Key Highlights
- If you’ve got rooms that don’t get much sun, picking plants that do well in low light is a smart move.
- With just indirect or even fake light, these green buddies can still thrive, fitting right into different spots inside your home.
- Among the top picks for not-so-sunny spaces are peace lilies and snake plants. ZZ plants, spider plants, and pothos also make the list.
- For those dim corners, Chinese evergreen and dracaena are good to go. Maidenhair fern and parlor palm won’t let you down either.
- Don’t forget about bromads, philodendrons, dumb canes, and English ivy when looking for more options suitable for shady areas.
- Not only do they bring some life to your space with their greenery but they’re also champs at cleaning the air while making everything look pretty.
Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Sun
Indoor plants can make your home look and feel nicer, adding a bit of nature inside. But sometimes, our rooms don’t get enough sunlight which makes it hard to keep those typical houseplants alive.
Luckily, there are lots of indoor plants that do just fine in low-light conditions, perfect for areas that don’t see much natural light. These plants are perfect for adding life to shady spots in your home or office.
For spaces in your home like some living rooms or offices without windows where you still want to add some greenery but the sunlight is scarce, low-light houseplants are an ideal choice.
These types of plants manage well with indirect light or even artificial lighting and they’re not only nice to look at but also help clean the air and give off a relaxing vibe.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about 20 different indoor plants suited for places that aren’t so bright. We’ve got everything from stylish peace lilies to tough snake plants ready to spruce up any spot—even if it’s far from the window. So whether it’s a dark corner in your living room or a bathroom lacking in natural light, you’ll find a plant here that won’t mind at all.
20 Best Indoor Plants for Low-Light Conditions
Having indoor plants can make any room feel more lively. However, it’s important to know that not every plant will do well in places where there isn’t much light.
With that in mind, here are 20 top picks for indoor plants that grow well even when the light conditions aren’t the brightest:
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies, with their pretty white flowers and lush green leaves, are a favorite for indoor spaces. They do well even if the light isn’t too bright because they like indirect light. It’s important to keep their soil damp without making it too soggy.
You’ve got to be careful not to put them in direct light since that can damage their leaves badly. Instead, find a spot that gets some shade, maybe somewhere not right next to but close enough to a window.
Besides looking good, peace lilies help clean the air around you which is another reason why they’re such great plants to have inside your home.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, often called mother-in-law’s tongue, are tough and do well even when the light isn’t strong. With their tall leaves showing off different shades of green and yellow, they’re not just nice to look at but also great for cleaning the air inside your house.
They don’t need much water or care because they can handle dry soil well. When it comes to where they like to stand, snake plants aren’t picky; they can grow in both dim places and spots with a lot of light.
However, what they like is indirect light. This flexibility makes them an easy choice for various spots around your place without worrying too much about light conditions, whether you’ve got bright light or mostly shade.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a great pick if you’re dealing with dimly lit spaces. Its shiny, dark green leaves bring a classy vibe to any spot and make a great addition to your houseplant collection.
Known for being tough, the ZZ plant doesn’t mind not getting much natural light, which makes it just right for spots that don’t see much sun. Plus, it’s okay without water for quite some time because it can handle dry spells well.
So if you’re always on the go or tend to forget about watering your plants now and then, this one’s probably perfect for you.
Taking care of a ZZ plant isn’t hard at all; they do well in many indoor settings and are pretty popular among people who love having plants around.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants stand out with their long leaves that sport green and white stripes, not just for looks but also because they clean the air around them. This makes them a great pick for inside your home or office.
They do best in bright light but don’t mind if it’s not super sunny all the time; they can grow pretty well even when there’s less light. By keeping them near a window where direct sunlight doesn’t hit straight on, you’re setting them up nicely.
Taking care of spider plants is pretty straightforward – water them, watch out for those cute little white flowers and baby spider plants popping up, and enjoy the extra touch of nature in your indoor garden.
Their ability to adapt to different light conditions, whether it’s lots of bright light or some shade from indirect sunlight, makes spider plants an easy choice if you’re looking to green-up spaces that don’t get much sun.
