15 Fantastic low-light house plants for lifting dark spaces

Low-light house plants will come to your aid if you have dark rooms or corners that you want to brighten with greenery.

It can certainly be a challenge to create a thriving indoor garden when natural light is scarce. Many homes and offices lack adequate light. But that is no reason to give up on bringing yourself the benefits of house plants in your home or workplace.

The key is selecting plants that thrive in minimal light conditions and in this post we’ll help you make the right selections, ensuring your indoor space remains vibrant and green.

Understanding low-light house plants

Characteristics of Low-Light Plants

Low-light plants typically originate from tropical or subtropical regions and rainforests. They grow under the canopy of larger plants and have adapted to survive in shaded environments with minimal light. They usually have the following characteristics:

• Leaf Structure: Many of these plants exhibit broad, dark green leaves that efficiently capture the available light.
• Growth Habit: They often grow slowly and require less maintenance.
• Water Needs: These plants generally need less frequent watering, as low light means slower evaporation and water use.

Benefits of Keeping Low-Light Plants

Low-light house plants offer several advantages, making them suitable for various indoor environments.

• Air Purification: Many of these plants, such as the peace lily, can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins.
• Low Maintenance: They require minimal care, making them perfect for busy individuals or novice gardeners.
• Versatility: These plants can thrive in diverse indoor settings, including offices, bathrooms, and living rooms.

Additionally, they are often beautiful and architectural. This explains their popularity as house plants and why we want to grow them in our cold northern or southern climates, far from their natural environments.

Choosing the right plants that require no or minimal light can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful indoor garden. The plants listed here are specially adapted to low-light environments, so they are perfect for darker rooms or spaces with limited windows.

1) Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular choice for low-light environments. Its striking appearance, with tall, upright leaves edged in yellow or white, makes it an attractive addition to any room.

Snake plants are highly adaptable and can thrive in various lighting conditions, including dimly lit spaces.

They are extremely low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and attention.

You can water them once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry.

This plant is ideal for those new to gardening or with busy lifestyles. It tolerates neglect well and can grow in virtually any part of your home, including bathrooms and offices.

Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf damage.

The snake plant also has air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This makes it a practical choice for improving indoor air quality.

Consider placing your snake plant in a pot with well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Regularly wipe the leaves to keep them dust-free, allowing for better light absorption and health.

Learn more about the different types of Sansevieria here.

2) ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant is an excellent choice for low-light environments. With its glossy, dark green leaves, it brings a touch of elegance to any space.

You can place it in the dim corners of your living room or office, and it will still thrive.

This plant is incredibly low-maintenance. It can withstand periods of neglect, making it perfect for those who may forget to water regularly.

Simply water it when the soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering.

Its ability to survive in low-light conditions makes it ideal for windowless rooms or offices with artificial lighting. The ZZ Plant can also tolerate varying humidity levels, making it adaptable to different home environments.

You don’t need to worry about frequent repotting. The ZZ Plant grows slowly and can stay in the same pot for several years. Just ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

In summary, the ZZ Plant is a resilient and attractive option for anyone looking for a hassle-free indoor plant. It requires minimal light, little watering, and can adapt to almost any environment, making it a favourite amongst novice and experienced gardeners alike. For more details, check out this our comprehensive guide to growing the ZZ Plant.

3) Philodendron

The Philodendron, such as the rare Philodendron plowmanii picture above, is a superb choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that thrives in low-light conditions. With its lush green leaves, it brings a touch of nature indoors without needing lots of direct sunlight.

Heart-leaf Philodendron, in particular, is known for its ability to flourish in minimal light. Its characteristic heart-shaped leaves are particularly beautiful.

When caring for a Philodendron, remember it prefers partial shade. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch to prevent overwatering.

Philodendrons are also known for improving air quality. Their attractive foliage can greatly enhance your home’s environment while purifying the air.

Stem cuttings can be used for propagation, making it easy to grow new plants from the original. This allows you to expand your collection with minimal effort.

4) Pothos

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a fantastic option for low-light conditions. It can thrive in environments that receive minimal light, making it perfect for dimly lit rooms and offices.

This plant is incredibly resilient and can, in fact, adapt to various lighting situations.

