I didn’t exactly plan on getting into low light indoor plants and becoming a plant person. I just wanted my place to feel less like a storage unit and more like… something alive. But here’s the kicker: my apartment barely gets any sun. One north-facing window in the living room. That’s it. Every corner is shady. Every windowsill is a tease.
So when I went searching for low light indoor plants, I wasn’t looking for “cute plantspiration” or Pinterest-perfect jungles. I was looking for green things that could survive the inside of a cave. And I learned fast: not all plants that claim to be “low light tolerant” actually live up to the hype.
Some withered. Some thrived. A few surprised me.
This is everything I’ve figured out about popular house plants that don’t need a sun-soaked loft. Whether you’re after tropical house plants, compact desk buddies, or large house plants that fill a blank wall without dying on you, this guide is what I wish someone had handed me when I first brought home a snake plant and prayed.
Key Takeaways
| What Works | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants can handle nearly full shade | Perfect for low-light corners, hallways, and even bathrooms |
| Large house plants like monstera and kentia palm will grow (slowly) in low light | Adds height and drama without demanding sun |
| Water less, not more—overwatering is the real killer in low light | Most of these plants use water slowly and hate soggy soil |
| Tropical house plants like philodendron and bird’s nest fern are trending | Brings life to darker rooms with less effort |
| Skip anything with colorful variegation or delicate flowers | These usually need more light than they let on |
I Needed Houseplants That Wouldn’t Die in a Cave
I’m not a plant guru. I don’t have a sun-drenched kitchen or a solarium. What I have is a 2-bedroom apartment with a few north-facing windows, and a strong desire to not live in a beige box. That’s how I ended up on the hunt for low light indoor plants.
I didn’t need anything fancy—I just wanted green things that wouldn’t die after a week on the bookshelf or the bathroom sink. And I was sick of reading Pinterest-perfect plant guides written by people who probably live inside greenhouses.
So I tried everything people recommended for low light. Some thrived. Some shriveled. Here’s what actually worked for me—and what I’d never buy again.
What Does “Low Light” Even Mean?
Let’s set this straight: low light doesn’t mean no light. If your room is so dark you need a flashlight at noon, no plant is going to love it. But if you’ve got:
- North-facing windows
- Rooms blocked by trees or buildings
- Spots far from windows
- Small bathrooms or offices with fluorescent bulbs
You’re dealing with low light. The trick is finding plants that don’t mind living on the sidelines.
My Top Low Light Indoor Plants (That Haven’t Died Yet)
🌿 Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
This thing is basically immortal. I’ve left mine in a dark corner behind a sofa, forgotten to water it for weeks, and it’s still kicking.
- Light tolerance: Extremely high
- Water: Every 3–4 weeks
- Height potential: 2–4 feet (some reach taller)
- Bonus: It’s technically a tall house plant, so it fills empty space without needing a ton of upkeep
This is the plant I tell people to get when they say, “I kill everything.”
🪴 ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plant is glossy, green, and absurdly tough. I once stuck one in a closet during a move and didn’t find it again for a month. It still looked fine.
- Light: Low to medium
- Water: Rarely. Like, once a month.
- Vibe: Glossy leaves that look too good to be real
If you’re bad at plants but want something that looks polished, this is the one.
🌱 Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all. This plant is made for people like me who want to forget it exists and still have it look okay.
- Light: Low to full shade
- Water: When the soil feels dry
- Look: Broad dark green leaves that don’t fade in the shadows
It’s not showy, but it will survive even if your apartment looks like a dungeon.
🌴 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This is the plant you’ve seen in vintage photos, corner offices, and every Airbnb that tries to look classy. It grows slowly, but it doesn’t complain about the light.
- Light: Low to medium
- Height: Up to 6 feet
- Water: Every couple of weeks
If you want something that feels lush but doesn’t need a spotlight, this is your go-to.
🐦 Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Ferns usually hate being indoors. They get crispy and sad. But this one? This one is built different.
- Light: Indirect and low is fine
- Humidity: Loves bathrooms
- Care: Keep it slightly damp, but never soggy
The waxy leaves mean it handles dry air better than your typical fern, and it actually looks healthy under fluorescent lights.