Plus, you can easily propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings from the mother plant, making it a great choice for those looking to expand their indoor plant collection.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos, often called devil’s ivy, is a favorite among trailing plants because it does well even when the light isn’t bright. With its heart-shaped leaves in different shades of green, it adds beauty to any space.
The vines of the pothos can either climb up or hang down from pots, looking pretty either way.
These plants are okay with fluorescent light too, so they’re perfect for places like offices or rooms where there’s no natural light coming in. Because pothos can adjust to various light conditions, it’s an excellent pick for areas that don’t get much sunlight.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen is a favorite among houseplants because of its beautifully mixed leaves and how well it does in spots that don’t get much light. Its leaves are really pretty, showing off different shades like green, silver, and cream which can brighten up any space.
With the ability to do okay in medium light, this plant is perfect for places that don’t see much natural sunlight. Plus, they’re not hard to keep alive; even if you forget to water them now and then, they’ll be fine.
For anyone just starting with plants or looking for one that doesn’t need a lot of sun but still wants something easy to look after, the Chinese evergreen could be just what you’re searching for.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena)
Dracaena plants come in many types, each with its unique leaf colors and shapes. They do best when they get a lot of light but can also handle places that aren’t as bright.
With dracaenas, you want to give them plenty of indirect light; however, they’re pretty flexible and won’t mind if the lighting isn’t perfect. It’s worth mentioning that some kinds of these plants might not be safe for pets, so it’s better to keep them up high where animals can’t reach them.
These adaptable plants are great for bringing a bit of nature into your home, even if some spots don’t get much light.
8. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Maidenhair ferns are really pretty plants that can make any space look more sophisticated. With their thin, fan-shaped leaves, they bring a full and lively vibe wherever they’re placed.
These ferns love being in places with lots of moisture in the air and need their soil to stay damp, which is why spots like bathrooms or kitchens are perfect for them since these areas tend to be more humid.
They do well in bright light but not when it’s coming straight at them because direct sunlight can harm their leaves. To keep them happy and avoid damage from too much sun, it’s a good idea to put them somewhere where the light is soft or comes through something that diffuses it a bit.
Thanks to how they look and what kind of environment they enjoy, maidenhair ferns turn out to be an excellent pick for parts of your home that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight but could use some greenery.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
Parlor palms bring a bit of the tropics into your home with their soft, feather-like leaves. They’re perfect for creating that tropical feel right in your living room.
Even though they can handle spots that aren’t too bright, parlor palms do their best when they get medium light. It’s good to place them not directly by the window but somewhere they can still enjoy some indirect sunlight.
For those who have pets running around, no worries—parlor palms are safe and won’t harm your furry buddies. Their elegant look combined with how well they cope in low-light areas makes them a favorite for sprucing up spaces without much natural light.
10. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are these cool tropical plants that come in all sorts of types, each looking a bit different from the next. What makes them stand out are their bright bracts – you know, those leafy parts? They can be red, orange, pink, or purple and they’re sure to make any spot look more lively.
When it comes to where they like hanging out, bromeliads aren’t too picky about getting direct sunlight; indirect light does the trick just fine for them. This makes them perfect for spots that don’t get a lot of natural light.
These plants have this neat feature where they store water right at their center which helps them deal with not being watered for a while. But remember not to go overboard with watering; let their central tank dry up before giving them another drink.
With their eye-catching colors and how easygoing they are about light conditions, bromeliads make an awesome addition if you want to spruce up your space without needing too much sunlight.
11. Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendrons, with their heart-shaped leaves and vines that either trail or climb, are a favorite among those who love to fill their homes with plants. These plants vary in the shape and color of their leaves because there are so many different types.
When it comes to light conditions, philodendrons aren’t picky; they do okay in darker spots but shine when placed in bright, indirect light. You can let them hang down from pots or train them to go up supports – either way looks great.
They’re pretty easy to take care of and bring a lively splash of green into any space. Their knack for doing well even where there isn’t much natural sunlight makes philodendrons stand out as top picks for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
12. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb cane, or Dieffenbachia as it’s also known, is a tropical plant that catches the eye with its big leaves decorated in shades of green, yellow, and cream. With these colors mixed, they make any space more interesting to look at.