Golden Pothos is a popular variety with heart-shaped, green leaves accented with yellow variegation. Its ability to flourish in low light makes it a favourite among indoor gardeners.

Another excellent variety for low light is the Hawaiian Pothos.

Satin Pothos, also known as Silver Pothos, has matte green leaves speckled with silver. This gives it a unique appearance, suitable for adding a touch of elegance to your space. It can handle low light, making it ideal for areas where sunlight is scarce.

Regular watering keeps Pothos healthy. Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry about an inch down, it’s time to water.

Pothos doesn’t like its roots to sit in water, so ensure the pot has good drainage.

Watering approximately once every 1-2 weeks is usually sufficient, but adjust based on your environment.

Keep your Pothos away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Instead, place it a bit further from windows or under sheer curtains for diffused light.

These easy-care plants can grow in length up to 20 feet, making them lovely for hanging baskets or trailing down shelves.

5) Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen plants are a wonderful choice for low-light conditions. These resilient plants thrive in dimly lit areas, making them ideal for homes or offices with limited sunlight.

They have striking oval, glossy green leaves. Some varieties even feature red, organe and green variegated patterns that lift the space around them .

Place your Chinese Evergreen in a spot with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the foliage.

These plants are extremely forgiving if you occasionally neglect their watering needs.

Chinese Evergreens prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F. They can handle a variety of humidity levels, but higher humidity will keep them happiest. A pebble tray or a nearby humidifier works well.

When watering, let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Use a well-draining potting mix with a combination of soil, perlite, or moss. This helps prevent waterlogging and ensures healthy root development.

For propagation, take cuttings and root them in warm temperatures around 70°F. Using a plastic bag to create a humid environment can increase your success rate, as new growth will indicate rooting.

Giving your Chinese Evergreen a bit of love and attention will reward you with a lush, beautiful plant that thrives with minimal effort. For more detailed lighting requirements, refer to our complete guide on growing Chinese Evergreen varieties.

6) Peace Lily

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) is well-known for its ability to thrive in low-light environments, making it perfect for those with less natural light.

Peace Lilies have large, dark green leaves and produce beautiful white blooms that stand out against the greenery.

This plant does best in indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.

It can even thrive under fluorescent lighting for up to 16 to 18 hours a day.

Make sure to water your Peace Lily when the soil feels dry to the touch. It’s important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and avoid placing the plant near cold drafts. This helps ensure that the Peace Lily remains healthy.

For more in-depth information, you can refer to our complete guide to growing Peace Lilies.

7) Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is one of the most robust and low-maintenance plants you can get (whether you grow it indoor or outdoors).

If you’re looking for a plant that can survive in dimly lit areas, this is an excellent choice. You can place it in darker corners, such as hallways or bathrooms, where other plants might struggle to survive.

You don’t need to worry much about watering the Cast Iron Plant. It is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering, making it perfect for busy individuals.

Therefore, ensure the soil dries out fully between waterings to prevent root rot. Your plant will thrive with minimal attention.

This plant is also quite resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it even easier to care for.

To promote growth, consider using a balanced, diluted fertiliser once a month during the growing season.

The Cast Iron Plant can also improve your indoor air quality. It has been noted for its ability to filter out pollutants, contributing to a healthier living environment.

8) Spider Plant

Spider plants are unlike most other low-light house plants, as they have thin light green and white strappy leaves, rather than the deep green large leaves that are typical of the genre. Nevertheless, they are perfect for low-light conditions.

Spider plants, like many low-light plants, are tough and adaptable and their adaptability makes them a fantastic choice if your home lacks natural light.

They even grow well under artificial lighting, making them a good fit for darker spaces. Place them near a light source like a grow light for optimal growth.

Spider plants are also known for being low-maintenance. They don’t require frequent watering; simply water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.

This makes them ideal if you’re looking for a houseplant that’s easy to care for.

The star-shaped flowers that transform into spider-like offshoots, known as spiderettes, making propagation easy.

Another benefit is their ability to improve air quality. Spider plants can help remove toxins from the air, creating a healthier indoor environment for you.

For more details, you can check out our complete guide to growing the spider plant.

9) Dracaena

Dracaena, is a large genus of many species and varieties of plants, often known for their striking, strappy foliage. On the whole, these plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in dim spaces where other plants might struggle.

