21 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants
You might be under the impression that you need a ton of sun and a green thumb to keep houseplants alive, but that's not necessarily the case. If you don’t have a lot of sunlight in your indoor space, there are plenty of indoor plants that are easy to care for, forgiving, and low-light tolerant. Some even do better in shadier spaces, if you can believe it.
If you’ve been shying away from plant parenthood because you haven’t found the right low-light, low-maintenance greenery, you might be surprised to discover a list of houseplants that can handle being in a shady corner of your space even if they prefer brighter conditions.
From popular, trusty staples like the snake plant to unique and up-and-coming plants, like the dragon tree and nerve plant, we’ve compiled a list of some of the coolest low-light plants you can grow in your home.
1. Dracaena marginata
Photo by Krystal Slagle
This tough-looking tree, nicknamed the Dragon Tree, is slow-growing but super easy to maintain. Spiky leaves that grow upwards and have a red outline make these plants totally stunning! But too much direct sunlight can damage them, so give this plant some sun and some shade. The Dragon Tree is one of the plants on NASA's air filtering plants list (part of the NASA clean air study) that reduces benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, within the air.
If you have a dog or cat, keep in mind that the Dragon Tree is toxic to both.
www.shoppigment.com
2. Peperomia obtusifolia
This cute little plant is also known as the Baby Rubber Plant. It has thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. Leaves have a fleshy succulent look and feel about them and the thin stems are non woody. It’s low-light tolerant -- in fact, too much intense sunlight can hurt this variety
It’s safe for children, cats, and dogs.
greeneryunlimited.co
3. Asplenium nidus
The Asplenium nidus, or Bird’s Nest Fern, has large simple fronds. The fun wavy edges give the bird's nest fern a unique look. As the fronds emerge from the central fuzzy rosette, it resembles bird’s eggs - hence the nickname Bird’s Nest Fern.
The Bird’s Nest Fern is also a pet-friendly plant. It thrives in medium indirect light but can usually tolerate low indirect light.
greeneryunlimited.co
4. Beaucarnea recurvata
The Beaucarnea recurvata, or Ponytail Palm, is neither a palm nor a tree—it’s actually a member of the Agave family, native to eastern Mexico!
This whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like plant can be an adorably small tabletop plant or a full-on tree, but in any case, it's adaptable enough to survive in just about any light level. This plant is ideal for people with very little time or who travel regularly. The Ponytail Palm will be perfectly happy being watered every couple of weeks and left alone to soak up the sunlight.
The Ponytail Palm is completely safe around pets and children.
ebay.com - PlantVine
5. Hoyas
Hoya plants, also known as wax plants, are a climbing wax-stemmed vining plant with a thick wax leaf. Their easy-going disposition makes them excellent indoor houseplants and hanging basket “spillers” as well.
They'll thrive in bright light, but will do just fine in lower light conditions. They're also super low maintenance, and can bounce back if you forget to water them, too.
Hoya plants are non toxic to people and animals. However, anyone with a latex allergy should avoid handling the plant if it is damaged.
Leedy Interiors via Pinterest
6. Aglaonemas
Looking to brighten up a dark corner with a little color? Aglaonemas, commonly called Chinese Evergreens, are old standbys in the world of indoor plants. One of the easiest of all houseplants to grow, and also one of the most stylish, as these beauties push out variegated green or red-and-pink foliage. It’ll purify your air, too.
This pretty multicolored plant is as low-maintenance as they come, and while its colors will show even more in brighter light, it'll thrive in low light, too. It tolerate moist to slightly-dry soil in between watering. Some varieties can reach two to three feet tall.
Since this plant is one of the most durable indoor plants and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners.
Be careful to keep your Chinese Evergreen out of reach from children and pets, as the leaves are poisonous if ingested.
Urban Products USA via Etsy
7. Calathea
Don’t let anyone tell you that plants don’t move: Calatheas, better known as Prayer Plants, earned their common name from the fact that the leaves tend to fold together at night, like a pair of praying hands—try filming a time lapse of your Prayer Plant in the evening and see how the leaves dance!
With pink and red flecks, the colorful calathea adds an extra punch to your indoor plant lineup. Most types of prayer plant have variegated foliage, adding to the plant's overall interest. They like medium to low light. Not to mention, it's nontoxic and safe for your cats and dogs.
Belle Decor Designs via Etsy
8. Fittonia albivenis
The Fittonia albivenis, or Nerve Plant, is a wonderful tropical houseplant for tabletops, hanging baskets, and terrariums. These are cute little drama queens—neglect your watering routine and it will wilt like a daisy. Luckily, the Nerve Plant just wants attention and will perk back up after you give it a drink.
They prefer brighter light, but they can handle low light quite well—although more colorful varieties might look a little less bright with less sun.
The Nerve Plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
greensouq.ae
9. Dieffenbachia
The large and showy dieffenbachia, or Dumb Cane, can be the perfect living decoration for the home or office. This houseplant features big, bold leaves in shades of cream, yellow, or white, adding fun color and texture to dim corners indoors.
Filtered light is best for this plant. Try using a curtain as a barrier between it and the sun, especially during the spring and summer when the plant is producing new, tender leaves.
The Dumb Cane gets its name from the temporary speechlessness that occurs after chewing a piece of the stem. Be careful to keep this plant away from pets and children, as it can irritate mucous membranes and cause swelling and inflammation of the tongue and throat.
justaddiceorchids.com
10. Bromeliaceae
Bromeliaceae, also known as Bromeliads, have flashy colors that give your house a tropical vibe. If your interior design tends toward contemporary, modern, and tropical decor styles, bromeliads add the perfect exotic touch.