Big Houseplants for Low Light Corners
I like large house plants that make a room feel complete—something taller than a stack of books, but not high-maintenance. These are the ones that worked without direct sunlight.
🌿 Monstera Deliciosa
Yes, the trendy “Swiss cheese” plant. And yes, it can grow in low light.
- Light: Prefers bright indirect, but tolerates low
- Height: 6–8 feet indoors
- Growth rate: Slower in shade, but steady
If you don’t mind slower leaf development and fewer splits, monstera is still a winner. Water when dry, and let it do its thing.
🌴 Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
This one surprised me. It looks fancy, like something you’d see in a hotel lobby. But it’s secretly tough as nails.
- Light: Partial shade
- Height: Up to 10 feet indoors
- Look: Elegant, arching fronds
It grows slowly, so it won’t outgrow your space overnight. And it doesn’t pout when it doesn’t get enough sun.
☂️ Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
If you want something lush and fast-growing that can handle a shady corner, this one checks the boxes.
- Light: Medium to low
- Height: Up to 6 feet
- Care: Keep soil slightly moist, but not wet
It’s not picky, and it fills space fast. Plus, it’s easy to propagate from cuttings.
Tropical House Plants That Don’t Need Bright Light
I wanted a few tropical house plants that didn’t require a full sunroom. These gave me that leafy, jungle look—without the sunburn.
💸 Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Besides supposedly bringing good fortune, money trees are chill with low light.
- Light: Bright indirect to low
- Water: Every 1–2 weeks
- Height: 4–6 feet with care
I keep mine near a hallway window, and it hasn’t dropped a leaf. It’s one of the few “tall house plants” that looks exotic but doesn’t act dramatic.
🌿 Philodendron (various types)
Heartleaf. Brasil. Selloum. There’s a philodendron for every mood—and most of them are fine in low light.
- Light: Medium to low
- Water: When top inch of soil is dry
- Bonus: Easy to propagate
I’ve got one trailing down a bookshelf and another climbing a moss pole in a shady corner. Both are thriving.
Real Talk: Why Your Low Light Plant Might Be Struggling
Even with the best plants, low light setups can go south if you’re not careful. Here’s where I’ve messed up (so you don’t have to):
💧 You’re Overwatering
This is the #1 killer. Plants in low light grow slower. That means they drink slower.
Solution: Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Use your finger. If it feels damp, wait.
💡 You’re Underestimating Darkness
If you can’t comfortably read near the plant without turning on a light, it’s probably too dark.
Fix: Add a small grow light. Modern LED versions are cheap, and they make a huge difference.
🍃 You Chose the Wrong Plant
If it has bright variegation or colored leaves, it probably needs more light.
Go with: Solid green, waxy leaves. They tend to be hardier in dim spots.
My Low Light Plant Routine (Simple & Repeatable)
- Pick the right plant for the light level—not just the prettiest one.
- Water every 2–4 weeks, depending on the plant and season.
- Use a moisture meter or your finger to check before watering.
- Wipe leaves monthly to remove dust. Helps them photosynthesize better.
- Rotate the plant every few weeks if it’s near a window to promote even growth.
- Grow lights are optional, but helpful in very dim spaces.
FAQs
Q: Do any plants grow in total darkness?
No. All plants need some light to survive, even if it’s just ambient from lamps or nearby windows.
Q: What’s the easiest plant for low light?
Snake plant. Period.
Q: Can low light plants still clean the air?
Technically yes, but the impact is small unless you have a room full of them. Still, they make the space feel better.
Q: How often should I fertilize?
Once a month during spring and summer. Skip it in fall and winter when growth slows down.
Try Some Low Light Indoor Plants in Your Home!
I’ve tested dozens of low light indoor plants over the years. Some flopped. Some are still going strong with minimal effort. What I’ve learned is this: it’s not about finding magic plants. It’s about finding the right ones for your light, your habits, and your level of neglect.
Low light indoor plants don’t just survive—they can thrive. And if I can keep them alive, you definitely can.
Let the dark corners of your home go green.