Finding the perfect indoor plants for low light conditions can be a bit of a challenge, but there are plenty of beautiful and resilient plants that thrive in less sunny spots, adding greenery and life to your home. Whether you have a dim corner in your living room or an office space without much natural light, these plants can brighten up your environment and improve air quality without the need for lots of light.
In this article, I’m thrilled to share ten of the best indoor plants for low light conditions. These plants are not only easy to care for but also bring a touch of nature indoors, even in the shadiest of spaces. Let’s explore these fantastic options and discover how you can enjoy a lush, green home without needing a lot of sunlight!
Snake Plant
One of my favorite plants for low light conditions is the snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue. This hardy plant is virtually indestructible and can thrive in low light environments, making it perfect for beginners and busy people alike.
To grow a snake plant, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and water it sparingly. Snake plants prefer to dry out between waterings, so it’s essential not to overwater them. They can tolerate low light, but they also do well in brighter, indirect light. The upright, sword-like leaves of the snake plant add a modern, architectural touch to any room!
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is another excellent choice for low light conditions. This plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to withstand neglect, making it ideal for those with less-than-perfect indoor lighting.
To care for a ZZ plant, place it in well-draining soil and allow it to dry out between waterings. ZZ plants are highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in low to moderate light conditions. While they do well in low light, they can also handle indirect bright light, making them versatile for various indoor settings. With its robust, waxy leaves, the ZZ plant brings a touch of lush greenery to any low light area!
Pothos
Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a popular trailing plant that thrives in low light conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines make it a versatile choice for hanging baskets or as a cascading feature on a shelf.
To grow pothos, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pothos can tolerate low light but will also thrive in brighter, indirect light. It’s known for being incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, so you can quickly expand your collection! Pothos is a fantastic plant for adding greenery to dim corners and shelves.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is one of the best indoor plants for low light conditions. Known for its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms, the peace lily can brighten up any space with minimal light. It’s also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a popular choice for homes and offices.
To care for a peace lily, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peace lilies prefer low to moderate light and can even thrive in fluorescent lighting. They will bloom more in higher light conditions, but their attractive foliage makes them a beautiful addition to low light areas. Peace lilies are perfect for adding a touch of serenity to your indoor spaces!
Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is nearly indestructible and thrives in low light conditions. This plant is known for its broad, dark green leaves and its ability to withstand neglect, making it perfect for those with a busy lifestyle.
To grow a cast iron plant, place it in well-draining soil and water it moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Cast iron plants prefer low to moderate light and can tolerate low humidity, making them ideal for less sunny and drier indoor environments. With its robust foliage, the cast iron plant adds a touch of classic greenery to any room!
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is a stunning plant that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a beautiful addition to any low light space. Known for its tolerance to low light and easy care, the Chinese evergreen is perfect for beginners.
To care for a Chinese evergreen, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants prefer low to moderate light and can adapt well to fluorescent lighting, making them ideal for offices and indoor spaces with limited natural light. Chinese evergreens bring a splash of color and vibrancy to dim areas!
Dracaena
Dracaena is a versatile plant that comes in many varieties, all of which do well in low light conditions. With its long, slender leaves and various patterns, dracaena adds a tropical touch to any indoor space.
To grow dracaena, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Dracaenas prefer low to moderate light but can also tolerate indirect bright light. They are relatively low-maintenance and can adapt to different indoor environments. Dracaena plants are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and greenery to low light areas!
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and are well-suited for low light conditions. Known for their arching leaves and small, white flowers, spider plants are perfect for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant.
To care for a spider plant, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Spider plants prefer low to moderate light and can thrive in indirect light. They are also known for their air-purifying properties, making them a great addition to any indoor space. Spider plants are fantastic for adding a touch of greenery and improving indoor air quality!
Philodendron
Philodendrons are versatile plants that thrive in low light conditions and are incredibly easy to care for. With their heart-shaped leaves and vining habit, philodendrons make excellent hanging or trailing plants.
To grow philodendrons, place them in a pot with well-draining soil and water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Philodendrons prefer low to moderate light and can adapt to indirect bright light as well. They are known for their fast growth and ease of propagation, making them a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. Philodendrons are perfect for adding lush greenery to any dim corner!
Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns are delicate plants known for their feathery, light green fronds. They thrive in low light conditions and high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or other humid indoor spaces.
To care for a maidenhair fern, place it in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Maidenhair ferns prefer low to moderate light and high humidity, so misting the plant regularly or placing it in a humid environment can help it thrive. These ferns add a touch of elegance and softness to any low light area, creating a serene and natural ambiance!
Bringing these low light-loving plants into your home can transform even the dimmest corners into vibrant, green spaces.
9 Drought Tolerant Indoor Plants
Drought-tolerant indoor plants are ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle or limited watering routine. These resilient species can thrive in low-water conditions while enhancing indoor spaces with their unique textures and charm.
String of Pearls
String of Pearls is a striking succulent with cascading strands of bead-like leaves. Its ability to store water in its fleshy foliage makes it highly drought-tolerant and an eye-catching choice for hanging planters.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a bold statement plant with large, glossy leaves. While it prefers occasional watering, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for those who don’t water frequently.
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a dramatic indoor plant with broad, banana-like leaves. It is surprisingly drought-tolerant, storing water in its thick stems and leaves, and thrives with occasional deep watering.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are succulents known for their thick, water-storing leaves and slow growth. Their tree-like form makes them a classic choice for sunny indoor spaces, needing only infrequent watering.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palm, often mistaken for a true palm, is a succulent with a bulbous base that stores water. Its whimsical, curly leaves make it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant indoor greenery.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, with its medicinal gel-filled leaves, is a hardy and low-maintenance succulent. It thrives in bright light and can go weeks without watering, making it both practical and decorative.
Echeveria
Echeverias are compact succulents with stunning rosette formations. They come in various colors and textures, thriving in bright sunlight and requiring minimal water to maintain their beauty.
Haworthia
Haworthias are small succulents with fleshy, patterned leaves that store water efficiently. They are perfect for small indoor spaces and are forgiving of sporadic watering routines.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, with its thick, glossy leaves, is drought-tolerant and strikingly beautiful. It thrives with indirect light and infrequent watering, making it a bold and low-maintenance choice for any indoor space.
