Indoor plants can bring a touch of nature into any home, but growing them can be a bit of a challenge, especially in low-light conditions. Many common houseplants need bright, indirect light to thrive, but there are a number of plants that can tolerate or even prefer low-light conditions. These plants can add beauty, color, and fresh air to your home even if you don’t have a lot of natural light. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best indoor plants for low-light conditions and provide tips on how to care for them.
Relevant reading:
- How to know if you’re overwatering or underwatering your plant
- How to perfect your potting soil mix
- How to properly fertilize your plants
Snake Plant (Sanseveria trifasciata)
Are you looking for a plant that’s low maintenance, low light, and super stylish? Meet the Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue 🙈. With its long, skinny leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall, this plant is perfect for adding some greenery to any room, even if it’s not super sunny.
Don’t worry, this plant is a total champ when it comes to taking care of itself. You don’t need to water it too much and it’s fine with a variety of temperatures and humidities. Just make sure the soil isn’t too wet, since Snake Plants don’t like to be in standing water – drainage is preferred but optional!
So if you’re looking for a plant that’s low maintenance, low light, and looks totally awesome, the Snake Plant is definitely the one for you! Add one to your collection today and watch your space transform into a cozy oasis.
Marimo Moss Ball
These are small, round balls of green moss that live in water, and are popular in terrariums, aquariums and low-light conditions. Their unique shape and appearance make them stand out from other plant options, making them a great conversation piece. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but the cultural and historical significance of the Marimo adds an extra layer of significance to their presence. They can be easily cared for with minimal effort, and with proper care, they can last for generations. In fact, they’re considered good luck charms in Japan and are often kept as family heirlooms, living as long as 200 years.
We were debating whether to include this unique option on our list as the US Geological Department issued a warning that imported moss balls were being sold while contaminated with Zebra mussels, an invasive species to North America. Not only are these small intruders (often smaller than a penny) devastating to wildlife, but they also impede the waterways that man-made structures are dependent on, such as hydroelectric turbines, irrigation systems, and pipelines.
However, we believe this issue has largely been addressed, and are simply too smitten by this incredibly unique plant to not recommend it. But just to be safe, be sure to take the recommended precautions and bleach old water before disposing of it.
BONUS! If you have a fish tank, check out this article to learn the best live plants for your fish tank.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Another great option for spaces fo any size is the pothos. With its attractive heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, yellow, and white, it’s no wonder why pothos is a popular choice for hanging baskets and other decorative plant arrangements. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also low maintenance and tolerant of low-light conditions.
Pothos plants are also effective air purifiers, helping to remove toxic pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air. So not only will this plant bring a pop of color to your space, but it will also contribute to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen is a unique and visually appealing plant with glossy, dark green leaves that have been grown in Asia for centuries as a symbol of good luck. Widely cultivated and hybridized into a variety of cultivars, it can be found in a variety of different options. With striking foliage, the leaves are a combination of green and silver, with distinct veins that give the plant a bold appearance with intriguing texture. The glossy look also classes up any space with its sophisticated sheen.
While Anglaonema thrives in low-light conditions, it is particularly susceptible to cool temperatures – chilling injury can occur at just 60°F (15°C), so care should be taken to avoid exposing the plant to cold air. That means minimizing transport during chilly weather and being mindful of placement near open windows or air conditioners.
It’s important to note that, like many other plants, the evergreen is poisonous due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, and can cause skin irritation and rashes if coming into contact with skin, so growers with pets and small children should be intentional with its placement.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamifolia)
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, more commonly known as the ZZ Plant, is a tropical perennial native to Eastern Africa. With its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions and its low-light and low-water requirements, the ZZ Plant is the perfect houseplant for even the newest of plant owners.
One of the biggest selling points of the ZZ Plant is its low-water requirement. Unlike many other houseplants, the ZZ Plant can survive on very little water, due to their ability to retain water in their rhizomes, which look like little bulbous potatoes in the dirt. In fact, it’s best to water your ZZ Plant every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The ZZ Plant will require more water in brighter light and less in lower light. You’ll know it’s time to water when you see the signs of wilting, wrinkled leaves, or dry potting mix. Overwatering can hurt the ZZ, so be sure to keep the soil just moist and not soaking wet. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil’s moisture level with your finger before watering.
Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons are one of the most recognizable and popular houseplants. These plants belong to the Araceae family and are native to the rainforests of Central and South America. They are known for their lush, tropical foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, from heart-shaped leaves to elongated, sword-like leaves.
One of the most unique aspects of philodendrons is their growth habit. Some species grow as climbers, with aerial roots that attach to tree trunks or other surfaces, while others grow as free-standing shrubs or trees. Some species are epiphytic, growing on other plants or trees without damaging them, while others are hemiepiphytic, meaning they start as epiphytes but eventually grow roots and become terrestrial. The versatility of these plants means that they can be grown in a variety of ways, from hanging baskets to potted specimens, making them a popular choice for indoor gardens.
Philodendrons are often confused with pothos due to their similar appearance, but they are in fact distinct species with different care requirements. Philodendrons have larger leaves and are native to South America, while Pothos plants are native to the Pacific islands and have smaller, variegated leaves.
Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
The Cast Iron plant is a tough and resilient plant that’s more than able to stand up to a little neglect. This slow-growing evergreen is a great choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting and attractive addition to their home or office. The leaves of the Cast Iron plant are its most striking feature, with glossy green leaves that can grow up to two feet in length and as wide as five inches. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern, providing a beautiful and lush look that can bring a touch of nature to any space.
In addition to its stunning appearance, the Cast Iron plant is also prized for its adaptability to different lighting conditions. It can thrive in low-light environments, making it a great choice for rooms with little natural light, but it can also tolerate bright, indirect light. This means it can be placed in a variety of locations throughout your home, making it a versatile and flexible addition to your indoor garden. Additionally, the Cast Iron plant is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice that won’t require much care and attention once it is established.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
These are small, delicate-looking plants with colorful flowers. They are well suited for low light conditions and typically prefer indirect light. With their delicate, velvety leaves and bright, playful blooms, these plants add a touch of color and charm to any space. Their flowers come in a variety of colors, from classic shades of pink and purple to bold hues of red and yellow, making them a versatile option for a range of interior design styles.
African violets are also notable for their fascinating growth patterns. They grow from rosettes of leaves, which form a central crown from which new leaves and flowers emerge. This makes them an interesting and dynamic plant to observe and care for, as they constantly change and evolve over time. Whether you’re looking for a touch of green in a low-light room or to simply enjoy the beauty of these unique flowers, African violets are a great choice.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a unique home plant option because of its distinctive appearance. Its long, thin leaves are striped with yellow and green and have a unique, spiky texture. The plant also produces small white flowers, making it a great addition to any home. It is also known for its ability to purify the air in a home, making it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
The spider plant is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to caring for their plants. It is also easy to propagate, making it a great choice for those who want to share the beauty of this plant with friends and family.
Peperomia
Sometimes called the baby rubber plant, the peperomia is a large genus of small, compact plants that are known for their thick, fleshy leaves. With over 1000 species native primarily to tropical regions such as South America, Africa, and southern Asia, they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, which means you can create a variety of looks with this plant without complicating your care routine.
Given its beautiful color and patterning, peperomia is able to withstand a surprising amount of neglect, requiring watering only when the soil has run dry. Unlike many other houseplants that need to be watered frequently, peperomia is very tolerant of drought and can go long periods without water without suffering. This makes it a great choice for people who are prone to forget to water their plants or for those who are away from home for extended periods.
Peperomia requires little in the way of fertilizer or plant food, making this one of the easiest plants to care for on our list.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns, are native to tropical regions and are renowned for their lush, delicate fronds that add a touch of lush greenery to any space. This plant is highly versatile and can be displayed as a hanging fern or set on a stand for a dramatic statement piece. The fronds are finely textured and dainty, making the plant a striking addition to any space.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Boston Ferns also offers a number of health benefits. The plant is known for its air-purifying properties and is said to help reduce levels of indoor pollutants. This, combined with the plant’s ability to thrive in low-light environments, makes the Boston Fern a highly desirable choice for those seeking to add greenery to their homes without much maintenance. Whether displayed in a standalone planter or as part of a mixed garden display, this plant is sure to bring a touch of tropical luxury to any room.