A room without much light doesn’t have to mean excluded from your plant loving home! If you’ve been wanting to introduce the beauty of greenery into your home or a specific space in your house, but worry about the limited sunlight available, then stop stressing because I got this covered. There are numerous plant varieties that thrive in low-light conditions, proving that you can create an oasis of green even in the shadiest corners.
In this guide, we’ll get into the realm of house plants that don’t require much light to flourish. I will introduce you to a MASSIVE array of house plants, each with its unique charm and ability to thrive in dimmer spaces.
From the resilient Snake Plant to the elegant Peace Lily, these low-light champions will not only transform your living space but also invigorate it with their air-purifying qualities (talk about a win-win) and soothing presence.
Before we get into the low light house plants though I do want to go over some tips for low light house plants! Because setting these plants up for success is key to allowing them to thrive in a low light situation. So let’s get into these tips first then we will chat it up about the plants-
Choose the Right Plants: Obviously this is the point of the article but we gotta emphasize it again!! Opt for house plants that are known to thrive in low light conditions. Some popular options include Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Pothos, and Peace Lilies. Research the light requirements of different plant varieties before bringing them home.
Placement is Key: Find the best spots in your home that receive indirect or filtered light. Place your low-light plants near north-facing windows, away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can position them a few feet away from east or west-facing windows, where they can benefit from gentle morning or evening light.
Rotate Your Plants: Since low-light conditions can result in uneven light distribution, periodically rotate your plants to ensure all sides receive equal exposure. This will prevent leaning or stretching towards the light source and promote balanced growth.
Avoid Overwatering: Low-light plants typically have slower growth rates and lower water requirements. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering, and always check the moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter.
Provide Adequate Humidity: Low-light environments tend to have lower humidity levels. Increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly or placing a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant. This will create a microclimate that mimics a more humid environment.
Use Reflective Surfaces: Enhance the available light by using light-colored walls or placing mirrors near your plants. This will help reflect and distribute light more effectively, brightening up the surrounding area.
Supplement with Artificial Lighting: If your low-light conditions are extremely limited, consider supplementing natural light with artificial lighting. Use full-spectrum grow lights designed for indoor plants and position them at an appropriate distance to provide the necessary light intensity.
Be Patient: Remember that low-light plants may have slower growth rates compared to those in brighter conditions. Be patient and allow your plants time to adapt and establish themselves. Avoid the temptation to move them to brighter areas, as sudden changes can shock or stress the plant.
By following these tips, you can successfully care for and enjoy the beauty of low-light house plants. Embrace the unique charm they bring to your living space and revel in the tranquility of your own little green oasis.
So now it’s time to actually get into the best house plants for a low light space!
The Best House Plants That Don’t Need Much Light
House plants that are truly low light:
Also I did include the official names (I like to call them government names lol) in case your region doesn’t refer to them the same way 🙂
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – a personal favorite of me and basically everyone else I think. Because they are so easy and are the furthest from a dramatic plant. My husband kept a snake plant alive in a windowless office for years and just light from across the hall… these guys are durable!
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) – gorgeous, doesn’t need a lot of light but will grow slower pretty noticeably in lower light but will survive and eventually grow just be patient with them!
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – we chatted about them already a bit but minimal light needed and they are pet safe too making them an ideal house plant.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) – similar to Boston ferns but a different look.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) – can be dramatic in regards to watering and soil but are generally good with low light rooms!
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – beautiful plants that do fine without a ton of light.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – IDK why people recommend succulents to start and not pothos. They are the easiest and least dramatic plants you will ever encounter!!!
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – beautiful and durable!
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – not one Ive tried to grow yet but on my list, but my plant parent buddies swear by its low light abilities.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – a rare flowering plant that can handle low light- perfect if you want to bring a little more vibrancy to the space.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – go re-read what I wrote about pothos 😉
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – I swear on my life I forgot a spider plant for over 2 weeks in a closed box and it was fine?! And if that doesn’t give you a good idea about their durability and low light tolerance than I have no idea what will!
English Ivy (Hedera helix) – way easier to grow indoors than you might assume.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) – another plant with some dramatics in other areas but can handle a room with lower light during the day.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – a queen in the plant world for being like the most hands off plant. They need very little light or water and generally (like me) would prefer to just be left alone.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.) – guys these are obsession worthy and low light aka the dream!
Alocasia (Alocasia spp.) – personally I have some rough experiences with Alocasia due to spider mites LOVING them but in terms of light? No issues! They are chill and don’t need a ton of light to thrive.
These plants are known to tolerate low light conditions and can thrive in spaces with limited sunlight. However, it’s important to note that while they don’t require direct sunlight, they still need some level of indirect or filtered light to carry out photosynthesis. It’s best to place them near a window with filtered light or in areas where they receive bright, indirect light for a few hours a day.
Talk Plant To Me
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