Whether you have limited sunlight in your home or office, Dracaena can add a touch of greenery to brighten up any corner.

Dracaena varieties come in many shapes and sizes, making them perfect for various spaces.

From the taller Corn Plant to the more compact Dracaena Marginata, there’s a Dracaena for every need. Some species can even grow up to six feet indoors, creating a dramatic focal point in your room.

Caring for Dracaena is relatively straightforward. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, these plants are sensitive to fluoride, so using filtered or distilled water can be beneficial.

One important thing to note is that some types of Dracaena can be toxic to pets. If you have curious cats or dogs, it’s best to place the plant out of their reach.

Despite this, Dracaena remains a popular choice for plant enthusiasts due to its low maintenance requirements and resilience.

10) Monstera

Monstera deliciosa, often known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is popular for indoor spaces. Its iconic fenestrated leaves make a striking visual impact in any room.

Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to low-light conditions. It prefers partial shade, making it a great option for rooms with limited natural light.

In low-light environments, you may notice slower growth and fewer fenestrations. Still, the plant will remain healthy with proper care.

Water your Monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Monstera can grow up to 15-20 feet tall outdoors, but indoors it typically reaches around 3 to 6 feet. Use a moss pole to support its climbing habit.

If you notice leggy growth, consider moving the plant to a brighter spot. Fertilise monthly during the growing season to boost its health.

Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. This ensures better light absorption and keeps the plant looking vibrant.

Monstera is relatively low maintenance and ideal for both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. For more detailed care tips, check the comprehensive guide to growing monstera deliciosa.

For a more compact Monstera, consider Monstera adansonii, which we feature in this guide.

11) Parlour Palm

The Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is an excellent indoor palm for low-light environments. This lovely plant can thrive in areas with minimal light.

Place your Parlour Palm in a north-facing window or a spot with indirect light. It can tolerate low light but benefits from some brightness.

Ensure the soil remains lightly moist but well-draining. A peat-based potting mix works best. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Parlour Palms enjoy moderate humidity. If your home is dry, a humidifier or a tray with water and pebbles can help maintain moisture around the plant.

Keep the temperature between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid exposing your plant to drafts or sudden temperature changes.

An added benefit is that Parlour Palms purify the air, making your living space healthier. Additionally, they are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for households with animals.

This low-maintenance plant can live for many years, growing slowly but steadily. Regularly wipe the leaves to keep them dust-free and happy.

12) English Ivy

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a splendid choice for those looking to add greenery to low-light areas. With its elegant, trailing vines, it can flourish even with minimal direct sunlight.

This plant is particularly well-suited for bathrooms and other high-humidity environments. If you have a dimly lit room, English Ivy can still thrive without much natural light.

To keep your English Ivy happy, water it once a week. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.

Given its adaptability, English Ivy can be a great addition to your indoor plant collection. It’s also known for improving air quality by filtering out toxins.

For those new to indoor gardening, English Ivy is a hardy and reliable option. Its resilience makes it an excellent plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

13) Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking to add a tropical, exotic flair to their home with minimal light requirements. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, these plants often thrive in low-light conditions.

There are many species and varieties of bromeliads but, in most cases, their striking rosettes of leaves and bright-coloured inflorescences can make any space feel vibrant.

Inerestingly the Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad and probably best-known plant in the genus. 

Others worth considering are Vase plants (Guzmania spp.), Urn plants, (Aechmea spp.), Neoregelia (Neoregelia spp.), and Air plants (Tillandsia spp.)

One appealing aspect of bromeliads is that, while they can flourish in bright, indirect light, many varieties can tolerate lower light situations, making them perfect low-light house plants for homes and offices with limited natural sunlight.

When caring for bromeliads, maintain room temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels of 40 to 50 percent.

It’s important to water them only when the soil feels dry, ensuring the central cup, formed by the rosette of leaves, is kept moistened for optimal health.

14) Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a lovely, subtle plant, with delicate, fan-shaped fronds and black stems. This plant thrives in conditions that simulate its natural habitat, so providing the right environment is key.

Place your Maidenhair Fern in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can be too harsh. A north or east-facing window is often perfect.

Maintaining the moisture balance of the soil is crucial. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never soggy.

