Bright, sunny windows aren’t a luxury every plant lover has but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy lush greenery indoors. Some houseplants not only tolerate low light but actually thrive in shady corners of your home. Whether you’re decorating an office cubicle, a dim hallway, or a north-facing room, these 10 low light indoor plants are perfect companions. Easy to maintain and visually appealing, they bring life and calm to any space.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the Snake Plant is one of the most resilient houseplants available. It thrives in low light and needs minimal watering, making it perfect for busy plant parents or low-sunlight environments. With its upright, sword-like leaves that come in striking variegated patterns, it adds a modern architectural touch to your decor. It’s also a known air purifier, helping to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from your indoor air.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is a true shade-lover and is nearly impossible to kill. It grows well in low to indirect light and only needs watering once the soil is completely dry. Its waxy, deep green leaves reflect light and brighten dark rooms, giving your space a glossy, polished look. ZZ Plants are perfect for offices or rooms without direct sunlight, and they’re known for their drought tolerance and low maintenance needs.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are elegant and serene, with deep green foliage and graceful white blooms. They adapt well to low light conditions and will even flower with minimal sun exposure. Aside from their beauty, Peace Lilies are excellent air purifiers, known for removing indoor pollutants. They do prefer slightly moist soil and a bit of humidity, but they’re otherwise very forgiving ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms with filtered or indirect light.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The trailing vines of a Pothos plant add a lush, cascading effect to shelves, bookcases, and hanging planters. Pothos grows in a variety of light conditions, but it particularly shines in low to medium light. Its heart-shaped leaves can be variegated in green, white, or yellow, depending on the variety. Easy to propagate and incredibly hardy, this plant is often recommended for beginners and thrives with just occasional watering.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Named for its rugged durability, the Cast Iron Plant is practically indestructible. It handles low light, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional neglect with ease. Its long, glossy leaves grow slowly but steadily, providing an elegant, almost tropical vibe to dimly lit interiors. Perfect for hallways, corners, and places most other plants won’t survive, the Cast Iron Plant is a great choice if you’re looking for a hands-off greenery option.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are prized for their colorful foliage and adaptability to shade. Available in a range of colors from silvery greens to vibrant reds and pinks they bring a splash of color to areas with limited sunlight. These plants prefer indirect light and only need watering when the topsoil is dry. They’re low-maintenance and known to purify indoor air, making them ideal for busy people and low-light spaces alike.
7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Popular since the Victorian era, the Parlor Palm is a compact, shade-tolerant palm that fits beautifully into any indoor setting. Its feathery fronds grow in low light and it doesn’t need much care beyond occasional watering. This plant thrives in humid conditions, making it a lovely addition to bathrooms or kitchens. It adds a touch of tropical greenery without requiring direct sunlight or special care.
8. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaenas are a large group of plants that vary in shape and size, but many varieties such as Dracaena marginata or Dracaena fragrans do exceptionally well in low light. These plants typically feature narrow, colorful leaves and can grow tall, adding vertical interest to any space. They prefer indirect light and are drought-tolerant once established. Their sculptural shape and minimal care needs make them a top pick for shady indoor areas.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With its striking green-and-white striped leaves and easygoing nature, the Spider Plant is a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant owners alike. It grows well in low light and can tolerate irregular watering. It’s also known for producing “babies” or offshoots, which can be propagated easily in water or soil. Hang it in a basket or let it spill over a shelf it thrives wherever you put it, even in shade.
10. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
This classic trailing plant loves the shade and is extremely adaptable to indoor environments. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves grow quickly and look beautiful in hanging pots or climbing trellises. It tolerates low light better than many other philodendrons and doesn’t require frequent watering. With a little trimming and occasional feeding, it will flourish, making your space greener and cozier without much effort.