16 Best Low Light Indoor Plants | Best Indoor Plants for Dark Spaces
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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 some houseplants that will easily adapt to the low light conditions but not total darkness as plants require some light for photosynthesis.
16 Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Dark Spaces
Our list of the best low light plants include Pothos, Chinese Evergreens, Cast Iron Plant, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Heartleaf Philodendron among others. Keep reading for the complete list below.
1. Chinese Evergreen | Aglaonema modestum
The all green Chinese Evergreen is one of the houseplants that is highly tolerant to low light conditions.
Chinese Evergreen is regarded as one of the most tolerant and reliable houseplants. It has also been shown to be an ideal indoor air cleaner.
Aglaonema thrive in medium to bright light away from direct sunlight, 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 one of the houseplants with a tough constitution. This plant is slow growing, low maintenance and extremely hardy (almost indestructible).
Snake Plant can withstand low light, dry air, draughts and periods of dryness. It is also known for its air cleaning properties.
The only drawback for Snake Plant is root-rot which is brought about by waterlogging. Learn more on how to grow and care for Snake Plant.
3. Cast Iron Plant | Aspidistra elatior
Like the name suggests, Cast Iron Plant is another houseplant with a tough constitution. It is slow grow and will easily adapt to low light or shade conditions.
Cast Iron Plant will withstand a wide range of growing conditions including air pollution and neglect if kept away from direct sunlight. Read 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 withstand a wide range of growing conditions.
Pothos can tolerate low light or shade conditions, draught and excess moisture. It does well in the hardest of conditions.
If maintained with moderate watering, Pothos will thrive. Learn how to grow and care for Pothos.
5. Heartleaf Philodendron | Philodendron scandens
Heartleaf Philodendron also called Sweetheart Plant, is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and ability to withstand poor growing conditions.
The Heartleaf Philodendron easily adapts to low light or shade conditions. Heartleaf is ideal for a hanging basket or can be grown as a climber.
Heartleaf Philodendron is also a good indoor air cleaner and gets rid of most indoor air pollutants. Read more on how to grow and care for Heartleaf Philodendron.
6. English Ivy | Hedera helix
English Ivy is an easy to grow houseplant which easily adapts to low light or shade growing conditions. This plant is quite hardy.
English Ivy will thrive in a wide range of growing conditions and will not die from a few days neglect.
The English Ivy is useful as a screen for the unattractive spots, as a hanging basket plant or as a climber. Learn more on how to grow and care for English Ivy.
7. Asparagus Fern | Asparagus plumosus
Though called a fern, Asparagus Fern is not a true fern. Unlike true ferns, this plant belongs to the family Asparagaceae. It is much easier to grow than true ferns.
Asparagus Fern adapts well to a wide variation in light, heat and frequency of watering. In other words it can withstand some level of neglect.
This Asparagus Fern bears beautiful, graceful, feathery, green foliage and is perfect for a hanging basket. Read more on how to grow and care for Asparagus Fern.
8. Japanese Aralia | Fatsia japonica
Japanese Aralia also called Paperplant is a popular plant with a tough constitution. It grows quickly and is extremely durable.
Japanese Aralia can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions and will not dies from a few days neglect. It is a hardy houseplant.
Paperplant is an excellent specimen (stand alone) plant which bears large eight-lobed leaves and reaching a height of 4ft or more. Learn more on how to grow and care for Japanese Aralia.
9. Parlour Palm | Chamaedorea elegans
Parlour Palm adapts easily to a wide variation in lighting, it will also thrive under artificial lighting. It is a hardy plant which can accept some neglect.
The Parlour Palm produces a dense, deep-green, feathery foliage on arching branches and grows slowly with a minimal outward growth.
Parlour Palm is easy to grow and is also a good indoor air cleaner. Read more on how to grow and care for Parlour 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, easy to care for and propagate, and are good indoor air cleaners. Learn how to grow and care for Spider Plant.
11. Madagascar Dragon Tree | Dracaena marginata
Madagascar Dragon Tree is an excellent stand alone choice for the poorly lit spaces; it adapts easily to a wide range of growing conditions.
The colorful foliage of Madagascar Dragon Tree makes this plant a popular houseplant. It is easy to grow and is also a good indoor air cleaner. 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.This plant will tolerate sun or shade, hot or cold air, dry or moist conditions.
The leaves of Grape Ivy are silvery first and turn dark-green and glossy as they mature.
Grape Ivy is a vining houseplant that is excellent for a hanging basket. Learn more on how to grow and care for Grape Ivy.
13. Creeping Fig | Ficus pumila
Creeping fig does well under low light conditions. It grows vigorously and is easy to grow and care for.
Creeping Fig prefers warm, moist conditions like is found in most bathrooms, in a terrarium or in a bottle garden. Read more on how to grow and care for Creeping Fig.
14. Nerve Plants | Fittonia spp
Nerve plant is a popular houseplant that is highly adaptable to low light conditions.
Due to Nerve Plant's high humidity requirement, it is ideal for a humid bathroom, a bottle garden or a terrarium.
The attractive feature in Nerve Plant is the easily recognisable network of white, pink or red veins. Learn more on how to grow and care for Nerve Plant.
15. ZZ Plant | Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The ZZ plant also called Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant or Emerald Palm is highly tolerant to low light and dry conditions.
ZZ Plant can survive extremely well under low light for up to 4 months without water. It is a highly tolerant succulent plant.
The Zanzibar Gem bears attractive, glossy foliage and is easy to grow and care for. 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 conditions.
The bird's nest Fern prefers warm and moist conditions which means it is perfect for a bathroom and other moist areas.
On account of its large size, Bird's Nest fern is ideal as a specimen (stand alone) plant. Learn more on how to grow and care for Bird's Nest Fern.
