm!
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria, is a real champ when it comes to low-light conditions. It’s almost like this plant thrives on neglect! You can pop it in a corner of your living room, and it’ll still look fabulous.
It can survive on just a few hours of indirect sunlight each day, making it perfect for those less-than-sunny spots in your home. Plus, it’s got that sleek, architectural look that makes it a stylish addition to any room.
Caring for a Snake Plant is a breeze. Just let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and you’re good to go! This hardy plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, which is a fantastic bonus.
Popular Varieties
- Laurentii: The classic variety with striking yellow edges.
- Moonshine: Features silvery-green leaves that really pop.
- Hahnii: A compact, cute version that’s perfect for small spaces.
2. Pothos
Ah, Pothos! This beautiful trailing plant is basically the poster child for easy-care houseplants. It grows like a weed, even in low light, and can adapt to just about any indoor environment. You can hang it up high or let it trail down from a shelf, and it’ll keep growing happily. Pothos loves indirect sunlight but can tolerate those darker corners where other plants might sulk.
Watering is simple — just let the top inch of soil dry out before giving it a drink. Plus, it’s known to be a great air purifier, which is just icing on the cake!
Popular Varieties
- Golden Pothos: Features stunning golden-yellow variegation on its leaves.
- Neon Pothos: Known for its bright, vibrant green leaves that really stand out.
- Marble Queen: Offers beautiful white and green marbled foliage.
3. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is like the superhero of indoor plants. It’s nearly indestructible and perfect for those who might forget to water or don’t have a bright light source. This plant thrives in low light and can even survive in artificial light — how cool is that? Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to your space.
Care is super simple: just water when the soil is completely dry. It’s also known for its air-purifying abilities, making it a great choice for offices or homes.
Popular Varieties
- ZZ Raven: This variety has darker, almost black leaves that look stunning.
- Zamio: A slightly smaller version, perfect for tabletops or desks.
4. Spider Plant
Spider Plants are like the cute, quirky friend of the plant world. With their long, arching leaves and adorable little spiderettes, they’re a joy to have around. They do well in low light but prefer a bit of indirect sunlight. These plants are also known for being super forgiving — if you forget to water them, they’ll just wait patiently for you to remember.
Plus, they’re excellent air purifiers, helping to keep your home’s air fresh. Just be sure to let them dry out between waterings.
Popular Varieties
- Variegatum: Has beautiful white stripes along the leaves.
- Bonnie: A curly-leaf variety that adds a fun twist to your collection.
5. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a true beauty with its stunning white blooms and glossy green leaves. Not only does it thrive in low light, but it also blooms even in those conditions, which is a treat! It prefers indirect light and can brighten up any dark corner of your home. Plus, it’s known for its ability to purify the air, making it a win-win!
Caring for a Peace Lily is pretty straightforward — just keep the soil moist and give it a drink when the leaves start to droop. They love a little humidity, so they’re perfect for kitchens or bathrooms!
Popular Varieties
- Mauna Loa: Known for its larger blooms and foliage.
- Domino: Features speckled green and white leaves for added flair.
6. Philodendron
Philodendrons are the ultimate low-light lovers, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes. These plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in indirect light conditions. With their lush, heart-shaped leaves, they bring a touch of the tropics indoors. They’re also super easy to care for — just water when the top inch of soil is dry.
These beauties are very forgiving if you miss a watering or two, making them perfect for busy plant parents!
Popular Varieties
- Heartleaf Philodendron: Classic with its heart-shaped leaves that trail beautifully.
- Philodendron Brasil: Features stunning variegated leaves with green and yellow stripes.
7. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant, or Aspidistra, truly lives up to its name. This plant can handle neglect, low light, and just about everything else you throw at it. It’s perfect for those dark corners where other plants fear to tread. With its broad, dark green leaves, it adds a touch of drama to your space.
It’s super low-maintenance — just water it when you remember, and it’ll thrive!
Popular Varieties
- Variegata: Features creamy white edges around its green leaves.
- Milky Way: Has charming white speckles on its leaves for a unique touch.
8. Dracaena
Dracaenas are a fab choice for adding a bit of height and greenery to your home. They can thrive in low light but will appreciate just a bit of indirect sunlight. With their tall, spiky leaves, they create an eye-catching focal point. Plus, they’re pretty hardy and don’t require much fuss — a little water now and then, and they’re happy as can be!
And guess what? They’re also great at filtering out toxins from the air!
Popular Varieties
- Dracaena Marginata: Known for its striking red edges.
- Dracaena Fragrans: Has broad, strap-like leaves that can grow quite tall.
9. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens are like the chill, laid-back friends of the plant world. They’re super easy to care for and thrive in those low-light conditions many plants shy away from. With their stunning variegated leaves, they bring loads of personality to any space. They can adapt to different light levels, but they definitely prefer indirect light.
Just let the soil dry out a bit between watering, and they’re golden!
Popular Varieties
- Aglaonema Siam Red: Features vibrant red and green leaves.
- Aglaonema Silver Bay: Has beautiful silver patterns on its leaves.
10. Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a classic indoor plant that’s perfect for adding a touch of tropical vibes to your home without needing bright light. It thrives in low light and can really make a statement with its feathery fronds. This plant is great for any room, including offices and bedrooms, as it doesn’t mind the shade.
Water it when the top of the soil feels dry, and it’ll keep your space looking fresh and inviting!
Popular Varieties
- Neanthe Bella: A smaller version of the Parlor Palm, great for tabletops.
- Chamaedorea elegans: The classic variety that’s been loved for decades.
11. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendrons are similar to their cousin, the Philodendron, but with their own unique charm. They thrive in low light and can adapt to various environments, making them super easy to care for. Their heart-shaped leaves cascade beautifully, making them perfect for hanging baskets or climbing up a trellis.
Just keep the soil moist (but not soggy), and watch this beauty flourish!
Popular Varieties
- Micans: Has a velvety texture and a dark green color that glimmers.
- Brazil: Offers beautiful variegation with green and yellow patterns.
12. Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant is a striking choice for those looking to add some bold greenery to their indoor space. It does well in low light but thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. With its large, glossy leaves, it can grow quite tall and make a stunning statement in any room.
Caring for it is easy; just be mindful not to overwater — letting the soil dry out a bit between drinks is key!
Popular Varieties
- Ficus elastica ‘Burgundy’: Features deep burgundy leaves that are truly eye-catching.
- Ficus elastica ‘Variegata’: Offers creamy white and green variegation, adding an interesting twist.
13. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are the cool, lush plants that add a burst of greenery to any indoor space. They love humidity and can thrive in low light, making them perfect for kitchens or bathrooms. Their feathery fronds add a lovely touch, and while they do require a bit more care than some of the other plants on this list, they’re worth the effort!
Keep them in a humid environment and water regularly to keep their leaves looking fresh.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Compacta’: A smaller variety that’s perfect for tabletops.
- ‘Bostoniensis’: The classic Boston Fern with lush, arching fronds.
14. Dumb Cane
The Dumb Cane, or Dieffenbachia, has a reputation for being dramatic — and we love it! It thrives in low light and can grow quite tall, adding an exotic vibe to your home. Its large, patterned leaves can really brighten up a space. Just be cautious when handling, as the sap can be irritating!
Water when the top of the soil is dry, and watch it grow.
Popular Varieties
- Dumb Cane ‘Camille’: Known for its striking green and white leaves.
- Dumb Cane ‘Tropical Snow’: Features beautiful white, green, and cream variegation.
15. Lady Palm
The Lady Palm is a graceful plant that brings a touch of elegance to your indoor space. It can thrive in low light and prefers indirect sunlight, making it perfect for less-bright areas. With its lush fronds, it can grow tall and create a lovely focal point in any corner.
Keeping it healthy is easy — just let the soil dry out slightly before watering.
Popular Varieties
- Rhapis excelsa: The classic variety that’s a favorite for indoor spaces.
- Rhapis humilis: A shorter variety, perfect for small spaces or tabletops.
16. Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant, or Maranta, is known for its stunning foliage that seems to fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It thrives in low light and loves a bit of humidity, making it a great choice for kitchens or bathrooms. With its unique leaf patterns, this plant adds a pop of color and interest to any room.
Keep the soil lightly moist, and your Prayer Plant will reward you with its beautiful leaves!
Popular Varieties
- Maranta leuconeura: The classic variety with beautiful, vibrant leaf patterns.
- Maranta ‘Kerchoveana’: Features wider leaves with unique markings.
17. Button Fern
The Button Fern is a charming little plant that thrives in low light and adds a whimsical touch to your indoor garden. Its small, round leaves and delicate fronds create a lovely texture that pairs well with larger plants. It loves humidity, so it’s perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.
Just keep the soil moist, and let it bask in its happy, low-light corner!
Popular Varieties
- Pellaea rotundifolia: The classic Button Fern with round leaves.
- Button Fern ‘Silver’: Features leaves with unique silvery tones.
18. Corn Plant
The Corn Plant is a striking, tall plant that can thrive in low light conditions. Its long, arching leaves bring a lively touch to any space, and it’s known for being super easy to care for. Just make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, and it’ll do just fine.
Water it when the top of the soil feels dry, and you’ll have a happy Corn Plant!
Popular Varieties
- Dracaena fragrans: The classic Corn Plant known for its vibrant foliage.
- Dracaena deremensis: Features variegated leaves with unique patterns.
19. African Violet
African Violets are delightful little plants that can bloom even in low light! They’re perfect for adding some cheerful colors to your indoor space. While they prefer a bit of indirect sunlight, they can adapt to lower light conditions. With their beautiful flowers, they can brighten up any windowsill or table.
Just keep the soil moist and avoid getting water on the leaves to keep them looking stunning!
Popular Varieties
- Satin: Known for its lovely, velvety leaves.
- Double Flowering: Features beautiful blooms with multiple layers.
20. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are eye-catching plants that add a splash of color and texture to your home. They can thrive in low light and are quite easy to care for. Their unique shapes and vibrant flowers make them a wonderful focal point in any indoor environment.
Water them in their center cup and make sure the soil stays slightly moist for the best growth.
Popular Varieties
- Guzmania: Known for its stunning, bright flowers.
- Neoregalia: Features striking leaf patterns and color variations.
21. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy plant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light conditions for a while. This plant can grow quite tall, making it a stunning statement piece in any room.
Just keep the soil moist (but not soggy), and you’ll have a happy Fiddle Leaf Fig!
Popular Varieties
- Ficus lyrata: The classic variety with those iconic large leaves.
- Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: A smaller, compact version that’s perfect for smaller spaces.
22. Silver Pothos
Silver Pothos is a gorgeous variation of the classic Pothos and thrives in low light just like its cousin. Its silvery leaves add a unique touch to your indoor garden and look stunning draping over shelves or in hanging baskets. It’s super easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of light conditions.
Just like other Pothos, let the top inch of soil dry out before watering, and it will keep growing beautifully!
Popular Varieties
- Silver Satin: Known for its striking silvery leaves that shimmer.
- Neon Silver: Features bright silver leaves with a hint of green for a unique twist.