Low-light indoor plants are essential for brightening up spaces that receive minimal natural sunlight. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to add some greenery to your home or office, choosing the right low-light indoor plants can significantly enhance the ambiance of any room.
These plants thrive in environments with indirect light or shaded areas, making them ideal for rooms with limited windows or darker corners. From lush ferns to resilient snake plants, the variety of indoor plants available ensures there’s an option to suit every style and preference. Discover the best low-light indoor plants to transform your space into a flourishing oasis.
Best Low-Light Indoor Plants
Creating a lush indoor oasis doesn’t require rooms flooded with sunlight. Many plants thrive in lower light conditions, making them perfect companions for less sunny spaces.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 30 best low-light indoor plants, including their average sizes, light, and water requirements.
Table of Contents
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Average Size: Grows up to 24 inches tall, blooms with white spathes.
Light Requirement: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light well.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; droops when thirsty.
Peace Lily, a popular choice among low-light indoor plants, thrives in shaded areas where other plants struggle. With its lush green foliage and elegant white blooms, it adds a touch of tranquility to any space.
Its air-purifying qualities make it not only aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial for indoor air quality. Easy to care for and requiring minimal sunlight, the Peace Lily is a perfect choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet beautiful addition to their home or office.
Read More: Best Indoor Hanging Plants
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Average Size: Can reach 2 to 4 feet in height, with sword-like leaves.
Light Requirement: Adapts to low light but thrives in indirect sunlight.
Water Requirement: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a champion among low-light indoor plants, requiring minimal attention. Its sword-shaped leaves, strikingly standing upright, not only add a sculptural element to any space but also purify the air.
Thriving on neglect, it needs infrequent watering and can grow in dimly lit corners, making it an ideal choice for enhancing indoor environments with greenery while demanding very little in return.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Average Size: Grows up to 2-3 feet tall, with waxy, green leaves.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to bright indirect light, highly adaptable.
Water Requirement: Water when soil is fully dry; drought tolerant.
The ZZ plant, with its waxy, emerald leaves, thrives in low-light conditions, making it a perfect companion for dimly lit indoor spaces, alongside other low-light indoor plants. Requiring minimal care, it’s an ideal choice for both gardening novices and those seeking a low-maintenance indoor greenery option.
Its ability to purify air and tolerate neglect, such as infrequent watering, ensures it not only survives but flourishes in environments where other plants might struggle.
4. Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum)
Average Size: Trails or climbs up to 4 feet or more.
Light Requirement: Thrives in moderate to low, indirect light conditions.
Water Requirement: Allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
The Philodendron Heartleaf, a quintessential low-light indoor plant, thrives in dim interiors, making it perfect for spaces away from direct sunlight. Its lush, heart-shaped leaves elegantly cascade, creating a vibrant green ambiance. This resilient plant demands minimal care, needing only occasional watering and a bit of love to flourish.
Ideal for beginners, it purifies the air while adding a touch of nature’s charm to any room, embodying both beauty and simplicity. For those seeking to enhance their indoor environment with greenery, consider incorporating low-light indoor plants like the Philodendron Heartleaf.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Average Size: Grows slowly up to 2 feet tall, with long leaves.
Light Requirement: Survives in low light; the darkness doesn’t deter growth.
Water Requirement: Water sparingly; soil should mostly dry out first.
The Cast Iron Plant is a resilient choice for low-light indoor environments. Its dark green, glossy leaves thrive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for spaces with minimal natural sunlight. This hardy plant requires little maintenance, tolerating neglect and irregular watering.
Its ability to purify air and add a touch of green to dimly lit rooms, the Cast Iron Plant is a dependable and attractive option for indoor gardening enthusiasts seeking low-light companions. Additionally, it’s a perfect fit among low-light indoor plants.
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Average Size: Vining plant that can grow several feet long or tall.
Light Requirement: Low to bright indirect light; highly versatile in placement.
Water Requirement: Let soil dry out between waterings; fairly drought tolerant.
Pothos, known as the ‘devil’s ivy,’ thrives in low-light indoor environments, making it a popular choice for homes and offices alike. With its heart-shaped leaves cascading gracefully, Pothos adds a touch of greenery to any space while requiring minimal care.
Its resilience and ability to purify indoor air make it an ideal plant for beginners or those with busy lifestyles. Pothos effortlessly brings natural beauty to dimly lit corners or other areas, brightening up any room with its lush foliage. This makes it a perfect addition to collections of low-light indoor plants.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Average Size: Reaches 1-2 feet tall, with beautifully patterned leaves.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to medium, indirect sunlight for best colors.
Water Requirement: Keep evenly moist; reduce watering in low light.
Chinese Evergreen, known for its resilience, thrives in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces lacking direct sunlight. With its striking foliage in shades of green, white, and silver, this plant adds aesthetic appeal to any room while requiring minimal maintenance.
