15+ Useful Low-Light Indoor Plants That Thrive in Near Darkness

After successfully decorating my front yard with small trees, I realized how much I enjoyed this process. It was highly satisfying to see some colorful plants flourishing in my care. I was hoping for the same rich atmosphere indoors, but there isn’t much direct sunshine in my single-family house. That’s when I started searching for Low-Even in the darkest corners of my room, light indoor plants may survive without constant care.

Every time I searched for low-light indoor plants, pothos was the first suggestion. And while I love its trailing vines, not everyone has room for a sprawling plant. Additionally, variation is essential to maintaining the interest of an indoor jungle. For this reason, I created a list of low-light plants that provide unique textures, colors, and shapes without needing a windowsill that is constantly exposed to sunlight.

The lovely, bushy Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) can handle low light levels and little watering. Even when ignored the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) thrives, living up to its name. For something a little more unusual, try Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum), which has colorful leaves and can adjust to different sunlight levels.

Once I brought these plants home, I quickly learned that proper watering was just as crucial as light levels. Overwatering is the easiest way to kill a low-light indoor plant. I started letting the soil dry out between waterings, especially for the Aglaonema and Cast Iron Plant. For an extra touch of life, I added a Baby Rubber Plant, which stays compact and lush. With just a little care, my single-family house transformed into a cozy green place.

I now have the perfect low-light indoor plant to brighten up any area, like a dark hallway or a softly lighted corner. The top 17 low-light indoor plants are listed here below, along with essential maintenance advice to ensure they thrive.

17. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

A hardy, air-purifying plant with upright, sword-shaped leaves that tolerate neglect.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low light but can adapt to bright indirect light.
• Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (16-24°C).

16. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

A nearly indestructible plant with glossy, dark green leaves that store water in their rhizomes.

Care Tips:

• Light: Does well in low light and artificial lighting.
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Humidity: Tolerates dry air.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).

15. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Known for its resilience, this plant has dark green, elongated leaves and can handle neglect.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low light and shade.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Humidity: Not particular about humidity levels.
• Temperature: Prefers 50-85°F (10-29°C).

14. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that grow well even in dim lighting.

Care Tips:

• Light: Can tolerate low light but grows faster in moderate indirect light.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-80°F (16-27°C).

13. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

A fast-growing trailing plant with heart-shaped green leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low to moderate indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity but adapts well to normal levels.
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C).

12. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

A beautiful plant with glossy leaves and elegant white flowers.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; wilts when thirsty.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity.
• Temperature: Thrives in 65-75°F (18-24°C).

11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

A hardy plant with patterned green, silver, or red foliage.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low light; brighter light enhances leaf variegation.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity.
• Temperature: Keep above 60°F (16°C).

10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A small, slow-growing palm that thrives in low-light spaces.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light.
• Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering.
• Humidity: Benefits from moderate humidity.
• Temperature: Grows well in 65-80°F (18-27°C).

9. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

A tall, narrow plant with striped, variegated leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Adapts to low-light conditions.
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist but avoid overwatering.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity.
• Temperature: Thrives in 65-75°F (18-24°C).

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A graceful plant with arching green and white striped leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Does well in low to moderate indirect light.
• Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity.
• Temperature: Grows best in 60-75°F (16-24°C).

7. Indoor Plants: Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)

A striking plant with large, variegated leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Tolerates low light but prefers filtered light.
• Water: Water when soil feels dry.
• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity.
• Temperature: Keep between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

6. Indoor Plants: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A lush fern with feathery fronds.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low light but prefers indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly.
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (16-24°C).

5. Indoor Plants: Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

A unique plant with patterned leaves that fold up at night.

Care Tips:

• Light: Grows well in low to moderate indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity.
• Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C).

4. Indoor Plants: Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)

A small plant with thick, succulent-like leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low to medium indirect light.
• Water: Water when soil is dry to the touch.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity.
• Temperature: Grows well in 65-75°F (18-24°C).

3. Indoor Plants: Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

A small, bushy plant with striking veined leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright indirect light.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 60-75°F (16-24°C).

2. Indoor Plants: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

A water-loving plant that grows well in low-light environments.

Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low indirect light.
• Water: Keep roots submerged in clean water.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C).

1. Indoor Plants: Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

A climbing or trailing plant with arrow-shaped leaves.

Care Tips:

• Light: Adapts well to low-light conditions.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
• Temperature: Best in 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Conclusion

These indoor plants provide an excellent way to add greenery to low-light spaces while requiring minimal care. Choose the ones that best fit your home environment!