They have attractive forms and leaf colors, and many with flowers that can last for months. And notes that after the main flower on your bromeliad begins to fade, the mother plant will begin to decline. But you'll see baby bromeliads (called pups) developing around the base. Grow these out and enjoy more bromeliads!
Keep your bromeliads away from small children and pets.
thezensucculent.com
11. Philodendron cordatum
The Philodendron cordatum, also known as the Heart-leaf or Sweetheart Plant, is extremely easy to grow. It has graceful, heart-shaped leaves that are dark and glossy green in color. They can stand dim rooms, but requires pinching to prevent long, single, lanky stems. Pinch it back frequently to make sure your Philodendron is bushy and full.
The Sweetheart Plant is toxic to pets.
Krystal Slagle
12. Ficus benjamina
The Ficus benjamina, or Weeping Fig Tree, is an elegant tree with a slender gray trunk and lots of dark glossy green leaves. Don't let the sad name turn you off. This quick-growing tree adds some life to any room in the house, and requires little more than the occasional trim and some regular watering.
The Weeping Fig is one of the best plants for improving air quality indoors. It has one of the top removal rates for air toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It’s also non-toxic, so it’s safe to keep around pets and children.
The Weeping Fig tree is toxic to cats and dogs, causing oral irritation and dermatitis from skin contact with the plant.
ikea.com
13. Sansevieria trifasciata
Also known as the Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this plant is one of the most popular and hardy species of houseplants. It’s known for its tall, skinny leaves (hence “mother-in-law’s tongue”) and attractive foliage. This variety is drought tolerant (which means it is perfect for more negligent plant parents!). It’s also high on NASA's list of air-purifying plants, with a demonstrated ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
This succulent is pretty tame (read: easy!) when it comes to maintenance. More light will help it grow, but it can tolerate darkness. Err on the side of under watering; too much water can kill the plant.
Snake Plants are considered to be relatively safe, but they're mildly toxic if consumed. Their leaves contain a poison that can cause swelling and numbness on the tongue if eaten in large doses.
patchplants.com
14. Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, affectionately called the ZZ plant or Zanzibar Gem, is another easy houseplant. It tolerates neglect, is drought tolerant, and accepts low-light conditions. Its solid green foliage can reach up to 3 feet tall.
The ZZ grows smooth, naturally shiny leaves that range from bright lime in their youth to an emerald green in their maturity.
All parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans and pets.
HGTV.com
15. Spathiphyllum
The Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily, is a tropical species that is a favorite flowering houseplant. It’s a moisture-loving plant, so remember to water every day. A well-grown peace lily may bloom twice a year, resulting in several months of flowers.
Even better? The Peace Lily filters more indoor pollutants than most other plants, so are great for bedrooms or other frequented rooms. Inside the tropical plant's pores, toxic gases like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are broken down and neutralized.
The Peace Lily is mildly toxic to humans and other animals when ingested.
36vine.com
16. Epipremnum aureum
The Epipremnum aureum, commonly called Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most popular houseplants in the world because it is so easy to care for. The Devil’s Ivy gets its name from the fact that it grows vines even in the most inhospitable conditions. That can be bad if it's planted outdoors where it can choke out other plants, but for growing inside, it's perfect.
This perennial houseplant features glossy, green, or variegated leaves on cascading stems, which makes it well-suited for hanging baskets, even in low light.
All parts of this plant are toxic to pets and children.
bybrittanygoldwyn.com
17. Scindapsus pictus
The Scindapsus pictus, also called Satin Pothos, Silk Pothos, or Silver Pothos, is a slow-growing trailing houseplant that is very easy to care for. It has elegant and interesting heart-shaped leaves with beautiful silver markings that turn green in lower light.
The Satin Pothos is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested by a cat or dog, this plant may irritate the mouth, lips, and tongue.
Anastasia Tretiak
18. Cycas revoluta
If you've ever dreamed of having a palm tree as part of your decor, look no further than the Cycas revoluta, or Sago Palm. It might not be quite as tall as the ones in Beverly Hills, but it's way cuter (and easier to maintain). It’s a popular houseplant known for its glossy, stiff foliage and ease of care.
Keep your Sago Palm away from small children and pets, as it is poisonous to both.
thesill.com
19. Chamaedorea elegans
Chamaedorea elegans, which also goes by the common names of Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlor Palm, is one of the most popular indoor palms.They are slow growers, never rarely reaching more than 4’, staying manageable for years to come. It likes to be slightly dry, so beware of over-watering it.
The Parlor Palm is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Kara Riley
20. Rhapis Excelsa
The Rhapis Excelsa, or Lady Palm, is an extremely slow growing palm with unique dark green foliage that is shaped like a hand. With elegant broad, dark green, fan-shaped foliage on tall stalks, lady palm plants have a Far East appeal.
The lady palm does best in shade. It can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun can burn the tips of its leaves and cause them to fade to yellowish-green.
The Lady Palm is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Kenny Song via Flickr
21. Chlorophytum comosum
If you're looking for a hanging plant, the Chlorophytum comosum, or Spider Plant, is the perfect choice. It’s considered one of the most adaptable of houseplants and the easiest to grow. This plant can grow in a wide range of conditions and suffers from few problems, other than brown tips. It can stand up to a lot of neglect and will thrive in indirect light.
The Spider Plant is non-toxic to pets, but cats are particularly attracted toward this plant due to its mild hallucinogenic qualities.