12 Low-Light Indoor Plants That Are Hard to Kill
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Plants make any room feel alive. They add color, softness and texture that no other decor can match. But many homes, especially apartments, don't get much natural light.
The good news: plenty of houseplants handle lower light. Here are 12 easy low-light indoor plants, plus care basics that keep them healthy.
What "low light" really means
No plant grows in total darkness. "Low light" usually means a spot several feet away from a window, a north-facing room, or a room with small windows. A simple test: if you can comfortably read a book there during the day without turning on a lamp, many low-light plants will survive.
Plants in low light grow more slowly and use less water. Overwatering is the most common way they die.
12 low-light indoor plants
1. Pothos
Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Tolerates low light and irregular watering. Perfect for high shelves. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering.
2. Snake plant
Tall, upright, architectural leaves. Very drought tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry, often every few weeks in low light.
3. ZZ plant
Glossy, dark green leaves. Stores water in its thick roots, so it handles neglect. One of the toughest houseplants.
4. Cast iron plant
Earned its name by surviving almost anything: low light, dry air and inconsistent care. Slow growing.
5. Peace lily
Dark green leaves and white flowers. Droops dramatically when thirsty, then perks up after watering, which makes it easy to read.
6. Heartleaf philodendron
Similar to pothos, with softer, thinner leaves. Great for trailing from shelves or hanging planters.
7. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Patterned leaves in green, silver or pink. Handles low light well, especially the darker green varieties.
8. Parlor palm
A small, soft palm that suits shady corners. Adds a tropical look without needing bright sun.
9. Spider plant
Arching striped leaves and baby "spiderettes" you can root in water. Prefers medium light but tolerates lower light.
10. Dracaena
Many varieties with tall canes and strappy leaves. Good floor plants for dimmer rooms.
11. Prayer plant
Patterned leaves that fold up at night. Likes humidity, making it a good bathroom plant.
12. Boston fern
Lush and feathery. Needs consistent moisture and humidity. Better in a bright bathroom than a dry living room.
Pet safety
Many common houseplants, including pothos, philodendron, snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily and dracaena, are considered toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Spider plants, parlor palms, prayer plants and Boston ferns are generally listed as non-toxic. Check the ASPCA's plant database before buying if you have pets or small children.
Care basics for low-light plants
Water less. Check the soil with your finger. Water only when the top inch or two feels dry (or fully dry for snake and ZZ plants).
Use pots with drainage holes. Standing water rots roots. If you love a decorative pot without holes, keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside it and empty extra water.
Dust the leaves. Dust blocks light. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Rotate. Turn plants a quarter turn every week or two so they grow evenly.
Go easy on fertilizer. Slow-growing plants need very little. Feed lightly in spring and summer only.
Styling plants in darker rooms
- Shelves: let pothos trail from a high shelf. See how to style shelves for placement tips.
- Coffee tables: a small pothos or Chinese evergreen in a low pot. Ideas are in how to style a coffee table.
- Bedrooms: a snake plant in the corner adds height. It fits well in a cozy bedroom.
- Bathrooms: prayer plants and ferns enjoy humidity. More ideas in these small bathroom decor ideas.
- Floor corners: a ZZ plant, dracaena or parlor palm in a basket planter.
Group plants at different heights in odd numbers for a natural, layered look.
Choosing planters
Planters are part of your decor. Woven baskets add warmth. Matte ceramic looks modern. Terracotta suits boho and farmhouse styles and helps soil dry faster, which is useful for plants that dislike wet roots.
Can grow lights help?
Yes. If a room is very dark, a small LED grow bulb in a regular lamp can keep plants healthy. Many look like ordinary warm bulbs now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest plant for a dark room?
ZZ plants and snake plants are among the most forgiving. They handle low light and infrequent watering.
Can plants live in a windowless bathroom?
Not for long without help. Add a grow light, or rotate plants to a brighter spot every week or two.
How often should I water low-light plants?
Less often than plants in bright light. Check the soil instead of following a schedule.
Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and make sure the pot drains well.