Its ability to purify indoor air further enhances its popularity, making it a favorite among those seeking to bring a touch of nature into their homes without much effort. For those looking to cultivate a serene indoor environment, consider incorporating low-light indoor plants such as the Chinese Evergreen.
8. Calathea
Average Size: Grows to about 2 feet tall, with decorative leaves.
Light Requirement: Flourishes in low to medium light; direct sun scorches leaves.
Water Requirement: Prefers consistently moist soil; doesn’t like to dry out.
Calathea, known for its vibrant foliage, thrives as a low-light indoor plant. With striking patterns and colors on its leaves, it adds flair to any space while requiring minimal sunlight. Its ability to tolerate low light makes it perfect for dimly lit areas where other plants struggle.
Calathea’s lush greenery not only enhances indoor aesthetics but also purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Enjoy the beauty of nature indoors with this resilient and visually captivating plant, along with other low-light indoor plants.
Read More: Best Bedroom Plants
9. Dracaena
Average Size: Can grow 3-10 feet tall, depending on the species.
Light Requirement: Prefers filtered indoor light; can tolerate lower light levels.
Water Requirement: Let top soil dry out between waterings; sensitive to fluoride.
Dracaena, ideal for low-light indoor settings and low-light indoor plants, adds a touch of elegance to any space. With its striking foliage in various shades of green, this resilient plant thrives in indirect sunlight, making it perfect for offices or rooms with limited natural light. Its air-purifying qualities enhance indoor air quality while requiring minimal maintenance.
Dracaena’s graceful, upright growth habit makes it a popular choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing indoor plant solution.
10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Average Size: Can reach up to 5 feet wide and tall in ideal conditions.
Light Requirement: Thrives in bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light levels.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; enjoys high humidity.
Boston Ferns are quintessential low-light indoor plants known for their lush green fronds that cascade elegantly. Thriving in indirect sunlight, they’re ideal for spaces with minimal natural light.
Their graceful foliage adds a touch of tranquility to any interior, purifying the air by absorbing toxins. With proper care, including regular watering and occasional misting, Boston Ferns flourish indoors, bringing a refreshing burst of nature to dimly lit rooms, offices, and apartments.
11. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Average Size: Grows about 12-24 inches tall; produces long, trailing shoots.
Light Requirement: Prefers indirect light but will tolerate low-light conditions.
Water Requirement: Water thoroughly; allow top soil to dry out between waterings.
Spider Plant is a resilient and popular choice for low-light indoor environments. With its graceful arching leaves, it thrives in indirect sunlight but can tolerate shady corners well. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air, promoting a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Easy to care for, it requires occasional watering and thrives in average room temperatures. Its cascading foliage adds a touch of elegance to any space while purifying the air. For those seeking low-light indoor plants, Spider Plant is an excellent option due to its adaptability and air-purifying abilities.
12. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Average Size: Delicate fronds can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to bright indirect light; no direct sun.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist; mist regularly for humidity.
Maidenhair Fern thrives as a low-light indoor plant, perfect for spaces with minimal sunlight. Its delicate, lacy fronds add an elegant touch to any room while requiring little maintenance. This fern prefers moist soil and higher humidity levels, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens.
Its air-purifying qualities also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Maidenhair Fern brings natural beauty and vitality to indoor spaces with its resilient nature.
13. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Average Size: Slowly grows up to 4 feet tall indoors.
Light Requirement: Low to moderate indirect light; avoids direct sunlight.
Water Requirement: Water when top inch of soil is dry.
Parlor Palm, a popular choice for low-light indoor spaces such as offices or homes with limited sunlight, thrives in dimly lit environments, making it ideal for low-light indoor plants. Its delicate fronds gracefully arch from its center, adding a touch of elegance to any room.
With minimal care requirements, this resilient plant is perfect for beginners or busy individuals seeking green companionship without the hassle of constant maintenance. Parlor Palm brings a refreshing burst of nature’s beauty to even the darkest corners.
14. Monstera Deliciosa
Average Size: Can grow to 8 feet tall with large, split leaves.
Light Requirement: Prefers bright to medium indirect light; tolerates low light.
Water Requirement: Water when top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Monstera Deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, thrives as a low-light indoor plant. With its distinctive split leaves resembling swiss cheese, it adds a tropical touch to any space.
Monstera Deliciosa is a resilient plant, requiring minimal sunlight, making it ideal for offices or homes with limited natural light. Its air-purifying qualities and ease of care make it a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts seeking low-maintenance greenery.
15. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Average Size: Can grow over 10 feet tall indoors with enough time.
Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light preferred; can adapt to lower light.
Water Requirement: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Rubber plants are resilient low-light indoor plants, perfect for spaces with minimal natural light. Their glossy, deep-green leaves add a touch of elegance to any room while requiring little maintenance.