When it comes to light conditions, dumb cane plants aren’t too picky; they do well in medium light which makes them perfect for spots that don’t get a lot of natural sunlight.
However, there’s something important you should know about these plants: their sap isn’t safe if touched or ingested by kids or pets because it’s toxic. So always keep them up high where little hands and paws can’t reach them.
Thanks to their impressive leaves and how well they grow even when the sun doesn’t shine directly on them all day long, Dumb cane plants have become quite popular for brightening up areas with low-light levels.
13. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
The cast iron plant, or Aspidistra elatior as it’s scientifically known, is a favorite for places that don’t get much natural light because it does well in the shade. It has strong leaves that can handle being ignored and is famous for surviving in different situations. Since this plant loves the shade, it’s perfect for spots around your house where sunlight hardly ever reaches.
When it comes to watering this tough little guy, you only need to do so now and then. Make sure the soil gets a chance to dry out before giving it more water. If you water too much, there’s a risk of root rot which isn’t good at all.
The great thing about the cast iron plant is that you don’t have to feed it with fertilizer too often and it doesn’t fuss over temperature changes either. This makes adding some greenery with this low-maintenance buddy easy peasy in any corner lacking natural light.
14. Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
The prayer plant, also known by its scientific name, Maranta leuconeura, is a big hit for places that don’t get much light because of how its leaves move. It’s called the prayer plant because, at night, its leaves fold together just like hands do when someone prays.
This cool feature makes it perfect for spots around your house that aren’t too bright since it loves indirect light but still needs some natural light to be happy.
When talking about what this plant likes in terms of care, keeping the soil moist is key. You’ve got to make sure the soil stays damp without drowning it to prevent any root problems. On top of that, creating a space with high humidity will make your prayer plant thrive – think about misting those pretty leaves or maybe even getting a humidifier to keep nearby.
With its eye-catching look and ability to handle lower-light areas well, adding a prayer plant can spruce up spaces in your home that need a bit more green without needing direct sunlight all day long.
15. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica as the science folks call it, is a big hit for places that don’t get much light because of its shiny, big leaves. It can grow up to be like an indoor tree and stand out in any room. Even though it does best with lots of bright but filtered light, it’s pretty good at handling spots that are more on the dim side too.
For this plant to be happy, you need soil that lets water through easily and only gives it water when the top inch of dirt feels dry. Make sure not to drown it by watering too much since that could cause its roots to rot. Now and then during its growing times, giving it some food (fertilizer) helps a lot too.
With its eye-catching leaves and chill attitude towards light conditions, having a rubber plant around is an awesome way to bring some green into darker corners.
16. Calathea (Calathea)
The peacock plant, also known as Calathea, is a great pick for places that don’t get much light because of its eye-catching leaves with cool patterns. With their detailed foliage, they brighten up any spot you put them in. These plants love being in areas with lots of humidity which works out perfectly for darker spots where the air tends to be more moist.
For these plants to do their best, they must get some light but not too much directly on them. Sunlight straight from the sun can hurt their leaves pretty badly. They like their soil to stay damp without getting too soggy so make sure you water them just enough but not too much.
Thanks to how unique they look and their ability to grow well even when there isn’t a lot of light, adding a Calathea plant can make your space look special while handling low-light conditions like indirect sunlight better than direct sunlight does and keeping things humid without making the soil overly wet.
17. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
The Boston fern, or Nephrolepis exaltata as the science folks call it, is a great pick if you’re looking to spruce up areas that don’t get much light. Its feathery leaves bring a bit of elegance and green vibes to any spot, making it a hit among those who love growing plants indoors.
This plant really likes places with lots of moisture in the air – perfect for spots that aren’t too bright.
For this fern to do its best, it needs some sunlight but not straight from the sun. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and damage its soft leaves. It’s happiest when the soil stays damp but not soaked through – think moist like morning dew.
If your room isn’t naturally humid, giving its leaves a gentle mist or using a humidifier can make all the difference. With their graceful look and knack for doing well even when there’s not much light around, Boston ferns are fantastic for bringing life into dimmer corners of your home.
18. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The heartleaf philodendron, also known as Philodendron hederaceum, is a favorite for places that don’t get much light because it grows long and doesn’t need too much attention. It has leaves shaped like hearts that hang down beautifully, making any space look nicer. Since it does well in areas without much natural light, it’s perfect for spots in your house that are a bit darker.
For this plant to be happy, the soil needs to stay damp; so remember to water it often but be careful not to give it too much water since that can cause its roots to rot. During its growing season, giving the heartleaf philodendron some fertilizer now and then helps too. Its ability to grow downwards and do just fine even when there isn’t a lot of light around makes the heartleaf philodendron an adaptable option if you want to bring some greenery into those dimmer corners of your home.
19. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy, or Hedera helix as the science folks call it, is a great pick for places that don’t get much light. It’s a climber and really flexible in how you can use it to decorate. This plant has pretty leaves that make any room look nicer. English ivy likes cooler spots and doesn’t need too much direct sunlight to be happy, which makes it perfect for areas where the light isn’t super bright.
Even though this plant does okay with not so much light, giving it some indirect sunlight helps it grow better. But watch out – putting it right under harsh sun rays could hurt its leaves. You should also make sure its soil drains well and only water when the top bit of dirt feels dry to the touch. Thanks to its ability to climb and do well even when there’s not a lot of natural light around, English ivy is an awesome choice if you want to bring some green into dimmer spaces.
20. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The bird’s nest fern, or Asplenium nidus as the scientists call it, stands out because of its rosette shape and lovely fronds that look a lot like a cozy bird’s nest. It brings an elegant vibe to any spot it occupies. Perfect for places that don’t get much sun, this plant does well in indirect light instead of direct sunlight which can harm its leaves.
For those areas in your home where sunshine is scarce, the bird’s nest fern is ideal since it prefers staying away from too much direct sun. Although it can handle not having lots of light, doing best with some indirect brightness helps it grow properly. Remember to keep its soil moist without drowning it – regular watering is key but don’t go overboard. Given these conditions – avoiding strong direct sun while ensuring enough indirect light and keeping the soil just right – make the bird’s nest fern an excellent addition if you’re looking to bring some natural flair into dimmer spaces.
Conclusion
Indoor plants can brighten up a place, even if it doesn’t get much light. With choices like peace lilies, snake plants, and ZZ plants available, you’re able to turn any room into a lively green space. These types of houseplants do more than just look good; they help clean the air around them while adding some nature to your indoor areas. It’s important to know how often they need water and that they can grow well in artificial light too. Having these kinds of plants in spots without direct sunlight is great for making you feel better and helping you relax. So go ahead and make your rooms beautiful with these tough but lovely indoor plants that don’t need direct sunlight to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific types of indoor plants that don’t require direct sunlight?
Yes, there are indoor plants that thrive without direct sunlight. Some examples include snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos. These plants can survive in low-light conditions and are perfect for indoor spaces that don’t receive much sunlight.
How do I care for low-light indoor plants?
Looking after indoor plants that don’t need much light means making sure they get enough water, some indirect light, a bit of fertilizer now and then, and keeping them in conditions with the right warmth and moisture. When the soil’s top inch is dry, it’s time to water them. With indirect light for their spot, feed them a little during their growing times. Also, make sure where they live has temperatures and humidity that fit what those plants need best.
Can these plants grow in artificial light?
Indeed, a lot of these indoor plants that don’t need much light can do well even if you use fake light, like the kind from fluorescent bulbs. They’d rather get sunlight, but they’re pretty good at getting by with artificial lighting if it’s done right. By choosing energy-saving fluorescent lights or special grow lights, you can make sure these plants get enough light to flourish in places without much natural brightness.
What are the benefits of having indoor plants in low-light spaces?
Keeping plants inside places that don’t get much natural light can be really good for a few reasons. For starters, they help make the air better by taking in carbon dioxide and letting out oxygen. On top of that, they make the place look nicer, help you feel more at ease, and bring a bit of nature into spots where there’s not much natural light to begin with.