The Ultimate Guide On The Best Low-Light Indoor Plants For Your Home
Published On: 2 October 2024
Struggling to keep plants alive in a home that doesn’t get much sunlight? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of having a cozy, green space but feel stuck when we’re dealing with dim corners and rooms that barely see the sun.
The good news is, you don’t need to rely on direct sunlight to have beautiful low-light indoor plants that transform your home. These houseplants thrive in low light conditions and require minimal attention, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.
Let’s explore the best low-light indoor plants that will bring life to your space, no matter how dim it gets!
Table of Content
- Top 11 Indoor Plants That Can Thrive in Low Light
- 1. Snake Plant
- 2. ZZ Plant
- 3. Pothos
- 4. Cast Iron Plant
- 5. Peace Lily
- 6. Philodendron
- 7. Chinese Evergreen
- 8. Dracaena
- 9. Spider Plant
- 10. Maidenhair Fern
- 11. Lucky Bamboo Plant
- How to Choose the Right Pot for Low-Light Plants
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Low-Light Houseplants
- Low-Light Indoor Plants that Flower
- How to Use Artificial Light for Low Light Indoor Plants
- Types of Grow Lights: LED vs. Fluorescent
- Positioning Grow Lights for Optimal Growth
- Transform Your Home with Low-Light Plants
Top 11 Indoor Plants That Can Thrive in Low Light
Here's a list of my favourite house plants that can survive without low or no sunlight.
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is famous for its ability to thrive in almost any condition making it one of the best low light indoor plant. It's resilient, easy to care for, and helps purify indoor air by removing harmful toxins. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a striking touch to any room.
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Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light.
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Water: Water every 2-3 weeks; let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
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Soil: Well-draining, sandy potting mix.
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Special Tip: It’s one of the few plants that can handle artificial light well, so it’s perfect for offices or dark corners.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is a popular houseplant ideal for low-light environments and thrives on neglect, making it one of the best low-maintenance indoor plants. It’s also a great air purifier, removing toxins from the air.
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Light: Tolerates low to medium light.
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Water: Water only when the soil is completely dry.
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Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
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Special Tip: ZZ Plant can survive in rooms with little to no natural light, even thriving under artificial light.
3. Pothos
A resilient trailing plant, Pothos can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to low-light spaces. It purified the air in your home that helps transform your home or office.
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Light: Grows well in low to bright indirect light.
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Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
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Special Tip: Pothos can thrive in low-light areas and even under grow lights.
4. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is a nearly indestructible, slow-growing plant that can withstand neglect, making it perfect for low-light, low-maintenance green addition to your home.
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Light: Can grow well in low light but also does well in indirect light.
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Water: Water when soil is dry; about once every 2-3 weeks.
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Soil: Well-draining, rich soil.
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Special Tip: Perfect for dimly lit rooms and spaces with lower light conditions.
5. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily not only purifies the air but also thrives in low light. Its beautiful white blooms make it a popular choice for adding elegance to darker rooms like bedrooms or bathrooms.
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Light: Thrives in low to medium indirect light.
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Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.
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Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter.
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Special Tip: This plant loves high humidity, so it’s great for bathrooms or kitchens.
6. Philodendron
The Philodendron is a versatile, low-maintenance plant with heart-shaped leaves that can thrive in low-light environments. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or adding greenery to shelves.
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Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light.
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Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
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Soil: Well-draining soil.
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Special Tip: Perfect for low-light corners or rooms without much natural light.
7. Chinese Evergreen
A vibrant plant with colorful foliage, the Chinese Evergreen thrives in low light and is incredibly hardy. It’s perfect for brightening up dim corners with its striking leaves.
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Light: Does well in low to medium indirect light.
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Water: Water every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
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Special Tip: It thrives even in areas with minimal light.
8. Dracaena
The Dracaena is a stunning, tall plant that adds height and elegance to low-light spaces. Its bold, spiky leaves make it a visual standout, and it’s easy to care for.
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Light: Can handle low light.
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Water: Allow the soil to dry between waterings; water every 2-3 weeks.
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Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
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Special Tip: Dracaenas can handle lower light conditions but keep them away from direct sunlight.
9. Spider Plant
A forgiving and adaptable plant, the Spider Plant thrives in low light and produces baby plants (spiderettes), which you can propagate. It’s also great for purifying the air.
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Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light.
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Water: Keep the soil slightly moist; water weekly.
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Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil.
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Special Tip: It grows well in indoor environments with low light and minimal care.
10. Maidenhair Fern
Delicate yet hardy, the Maidenhair Fern loves low light and high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or areas with little direct sunlight.
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Light: Thrives in low to indirect light.
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Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
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Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter.
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Special Tip: This plant loves high humidity so keep it misted or place it in a humid spot.
11. Lucky Bamboo Plant
Lucky Bamboo is known for its symbolism of luck, prosperity, and positive energy. It’s a great choice for low-light spaces and is a popular houseplant for its adaptability and visual appeal.
