Welcome to the shadowy side of greenery, where low light indoor plants thrive away from the spotlight! If you’ve got corners that sunlight barely brushes or rooms that feel like a cozy cave, don’t worry—there’s a plant for every patch of shade. From the resilient spider plant to the tough-as-nails snake plant, these botanical buddies don’t just survive; they flourish in indirect light.
Imagine turning your dim nooks and crannies into lush, leafy retreats with plants that crave the calm of low light. Studies say that indoor plants have a great positive effect even on human organs. With this guide to the best low-light indoor plants, you’ll learn how to bring life and a breath of fresh air into even the darkest corners of your home. So, let’s dive into the world of indoor plants that make low light look good!
Best Indoor Plants for Dark Room
1. Epipremnum Aureum (Golden pothos)
Meet the Global Green Pothos, more than just a pretty face in the plant world! This stunning variant of Epipremnum aureum isn’t just about good looks; it’s a powerhouse air purifier, expertly scrubbing away indoor nasties like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Known for its lush, heart-shaped leaves that trail elegantly, pothos is a dream to grow, thriving in a variety of settings with minimal fuss.
Originally hailing from Mo’orea in French Polynesia, this low light champion is perfect for sprucing up any dim corner of your home or office and growing it is pretty easy. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding plant parent, adding a Global Green Pothos to your indoor plant collection is a surefire way to enhance your space and air quality with one of the most forgiving low light indoor plants around!
Best For: Reducing the risk of allergies
2. Aglaonema Commutatum (Aglaonema)
Meet the Aglaonema, a superstar among low light indoor plants! It’s a versatile charmer that brightens up not only dim indoor corners but also thrives outdoors in warm climates as a peppy filler plant or quaint low hedge. Perfect for an Asian-themed or shade garden, this plant loves to hang out in containers by patios or walkways, or even in a serene woodland setting.
While Aglaonema does bask in bright, indirect light, it’s a true trooper in low light conditions, where it continues to grow, albeit a bit more slowly. A touch of direct morning sunshine? Sure thing! But shield it from the harsh afternoon rays to avoid leaf burn. If your space isn’t quite sunny enough, no worries—just pop a grow light nearby, and watch your Aglaonema thrive. Whether you’re decking out your office or adding a splash of green to your living room, this plant is an all-around winner for bringing lush life to less-lit locales!
Best For: Spreads positive energy
3. Chlorophytum Comosum (Spider Plants)
Meet the Spider Plant, also known as the Airplane Plant, a fan-favorite for hanging baskets with its graceful, arching leaves striped in green or a mix of green and white. This friendly plant not only brings a playful touch with its dangling baby plants but is also non-toxic, making it a safe choice for homes. Just keep an eye on little ones, as it can be a choking hazard if nibbled on.
Thriving best in bright, indirect light, the Spider Plant is quite the adaptable roommate. Direct sunlight? No, thank you—it might get a bit too hot under the collar, or in this case, scorch its lovely leaves. It’s perfectly content in darker rooms where natural light is scarce, although it’ll grow at a leisurely pace and might hold back on producing its cute plantlets. If you’ve got a dim spot, this plant will still perform, though its stripes may fade in really low light.
For those who love a bit of green drama, mix it up with some snake plants or peace lilies. These companions are also champions of less-than-sunny spaces, sporting dark green leaves that complement the Spider Plant’s zesty stripes. Together, they make a lush, low-light-loving gang that’ll keep your corners green and serene!
Best For: Absorbing harmful elements in the air
4. Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
Meet your Dracaena Fragrans, a true sophisticate in the plant world who thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight but is also quite the trooper in lower light conditions. Watch out for drama though—brown spots or bleached leaves are its way of saying, “Turn down the lights!” On the flip side, if it’s sporting less variegation, experiencing slow growth, or the new leaves are coming in mini-sized, it’s hinting for a bit more glow.
Dracaenas aren’t big drinkers. They like their well-draining soil to stay slightly moist, but they definitely don’t enjoy soggy feet. Watering once a week or bi-weekly, allowing the soil to dry out in between, is just right. To keep it extra perky, give its leaves a gentle misting once or twice a week. Pair it with a prayer plant or a zz plant, and you’ve got yourself a low-maintenance, medium-light-loving trio that’ll keep your indoor garden lush and vibrant!
Best For: Easy to grow
5. Maranta Leuconeura (Prayer Plant)
Prayer plants, particularly the charming Maranta Kerchoveana, are indoor superstars, thriving best under your roof with their need for tropical vibes that are tough to maintain outdoors in cooler climates. Beyond its striking good looks, this tropical plant packs a punch in the wellness department too! It’s a natural air purifier, zapping nasty toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, and its soothing presence makes it a perfect pick for your zen zone or meditation nook.
Keep it away from direct sun to avoid leaf burn, and let its soil stay slightly moist but never waterlogged—just the right touch for this low maintenance beauty. Mix it up with some zz plants, and you’ve got a robust, best low light plants ensemble that keeps your indoor garden lush and stress-free!
Best For: Purifying air
6. Schefflera Arboricola (Umbrella plants)
Schefflera plants, or as we like to call them, the perfect pals for new plant parents, are fabulous indoor companions that love to vacation outdoors during the sunny seasons of spring and summer. Just make sure to bring them back in before the winter chill sets in! The Schefflera arboricola, in particular, is a speedy grower and a real trouper in warm, centrally-heated rooms—a true humidity-loving plant!
Thriving in well-drained soil and managing just fine in lower light, this plant really hits its stride in filtered sun. It’s forgiving enough for first-timers and adaptable to various lighting conditions, making it a top pick for anyone looking to green up their space without the fuss. So if you’re diving into the world of greenery, let the schefflera be your low-maintenance, high-charm starter plant!
Best For: Cleaning the surrounding air
7. Howea (Kentia palms)
Meet the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana), a true superstar among indoor plants and a must-have for its classic elegance and architectural charm. With a slender trunk and lush, feather-like leaves, this palm adds a touch of sophistication to any space. It’s a versatile beauty too, happy indoors or out, just keep it away from the frost!
If you’re diving into the world of houseplants and want something effortlessly chic, the Kentia Palm is your go-to. It’s forgiving in dry air, thrives with just occasional watering, and retains water well, making it the best plant for newbies and busy plant parents alike. Just water it regularly to keep it looking its best and watch this low-maintenance palm flourish in your care!
Best For: Purifying stagnant air
Conclusion
These top houseplants do more than just spruce up your home—they enhance it by purifying the air and are pet friendly too! Whether you’re just starting your indoor garden or expanding it, these champions can handle low light and thrive even when the soil feels dry. Perfect for those who may forget to water now and then, they need just a little water to keep them going. So go ahead, brighten those dim corners with some leafy pals and transform your space into a vibrant, green haven. Here’s to making every room a lush, pet-safe jungle with the best houseplants for low-light love!