Using room temperature rainwater or spring water is ideal for watering.

Humidity is essential for the health of your Maidenhair Fern. If you live in a dry climate, you can put your maidenhair in your bathroom. Alternatively, you will need to use a humidifier or mist the leaves regularly. This will help prevent the fronds from drying out.

Good drainage is vital to prevent root rot. Ensure your pot has drainage holes, and use a well-draining potting mix. This will allow excess water to escape and keep the roots healthy.

Regularly check your plant for signs of stress, such as brown fronds or drooping leaves.

Adjusting light, humidity, and watering practices can quickly revive a struggling Maidenhair Fern.

15) Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns (asplenium nidus) are a fantastic choice for low-light conditions. They are epiphytes in their natural habitat – which means they attach themselves to other plants, typically in the crooks of tree branches.

They have lush, long, glossy fronds and they are a great plant for shady spots.

Place your Bird’s Nest Fern in medium to low indirect light or partial shade. They can tolerate low light well, making them ideal for north-facing windows.

Ensure the environment is warm, between 60°F and 80°F. High humidity is beneficial, so a bathroom or kitchen can be a suitable location.

Always plant in a peat-based potting mix with good drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Fertilisation is minimal. Feed with a diluted liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season, but hold off in the colder months when growth slows down.

Care Tips for Low-Light House Plants

Proper care for low-light house plants involves careful attention to watering, soil composition, and fertilisation. These elements ensure the plants remain healthy and vibrant even with minimal light.

Watering Needs

For low-light house plants, avoid overwatering as the soil retains moisture longer due to the absence of strong sunlight.

Check the soil moisture with your finger up to an inch deep. Water only when it feels dry.

Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant and ensure even distribution. Consistent watering schedules help, but adjust frequency based on plant type and seasonal changes. Reduce watering during winter months when plant growth slows down.

Strategically position plants in areas with higher humidity like kitchens or bathrooms to naturally maintain moisture levels. Using a humidity tray or a small humidifier can also assist in maintaining optimal conditions.

Soil and Potting

Choosing the right soil and pot is crucial for low-light plants. Use well-draining soil mixes to prevent root rot. You can also add perlite or sand to standard potting soil to enhance drainage.

Select pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogging. Clay pots can help draw moisture away from the soil, aiding in preventing over-saturation.

Repotting should be done sparingly, usually every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess soil that can hold too much moisture.

Fertilisation Guidelines

Fertilise low-light plants less frequently compared to high-light plants. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Avoid fertilising in autumn and winter when plant growth naturally slows down. Over-fertilising can lead to salt build-up in the soil, causing root damage.

Inspect plants periodically for signs of nutrient deficiency such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Organic fertilisers like compost can be beneficial, providing a slow-release of nutrients and improving soil health.

Common Issues and Solutions

Caring for house plants that need minimal light can present some challenges. Common issues such as yellowing leaves and root rot can often be remedied with simple adjustments in care and attention. Here are some specific solutions to keep your plants healthy.

Dealing with Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves are a common issue with low-light plants and can indicate several underlying problems.

First, check your watering schedule. Overwatering is a frequent cause of yellow leaves, so make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering again.

Next, consider the light levels. Even low-light plants need some indirect light. Place your plant in a spot with dappled sunlight or use artificial lighting designed for indoor plants.

Another cause could be nutrient deficiency. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every few months to provide essential nutrients. Ensure the plant pot has proper drainage to avoid water stagnation which can exacerbate yellowing.

Lastly, inspect for pests. Common pests like spider mites and aphids can cause yellowing. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Preventing Root Rot

Root rot is a serious issue for plants in low-light conditions. It is often caused by excessive moisture.

To prevent it, ensure your plant’s pot has adequate drainage holes. This helps excess water escape and prevents the roots from sitting in waterlogged soil.

Use well-draining soil mixes specifically formulated for indoor plants. This might include a mix of peat, perlite, and bark. Such mixes allow proper airflow around the roots, reducing the risk of rot.

Be mindful of your watering routine. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In cooler, low-light conditions, plants need less frequent watering than in brighter, warmer settings.

Finally, regularly check your plant for signs of root rot. These include a musty smell or blackened, mushy roots. If you detect it early, trim away the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.