Thriving in indirect sunlight, they’re ideal for offices or apartments with limited sun exposure. With their air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, rubber plants are a popular choice for indoor greenery enthusiasts seeking easy-care, yet visually striking, foliage.
16. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Average Size: Grows up to 5 feet tall, with large, variegated leaves.
Light Requirement: Low to bright indirect light; variegation fades in low light.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Dumb Cane, scientifically known as Dieffenbachia, thrives as one of the low-light indoor plants. With its broad, lush leaves and striking patterns, it adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space.
This resilient plant is well-suited for homes or offices with minimal natural light, making it an ideal choice for those seeking low-maintenance greenery. Dumb Cane’s adaptability and air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice among indoor gardeners looking to brighten up dim corners.
17. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Average Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide with proper care.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to medium, indirect sunlight; no direct sun.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; appreciates humidity.
The Bird’s Nest Fern is an excellent choice for low-light indoor spaces, thriving in areas with minimal natural light. Its lush, wavy fronds create a captivating display while requiring little maintenance.
This resilient fern adds a touch of greenery to any room, purifying the air and contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Perfect for those seeking an easy-to-care-for plant that brings a refreshing ambiance to dimly lit spaces.
18. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Average Size: Grows up to 12 inches tall; leaves fold up at night.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to bright indirect light; avoids direct sunlight.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; enjoys high humidity.
The Prayer Plant, a favorite among low-light indoor plants, thrives in shady corners, making it ideal for dimly lit spaces. With its striking foliage marked by intricate patterns, it adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Its known unique habit of folding its leaves upward resembling hands in prayer at night, it offers a fascinating spectacle. Easy to care for and requiring minimal attention, it’s a perfect choice for indoor greenery enthusiasts.
19. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Average Size: Can be maintained at various heights; often grown in water.
Light Requirement: Thrives in moderate to low indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
Water Requirement: Water generously; can grow in water or soil.
Lucky Bamboo, a popular choice for low-light indoor plants, thrives in indirect sunlight or even artificial light. Despite its name, it’s not actually bamboo but a member of the Dracaena family.
Its sleek, slender stems and lush green leaves make it a stylish addition to any space, while its reputation for bringing luck and prosperity adds to its appeal. With minimal care requirements, it’s an ideal option for those seeking low-maintenance greenery indoors.
20. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii)
Average Size: Vining plant that can grow several feet in length and height.
Light Requirement: Prefers medium to low indirect light; avoids direct sunlight.
Water Requirement: Let soil mostly dry out between waterings.
The Swiss Cheese Plant, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa, is an ideal choice for low-light indoor environments. With its large, glossy leaves adorned with unique natural perforations, it adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space.
Thriving in indirect sunlight and requiring minimal maintenance, it’s a popular choice for indoor gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and ease of care. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a beloved addition to any indoor garden collection, particularly suitable for those looking to cultivate low-light indoor plants.
21. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifola)
Average Size: Reaches up to 30 inches tall, with wavy, patterned leaves.
Light Requirement: Does best in medium to low light; no direct sun.
Water Requirement: Prefers evenly moist soil; doesn’t like to dry out completely.
Rattlesnake Plant, a striking low-light indoor plant, thrives in shady corners, adding a touch of exotic flair to any space. Its elongated, patterned leaves boast wavy edges resembling the skin of a rattlesnake, hence its name.
With minimal sunlight requirements, it’s an ideal choice for offices or rooms with limited natural light, making it perfect for those seeking low-light indoor plants. Its unique appearance and easy care make it a popular choice for indoor gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually captivating foliage.
22. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Average Size: Can vine up to 6 feet or more if allowed.
Light Requirement: Adapts to low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
Water Requirement: Keep soil moist, especially during growing season.
Arrowhead Plant, one of the popular low-light indoor plants, thrive in dimly lit spaces, making it perfect for homes or offices lacking abundant sunlight. With its arrow-shaped leaves and easy care requirements, it adds a touch of greenery to any interior setting.
This versatile plant is adaptable to various environments and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking greenery without the hassle of high light requirements.
23. Peace Begonia (Begonia rex)
Average Size: Grows up to 18 inches tall and wide with colorful foliage.
Light Requirement: Low to medium indirect light is best for vibrant leaves.
Water Requirement: Allow surface to dry out between waterings; enjoys humidity.
Peace Begonia is a splendid addition to low-light indoor plant collections. With its striking foliage and easy-care nature, it thrives in indirect sunlight, making it perfect for dimly lit spaces. Its glossy, asymmetrical leaves in shades of green and silver provide a touch of elegance to any room.
Peace Begonias require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy plant enthusiasts seeking tranquility and beauty in their indoor oasis.
24. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Average Size: Stays small, around 6-12 inches tall; spreads outwards.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to medium light; bright light fades leaf color.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; does not tolerate drying out well.
Nerve Plant, a vibrant low-light indoor option, thrives in shaded corners, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces lacking direct sunlight. With its striking foliage boasting intricate patterns of veins in hues of pink, red, and green, it adds a pop of color to any room.
Its compact size and easy-care nature make it perfect for beginners or those with limited gardening experience, bringing life to dimly lit areas with minimal effort. For enthusiasts seeking to expand their indoor garden, low-light indoor plants like Peace Lily or Snake Plant can complement the Nerve Plant beautifully.
25. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
Average Size: Climbing or hanging plant that can grow several feet long.
Light Requirement: Tolerates low light; blooms better in bright, indirect light.
Water Requirement: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Hoya, popularly known as the wax plant, thrives as a low-light indoor plant, making it a favorite among indoor gardeners. With its waxy leaves and delicate, star-shaped flowers, Hoya adds a touch of elegance to any space.
It requires minimal care, only needing occasional watering and indirect sunlight. Perfect for those seeking greenery in dimly lit rooms, Hoya offers both beauty and ease of maintenance for indoor gardening enthusiasts, especially alongside other low-light indoor plants.
26. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Average Size: Grows slowly up to 10 feet tall with a slender trunk.
Light Requirement: Prefers low to bright indirect light; very adaptable.
Water Requirement: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Kentia Palm, an exquisite low-light indoor plant, thrives in dimly lit spaces, making it perfect for interior decor. With its graceful fronds and slender trunk, it adds a touch of tropical elegance to any room.
Known for its resilience and air-purifying qualities, the Kentia Palm requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals seeking green companionship in their homes or offices. Enjoy its lush foliage and gentle presence year-round, alongside other low-light indoor plants, enhancing the ambiance with their natural beauty.
27. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Average Size: Can grow up to 6 feet or more indoors.
Light Requirement: Prefers bright, indirect light but can survive in lower light.
Water Requirement: Allow top inch of soil to dry before watering.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, renowned for its lush, violin-shaped leaves, thrives as a captivating low-light indoor plant. Its elegant stature adds a touch of sophistication to any space, while its adaptability to low-light conditions makes it an ideal choice for indoor environments with limited sunlight.
With proper care, including occasional watering and indirect sunlight, this majestic foliage plant flourishes, enhancing indoor aesthetics with its vibrant green foliage. For those seeking to bring life into darker corners of their homes, the Fiddle Leaf Fig stands out as a beautiful option among low-light indoor plants.
28. Philodendron Birkin
Average Size: Reaches about 3 feet tall with striking variegated leaves.
Light Requirement: Thrives in medium indirect light, can tolerate low light.
Water Requirement: Allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Philodendron Birkin, a striking low-light indoor plant, boasts glossy green leaves with unique creamy-white variegation, resembling a painter’s brushstroke. Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces, while its air-purifying qualities enhance indoor air quality.
Thriving in indirect light and requiring minimal care, this resilient plant is perfect for busy urban dwellers or those new to plant parenting.
Whether placed on a bookshelf, desk, or in a cozy corner, Philodendron Birkin adds a touch of natural beauty to any indoor environment. With its aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance, Philodendron Birkin is a must-have for any indoor plant enthusiast.
29. Velvet Calathea (Calathea warscewiczii)
Average Size: Grows up to 2 feet tall and wide; has velvety leaves.
Light Requirement: Prefers medium to low light; direct sun damages foliage.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist; enjoys high humidity.
Velvet Calathea, a striking member of the prayer plant family, thrives in low-light indoor settings, making it a perfect choice for homes or offices with limited sunlight. Known for its stunning velvety foliage with intricate patterns, this tropical plant adds a touch of elegance to any space while purifying the air.
Its ability to tolerate low-light conditions, along with its striking appearance, makes it a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts seeking beauty and ease of care.
30. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Average Size: Vining plant that can trail or climb several feet long.
Light Requirement: Adapts well to low light; prefers cooler room temperatures.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist; allow top soil to dry out slightly.
English Ivy, known for its resilience and elegance, thrives as a low-light indoor plant. Its cascading vines add a touch of natural beauty to any space, making it a popular choice for interior decoration. With minimal sunlight requirements, it flourishes in dimly lit areas, making it ideal for offices or rooms with limited natural light.
For those seeking greenery in darker spaces, English Ivy stands out as one of the best low-light indoor plants available. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, English Ivy also helps purify indoor air, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Bottom Line
These plants not only adapt to low-light conditions but also bring a variety of textures, colors, and sizes into your home, making indoor gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice plant parent, incorporating these low-light tolerant plants, such as low-light indoor plants, can transform your space into a vibrant, green haven.