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Light: Thrives in low light, but can also tolerate indirect light.
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Water: Prefers water rather than soil; change the water every two weeks.
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Soil: Can also grow in well-draining soil, kept moist but not soggy.
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Special Tip: Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
How to Choose the Right Pot for Low-Light Plants
Choosing the right pot is essential to keeping your low-light indoor plants healthy and thriving. Here are some factors to consider:
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Material: Pots made from terracotta, ceramic, or plastic are great choices. Terracotta pots allow air to circulate through the soil, which is especially beneficial for houseplants that grow well in low-light conditions. Dark green pots can enhance the natural beauty of plants and complement your home decor. Consider matching your plant's needs with a pot that suits the aesthetic and function of your space.
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Size: Ensure the pot is about 1-2 inches larger than your plant’s current root system to allow it to grow. For popular low-light plants like the snake plant or ZZ plant, using a slightly larger pot prevents the plant from becoming root-bound while giving it space to thrive in low light.
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Drainage: Opt for pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Low-light plants tend to require less water, and houseplants kept in pots without proper drainage can become waterlogged, leading to rot. Choose pots and planters with saucers to catch excess water, especially for indoor use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Low-Light Houseplants
Caring for low-light houseplants can be straightforward, but certain mistakes can hinder their growth. Here's what to avoid:
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Overwatering: One of the most common errors is overwatering. Low-light plants don't need as much water because they grow slower and use less light. Check soil moisture before watering, and let the soil dry between waterings, especially for plants like the snake plant and pothos.
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Improper Lighting: Although these plants can survive in low light conditions, they still need some light. Avoid placing plants in completely dark corners. Even low-light indoor plants like the peace lily and rubber plant require some indirect light to thrive.
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Lack of Humidity: Many tropical plants like ferns and nerve plants require higher humidity levels. Use a humidity tray or mist the leaves to maintain moisture, especially during dry seasons. Low-light plants that are native to tropical climates often thrive in higher humidity, so this is essential.
Low-Light Indoor Plants that Flower
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Peace Lily: An easy flowering plant that thrives in low-light conditions.
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Jasmine: Adds fragrance and beauty to your home while thriving in low light.
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Anthurium: Produces striking red or pink flowers even in dim conditions.
How to Use Artificial Light for Low Light Indoor Plants
When you don’t have enough natural sunlight, artificial lighting can be a game-changer for growing low-light indoor plants. Using grow lights mimics the spectrum of sunlight, allowing your plants to photosynthesize effectively even in dim indoor conditions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Types of Grow Lights: LED vs. Fluorescent
LEDs are the best option for indoor plants as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce minimal heat. They offer the full spectrum of light, making them suitable for both low-light and high-light plants. Plus, they are available in different configurations, from panels to bulbs, giving you flexibility in your setup.
Advantages:
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Energy-efficient and cost-effective.
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Full-spectrum options for complete light coverage.
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Longer lifespan compared to other types.
Fluorescent Grow Lights:
Fluorescent lights, especially T5 fluorescent tubes, are also commonly used for indoor plants. They are good for providing cooler light and are more affordable upfront compared to LEDs. However, they need to be replaced more frequently and aren’t as energy-efficient as LEDs.
Advantages:
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Affordable and readily available.
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Suitable for smaller plants or compact spaces.
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T5 tubes are great for plants needing lower light intensity.
Which is Better?
LED lights are generally considered the superior choice for long-term use due to their energy efficiency, full-spectrum capabilities, and lifespan. However, fluorescent lights are good for beginners or those with smaller setups who may not need the intensity or expense of LED setups.
Positioning Grow Lights for Optimal Growth
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Distance from Plants: The distance between your grow lights and plants is crucial. Too close, and the light may scorch the leaves; too far, and the plants won’t receive enough light. For LED lights, a distance of 6-12 inches is usually optimal, while fluorescent lights can be positioned slightly closer (around 4-6 inches) because they emit less heat.
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Coverage Area: Ensure that your light covers the entire plant or plants. A reflector or hood can help direct light to the plants, maximizing the effectiveness of the setup.
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Adjusting for Growth: As your plants grow, you may need to adjust the distance of the lights. Taller plants like Dracaena or Rubber Plants might require higher positioning, while shorter plants like Pothos can tolerate a lower setting.
By incorporating artificial lighting into your plant care routine, you ensure that even plants in the darkest corners of your home can thrive. The right grow light, combined with proper placement and timing, will keep your plants happy and healthy year-round.
Transform Your Home with Low-Light Plants
Low-light indoor plants add beauty to your home without requiring much attention and also improve the indoor air quality.. Whether you're placing a lucky bamboo plant in your entryway or using a rubber plant to fill an empty corner, these plants can thrive in indoor conditions and bring life to your home. Their ability to purify the air makes them perfect additions to any room, ensuring both beauty and health benefits.
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