20 Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Not-So-Sunny Space
If you've got a dark room in your home that's crying out for a touch of greenery, you're in luck. Low light indoor plants are the solution to brightening up those dimly lit spaces. In this article, we’ve listed 20 of the best low-light indoor plants for dark room with their care requirements.
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
- Anthurium
- Chinese Evergreen
- Parlor Palm
- Dracaena
- Spider Plant
- African Violet
- Lucky Bamboo
- Boston Fern
- English Ivy
- Swiss Cheese Plant
- Dumb Canes
- Cast Iron Plant
- Rattlesnake Plant
- Wax Begonia
- Fittonia Plant
- Maidenhair Fern
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, also affectionately known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, are the superheroes of low light indoor plants. These sturdy, sword-shaped green leaves with striking yellow margins, add a touch of elegance to your dark room.
Light needs: Low and indirect sunlight
Watering: They prefer to dry out between waterings
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: This low light plant is versatile. You can place it in a living room, bedroom, or even an office cubicle. Snake plants are happy on shelves, tables, or as standalone floor plants.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Like the Snake plants, ZZ plants are one of the best indoor plants for low light. They have glossy dark green leaves that are unlike any other. These leaves are waxy and have an almost architectural quality, adding a touch of modern chic to your dark room.
ZZ plants are comfortable in dim light conditions and can tolerate brighter spots. They are also drought-tolerant.
Light needs: Low to moderate light exposure
Watering: Water when the soil gets dry
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: ZZ plants blossom in dim corners, hallways, and virtually anywhere you need a low-light companion. They can grace side tables, shelves, or even your work desk, effortlessly elevating the atmosphere.
3. Pothos (or Devil's Ivy)
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, golden pothos, silver vine and some other names, are also among common indoor plants for low light around the globe. They are delightful trailing plants (vines) that can add a touch of greenery to your dark room. They can tolerate some indirect sunlight, but direct sunlight is a no-go.
Light needs: Low to bright indirect sunlight
Watering: Water it when the top two inches of soil feels dry
Care requirements: Low-maintenance
Best to place at: Pothos can elevate the atmosphere in dark corners, on top of bookshelves, or in hanging baskets.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
The Peace Lily is a classic indoor plant known for its lush, dark green foliage and elegant white flowers. It's a real showstopper that can thrive in low-light environments. But does it live up to its name and bring peace? Well place it in your dark room and tell us if doesn't bring a blessed feeling to your abode.
Light needs: Low to bright indirect light conditions
Watering: Keep their soil moist
Care Requirements: Moderate maintenance
Best to place at: Their striking white flowers make it an excellent choice for dark bedrooms, bathrooms, or other low-light areas.
5. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
The Anthurium, part of the Anthurium genus, is a true showstopper among indoor plants. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, vibrant blooms, come in various shades including red, pink, and white. Probably that's why it gets names such as - flamingo lily or painter's palette.
Anthuriums are a bit more demanding in terms of humidity, so misting their leaves can be beneficial. They can handle lower light conditions but may bloom less frequently in such environments.
Light needs: Bright, indirect light
Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: Anthuriums are perfect for adding color to your living room, bedroom, or even a cozy corner in your home office.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are known for their attractive, patterned leaves that come in various shades of green. These indoor plants can bring a pop of color to your low-light space.
Light needs: Well-suited for low light conditions
Watering: Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: Whether it's your living room, home office, or bedroom, this low light houseplant can brighten up any dimly lit space.
7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are charming indoor plants with delicate, feathery fronds that give off a tropical vibe. They're also low-maintenance plants that don't demand much attention. They are content as long as you don't overwater them.
Light need: Thrives in low light conditions
Watering: Prefer to be kept consistently moist
Care Requirements: Low-maintenance
Best to place at: You can place them on tables, shelves, or even in hanging planters to create a relaxing atmosphere.
8. Dracaena
Dracaena plants come in various sizes and shapes and are one of the best low light plants for indoors. These eye-catching plants can add an exotic touch to your room.
Although they will grow best with moderate indirect light. They are, however, not suited for direct sunlight.
Light needs: Moderate indirect light
Watering: Prefer moderate hydration
Care Requirements: Low-maintenance
Best to place at: Dracaenas can enhance the atmosphere in your living room, dining area, or office.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Another low light plant for indoor is the Spider plant. It’s known for its arching green and white leaves and its ability to produce baby plants on long, slender stems.
Light: Medium to bright light conditions
Water: Water regularly
Care Requirements: Low-maintenance
Best to place at: Well, where can you keep this low light plants indoor? You have many options. You can hang spider plants in baskets to showcase their cascading foliage or place them on shelves in low-light areas.
10. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets are charming indoor plants known for their vibrant, colorful flowers and fuzzy, dark green leaves. They require a bit more attention in watering, but with proper care, they can grace your dark room with their beautiful blooms.
Light needs: Bright indirect light
Watering: These plants prefer consistently moist soil
Care Requirements: Moderate maintenance
Best to place at: African Violets are ideal for brightening up bedrooms or windowsills in dimly lit spaces, where their striking flowers can stand out.
11. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo is a unique and stylish low-light indoor plant often grown in water. Its long, slender stems are believed to bring good luck and positive energy. Keep them in your home and find out for yourself!
Light needs: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: It's okay with moist soil
Care Requirements: Low-maintenance
Best to place at: Lucky Bamboo is often used as tabletop decor, making it perfect for dark rooms where it can be displayed on desks or shelves.
12. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are renowned for their delicate and feathery fronds, which exude timeless beauty and elegance. These green and leafy ferns can create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere in any dark room.
Light needs: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: These plants appreciate consistent moisture
Care Requirements: Moderate Care.
Best to place at: Their humidity-loving nature makes them perfect for bathrooms or spaces where humidity levels are naturally higher.
13. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic and charming choice for indoor greenery. It features cascading vines adorned with small, lobed leaves, adding a touch of timeless beauty to your space. It's versatile enough to adapt to dimly lit areas while also appreciating indirect sunlight.
Light needs: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Prefer moderate hydration with biweekly watering
Care Requirements: Moderate maintenance (indoors)
Best to place at: Its trailing vines can gracefully drape from shelves or hang in baskets, creating a cozy atmosphere.
14. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
The Swiss Cheese Plant is an iconic and visually striking indoor plant. Its large, fenestrated leaves (resembling Swiss cheese with holes) make it a trendy choice for interior decor.
This relatively low-maintenance plant thrives in moderate indirect light but can adapt to dim light conditions. Just avoid exposing them to harsh, direct sunlight. They also prefer moderate hydration.
Light needs: Bright indirect light
Watering: When the top two inches or so of the soil dries up, water it
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: They are perfect for adding aura to living rooms, offices, or even spacious bedrooms.
15. Dumb Canes (Dieffenbachia seguine)
The lush, variegated leaves of Dumb Canes are known for giving any space a hint of the tropics. They can tolerate lower light conditions without issue.
These plants are generally low-maintenance. However, it's essential to keep them away from pets and children, as their leaves can be toxic if ingested. Don't worry if you want to skip this plant. Here is a list of plants that are perfectly safe for your pets.
Light needs: Filtered, bright light to low light
Watering: Let the soil dry out before watering
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to Place at: Dumb Canes can brighten up dark living rooms, home offices, or hallways.
16. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Among the best plants for indoor low light, Cast Iron Plant is another name. They live up to this robust name. It boasts sturdy, dark green leaves that are virtually indestructible, making it a perfect fit for low-light environments.
Light needs: Low light to indirect dappled light
Watering: Water them sparingly, let the soil dry out
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: From a dimly lit hallway to a secluded corner, this low light houseplant can add a touch of greenery anywhere.
17. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
If you’re looking for visually captivating indoor plants for low light, then Rattlesnake Plant can be a great option. Its long, lance-shaped leaves feature intricate patterns resembling snakeskin.
These unique leaves are known to change their position throughout the day, earning the plant its nickname. These low-light tolerance plants require a bit more attention in case of humidity.
Light needs: medium to bright indirect light exposure
Watering: Prefer consistent watering
Care Requirements: Moderate maintenance
Best to place at: They are perfect for enhancing the aesthetics of your living room, bedroom, or office, especially in dimly lit corners.
18. Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Image by Robin Jonathan Deutsch from Unsplash
The Wax Begonia, scientifically known as Begonia semperflorens, is a charming and versatile indoor plant known for its waxy leaves and clusters of small, colorful flowers.
These plants are available in various shades, including red, pink, and white, adding a burst of color to your low-light indoor space.
Light needs: Indirect light
Watering: Maintain even soil moisture
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: Where to place these magnificent low light plants indoor? Well, Wax Begonias can enhance the aesthetics of your bedroom to living room, home office to dimly lit corners. So in short, you can place them anywhere.
19. Fittonia Plant (Fittonia spp.)
The Fittonia Plant is another delightful low-light indoor plant known for its intricate and vibrant foliage. Its leaves feature intricate vein patterns in various shades of green, pink, and white. They are sensitive to direct sunlight and prefer filtered or dappled light.
Light needs: Indirect, filtered light
Watering: These plants enjoy consistent moisture with regular watering
Care Requirements: Low maintenance
Best to place at: Fittonia Plants are perfect for enhancing the aesthetics of your living room, bedroom, or home office, especially in dimly lit corners.
20. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
The Maidenhair Ferns are delicate and graceful indoor plants popular for their lacy, finely divided fronds.
These are moderately low-maintenance but require attention to humidity levels. Along with their graceful appearance, they also have air-purifying qualities. Here are more houseplants that purifies air so that you can breathe freely.
Light needs: Bright indirect light
Watering: Appreciates consistent moisture
Care Requirements: Moderate maintenance
Best to place at: These ferns are excellent for giving your living room, bedroom, or bathroom a sense of elegance.
Conclusion
Bringing a touch of nature into your dimly lit spaces is not only possible but also enjoyable with these indoor plants. So, go ahead and transform your dark rooms into cozy, green retreats with these fantastic low light indoor plants for dark rooms.
