20 Low Light Indoor Plants: Best Houseplants for Shade and Style

If your home doesn’t get much sunlight, don’t worry—there are plenty of gorgeous low light indoor plants that will still thrive. Snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and peace lilies are all easy to care for and perfect for brightening up shadier corners.

You don’t need a sun-soaked window to fill your place with greenery.

Some of the best houseplants actually prefer dimmer spots and can thrive in areas where other plants would struggle.

If you’ve been eyeing those darker corners of your apartment or house, you’re in luck.

Low light indoor plants are perfect for spaces like north-facing rooms, bathrooms, or that cozy nook that barely gets any natural light.

These shade-tolerant houseplants don’t just survive in dim conditions—they actually flourish.

Most of them are super low-maintenance, which is honestly a game-changer if you’re new to the plant parent life.

We’ll cover everything from classics like snake plants and pothos to some unique picks that’ll add style to your space.

You’ll also get simple care tips and a bit on what makes these plants so adaptable.

What Makes a Plant Low Light Indoor Friendly?

Defining Low Light Conditions

Low light doesn’t mean total darkness.

It’s more like that corner of your living room where reading is possible, but you might need to squint.

Most houseplants for dim rooms need around 25-75 foot-candles of light. That’s way less than the 1000+ foot-candles you’d get from a bright window.

You can test your space by holding your hand 12 inches above a white paper. If you see a faint shadow, you’ve got low light conditions.

North-facing windows are classic examples. They get steady, indirect light all day without harsh rays.

Indoor plants low light types have adapted to forest floors in nature.

They’re used to filtered sunlight through tree canopies.

Why Choose Shade-Tolerant Plants

Shade-tolerant houseplants are honestly a game-changer for most homes.

They don’t throw tantrums when you place them away from windows.

These plants usually have larger leaves to catch more light.

They also pack in more chlorophyll, making them super efficient at photosynthesis.

Best low light indoor plants like pothos and snake plants are basically bulletproof.

You can put them in bathrooms, hallways, or that weird corner where nothing else works.

Most shade-loving indoor plants are also low-maintenance.

They need less water and fertilizer than their sun-loving cousins.

Prayer Plant

You’ll fall in love with the prayer plant’s daily leaf dance.

This little showoff folds its leaves upward every evening like it’s saying goodnight.

The prayer plant thrives in low-light corners but needs some humidity.

Keep it away from heating vents and mist it regularly.

Care basics:

• Water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Loves humidity (bathroom shelf, anyone?)
• Rotate weekly for even growth
• Brown leaf edges mean it needs more moisture

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Aglaonema

Aglaonema plants are like the cool art pieces of the plant world.

You get these incredible leaf patterns in silver, pink, and green that look painted on.

These shade-loving indoor plants actually prefer darker corners.

Too much light washes out their beautiful colors.

What makes them special:

• Comes in tons of color variations
• Extremely tolerant of neglect
• Natural air purifiers
• Perfect desk plant size

Peperomia

Peperomias are honestly the perfect starter plants for anyone scared making any mistake with plants.

They’re basically indestructible and come in the coolest shapes.

You can find varieties with heart-shaped leaves, rippled textures, or even trailing versions.

It’s like collecting tiny plant sculptures.

Popular varieties to try:

• Baby rubber plant (thick, glossy leaves)
• Watermelon peperomia (striped like its name)
• String of turtles (trailing with turtle-shell patterns)
• Ripple peperomia (textured leaves)

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying its zen vibes.

This minimal sunlight houseplant grows in just water.

You can find these twisted into spirals or arranged in fancy patterns.

They’re basically require almost zero effort.

Super easy care:

• Grows in water or soil
• Change water weekly to prevent algae
• Trim yellow leaves immediately
• Prefers filtered or distilled water

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant is honestly one of those large low light indoor plants that just gets it right.

Rubber plants are forgiving if you forget to water them for a week or two.

They actually prefer their soil to dry out between waterings anyway.

They can handle north-facing windows that other plants totally hate.

Just don’t stick them in a completely dark closet—they still need some light to keep those leaves looking their best.

One thing to watch out for: they can get pretty tall (like 6-8 feet indoors), so give them some room.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are basically the golden retrievers of the plant world—friendly, adaptable, and happy to be wherever you put them.

These come in tons of varieties, from trailing heartleaf types to bigger statement plants.

The heartleaf philodendron is probably the most common, and for good reason.

It’ll cascade beautifully from a shelf or hanging planter, even in dim lighting.

What I love about philodendrons is how they communicate.

When they need water, the leaves get a little soft and droopy—super easy to read.

When they’re happy, those leaves are firm and that gorgeous deep green color.

Parlor Palm

The parlor palm is like the quiet, elegant friend who makes every room look more sophisticated.

These tall indoor plants low light situations love bring that tropical vibe without being drama queens about their care.

They’re slow growers, which is perfect because you’re not constantly repotting or dealing with a plant that’s taking over your space.

Parlor palms are also some of the best air-purifying low-light plants you can get.

They’re constantly working to clean your air while looking effortlessly chic.

Watering is straightforward—they like their soil slightly moist but not soggy.

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Dracaena

Dracaenas are those architectural plants that look like they belong in a fancy office lobby, but they’re actually super chill about living in dimly lit apartment.

The marginata variety with those thin, spiky leaves and red edges is probably the most popular.

These plants are seriously tough.

They can handle low light, dry air, and even some neglect.

Perfect for those minimal sunlight houseplants situations where other plants would just give up.

The corn plant variety (Dracaena fragrans) has wider leaves and can get pretty tall, making it a great floor plant for corners that need some life.

