16 Best Low Light Indoor Plants that will Thrive in Dark Rooms
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Low-light indoor plants are those plants that will adapt very easily to low light or shade conditions and continue to brighten up such dark spaces.
These plants are a perfect choice for a dark apartment or a corner of the house that does not receive much natural light.
It is important to note that, the growth of these plants may be slower in these conditions. If possible consider investing in grow lights to hasten growth of the plant.
We have herebelow outlined for you 16 plants that will adapt to the low-light conditions but not total darkness as all plants require some light for photosynthesis.
16 Low Light Houseplants for Dark Spaces
The best low-light plants are Pothos, Chinese Evergreens, Finger-leaf Philodendron, Cast Iron Plant, Snake Plants, Monstera dubia, ZZ Plant, Peperomia Jelly among others.
1. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
The all green Chinese Evergreens are highly tolerant to low-light conditions. They are regarded as some of the most tolerant and reliable houseplants with air-cleaning abilities.
Chinese Evergreen are among popular tropical foliage plants on account of their striking, colorful leaves which will stand out in any space.
Aglaonema thrive in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Read more on how to grow and care for Chinese Evergreen.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake Plant is a slow-growing, low-light, air-cleaning and extremely hardy (almost indestructible) plant.
Snake Plants can withstand low-light, dry air, drafts and periods of dryness. The only drawback for this plant is root-rot which is brought about by waterlogging.
Dracaena trifasciata prefers bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, loose, fertile, free-draining soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Snake Plants.
3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As the name suggests, Cast Iron Plant is one of the hard to kill plants and will easily adapt to lower light even shade conditions.
Cast Iron Plant is an extremely slow-grower which will withstand periods of dryness at the roots and some level of neglect placing it among the best plants for beginners.
Aspidistra elatior prospers in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Cast Iron Plant.
4. Pothos (Scindapsus aureus)
Pothos also called Devil's Ivy or Money Plant has a high ability to tolerate low-light or shade conditions, drafts and excess moisture. It does well in the hardest of conditions.
Pothos are good air-cleaners which get rid of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toulene from indoor air. This coupled with their bright colorful foliage make them some of the best plants for a bedroom with low-light.
Scindapsus aureus prefers in medium to bright indirect light, moderately warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Pothos.
5. Philodendron elegans (Finger-leaf Philodendron)
Finger-leaf Philodendron also called Skeleton Key Philodendron is one of the sought-after Philodendron varieties on account of its size and highly-divided, stately leaves which come in various shades of green and have a glossy sheen.
Skeleton Key Philodendron like Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) and Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) is highly adaptable to low-light conditions
Philodendron elegans thrives in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Philodendron elegans.
6. Monstera dubia
Monstera dubia is among favorite Monstera varieties and exhibits three different forms in its life stages. The plant leaves grow flat on the support structure which gives the plant the name, 'Shingle Plant'.
Monstera dubia and its relatives Monstera standleyana (Five Holes Plant), Monstera siltepecana (Silver Monstera) and Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) are low-light plants perfect for any space.
Monstera dubia blossoms in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Monstera dubia.
7. Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri')
Foxtail Fern also called Plume Asparagus is one of the ornamental Asparagus ferns and is mainly grown for the beautiful foliage and texture.
Plume Asparagus and its cousins Emerald Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'), Asparagus Fern (Asparagus plumosus) and Sicklethorn Fern (Asparagus falcatus) are not True Ferns and they easily adapt to lower light conditions.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri' thrives in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with weekly feeding during the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Foxtail Fern.
8. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)
Japanese Aralia also called Paperplant is a popular plant with a tough constitution, grows quickly and is extremely adaptable to less than perfect light conditions.
Paperplant can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and will not dies from a few days neglect. It is an excellent bold statement plant with large, eight-lobed leaves and reaching a height of 4 feet or more.
Fatsia japonica prospers in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Japanese Aralia.
9. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Kentia Palm also called Paradise Palm or Thatch Palm is among liked indoor palms, featuring feathery fronds which are divided into soft, drooping leaflets on either side of the midrib.
Paradise Palm like Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans), Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea erumpens) and Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) has a high tolerance to shade and is also good air cleaner.
Howea forsteriana flourishes in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Kentia Palm.
10. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are extremely adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and will grow in hot or cool rooms, in sun or shade and will withstand dry air.
Spider plants are fast growing, air-cleaning plants and are perfect for a hanging basket, a tabletop, a shelf or a pedestal where they can display the beauty of their stems.
Chlorophytum comosum thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Spider Plant.
11. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Madagascar Dragon Tree is a tough, drought-tolerant, stand alone plant for the poorly-lit spaces; it adapts easily to a wide range of growing conditions.
Dracaena marginata is among popular Dracaena varieties, features colorful foliage and is a good indoor air-cleaner.
Madagascar Dragon Tree thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Madagascar Dragon Tree.
12. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Grape Ivy also called Oakleaf Ivy is one of the most tolerant of houseplants and will tolerate sun or shade, hot or cold air, dry or moist conditions.
Grape Ivy is a vining plant whose leaves are silvery first and turn dark-green and glossy as they mature. It is among excellent plants for a hanging basket, a trellis, a pedestal or anywhere the stems can hang downwards beautifully.
Cissus rhombifolia blossoms in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, well drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Grape Ivy.
13. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Creeping fig is an easy-care, vigorously-growing plant that will do well even in low-light conditions.
Ficus pumila is perfect for a closed terrarium, a hanging basket, pedestal, table top or plant shelf. To keep it thriving position it in a warm, moist place like a bathroom, laundry area and other moist spots in the home.
Creeping Fig prefers medium to bright indrect light, warm and humid conditions, and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Creeping Fig.
14. Peperomia Ginny (Peperomia clusiifolia)
Peperomia Ginny also called Peperomia Jelly, Peperomia Red-edge or Peperomia Tricolor is among Peperomia varieties and bears fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are pointed at the tips and are often light-green with darker green coloring in the center and red or pink edges. They feel like jelly to the touch and hence the common name.
Peperomia Jelly and its relatives Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles Plant), Peperomia rotundifolia (Trailing Jade Plant) and Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' are low-light plants ideal for a hanging basket, tabletop, desktop, pedestal or plant shelf where the trailing stems can beautifully cascade downwards.
Peperomia clusiifolia flourishes in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Peperomia Ginny.
15. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant also called Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant or Emerald Palm is a slow-growing plant, highly tolerant to low-light and dry conditions. It can survive extremely well under low-light for up to 4 months without water due to its succulent leaves and stem.
Zanzibar Gem is a compact plant with attractive glossy foliage and is among splendid plants for the limited spaces in the home.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia prefers bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity. and moderately moist, rich, succulents potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for ZZ Plant.
16. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird's Nest Fern is an easy to grow plant that is highly adaptable to low-light spaces. It prefers warm and moist conditions making it ideal for a bathroom and other moist areas.
Bird's Nest fern is a magnificent, pet-friendly plant, perfect for a home with cats, dogs and other pets.
Asplenium nidus prospers in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and consistently moist, rich, well drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Bird's Nest Fern.