Both types are excellent plants for dark indoor spaces.

Bird’s Nest Fern

The bird’s nest fern is honestly one of my favorite shade-tolerant houseplants.

It looks like nature’s own art piece.

Those wide, wavy fronds unfurl from the center like a green fountain.

They can get pretty massive if you treat them right.

Watering: Once a week, but check the soil first.
Light needs: Bright, indirect light (but tolerates dim spots).
Humidity: High—mist regularly or use a pebble tray.

Keep this baby away from direct sunlight or you’ll scorch those gorgeous leaves.

The bathroom works great if you have a window there.

These ferns are native to tropical regions, so they’re all about that humid life.

Umbrella Plant

The umbrella plant (Schefflera) is like the cool older sibling of houseplants for dim rooms.

Its hand-shaped leaves fan out like tiny umbrellas—hence the name.

Size: Can reach 6-8 feet indoors.
Watering: Every 1-2 weeks when soil feels dry.
Light: Bright, indirect light preferred but adapts to lower light.

This plant is super forgiving if you forget to water it sometimes.

The stems can get thick and tree-like as it matures, giving you that jungle vibe.

One heads up though—it’s toxic to pets, so keep it away from curious nibblers.

Ficus

Ficus trees are the ultimate statement makers for indoor plants that thrive in shade.

Whether you pick the classic rubber plant or the trendy fiddle leaf fig, these beauties command attention.

The rubber plant is probably your safest bet for lower light.

Those dark green leaves are practically made for Instagram, and the plant itself is way more chill than its fussier cousins.

Care basics:

• Water when top 2 inches of soil are dry.
• Wipe leaves clean monthly for better light absorption.
• Rotate occasionally for even growth.

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Watering in Low Light

Low light houseplants need way less water than you might think.

Plants in dim conditions photosynthesize slower. This means they use less water and take longer to dry out.

Check the soil with your finger before watering.

Most indoor plants for low light prefer their soil to dry out between waterings.

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Houseplants for dim rooms typically need watering every 7-14 days in winter and every 5-10 days in summer. This varies based on your home’s temperature and humidity.

Overwatering is the number one killer of shade-loving indoor plants.

Yellow leaves usually mean too much water, not too little.

Humidity and Temperature Needs

Most best low light indoor plants love humidity between 40-60%.

Your home’s air is probably drier than this, especially in winter.

I keep a humidity meter near my plants—it’s been a total game-changer. You can find cheap ones online for under $10.

Group your houseplants together to create a humid microclimate. As plants release moisture through their leaves, they help each other out.

Humidity trays work great too. Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, then place your pot on top.

The water evaporates and increases humidity around your plant.

Indoor plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day.

They can handle slightly cooler nights but avoid cold drafts.

Keep your plants away from heating vents, air conditioners, and drafty windows.

Fertilizing and Soil Tips

Indoor plants requiring minimal sunlight grow slower, so they need far less fertilizer.

Over-fertilizing can harm them.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every month in spring and summer.

Skip fertilizer in winter when growth slows down.

Additionally, use a best soil mix for indoor plants—one that’s well-draining with perlite or bark chips—to prevent root rot and keep your plants happy.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are some great indoor plants that thrive in low light conditions?

Snake plants are honestly game-changers for dark room low light indoor plants.

They have thick, upright leaves that look super modern and can go weeks without water.

ZZ plants are another winner with their glossy, dark green leaves.

Pothos are perfect if you want something that trails beautifully.

The heartleaf variety is especially forgiving and looks amazing cascading from a shelf or hanging planter.

Cast iron plants live up to their tough name. They’re basically indestructible.

Can you recommend any large plants that are well-suited for less sunny spots in the house?

Large low light indoor plants can totally transform a space without needing a sunny window.

Dracaena Janet Craig is my go-to recommendation for bigger plants.

These beauties can reach 6-10 feet tall with gorgeous glossy leaves. They’re perfect for filling that awkward corner in your living room that doesn’t get much light.

Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) have this cool architectural look with thin, arched leaves.

They add serious style to any room and don’t mind minimal sunlight houseplants conditions at all.

Philodendron Congo varieties stay more compact but still make a statement. Their large, glossy leaves create that tropical vibe even in darker spaces.

What options are there for pet-safe houseplants that don’t need much sunlight?

Finding pet-friendly low-light houseplants can be tricky, but there are some solid options that won’t hurt your furry friends.

Spider plants are completely safe for cats and dogs. They produce cute little plantlets that dangle like spiders, and they’re super easy to propagate.

Boston ferns are another pet-safe choice, though they need a bit more humidity.

Prayer plants (Maranta) are safe for pets and have these amazing patterned leaves. They fold up at night like they’re praying, which is honestly pretty cool to watch.

Just remember—even pet-safe plants can cause tummy upset if your pets munch on them too much.

Are there any small houseplants that can survive in poorly lit rooms?

Small low light indoor plants work well for desks, nightstands, or tiny apartments where space is tight.

Baby snake plants and the compact ‘Moonshine’ variety stay small. They still handle low light just as well as their bigger cousins.

ZZ ‘Zenzi’ is a dwarf version that fits right into small spaces.

Its glossy leaves look great on your desk or tucked onto a bookshelf.

Small pothos like ‘Neon’ or ‘Marble Queen’ thrive in hanging planters or trail from little pots.

They’re some of the best easy indoor plants low light rooms can handle.

Peperomia varieties are pretty cute and don’t get too big. With different leaf shapes and colors, you’ll probably find one that matches your style.