Not everyone has the luxury of lots of sunlight streaming through their windows. But that doesn’t mean your green thumb can’t have a little fun.
So I’m going through some of best plants that are perfect for those of you with less than sunny spots in your homes or gardens.
These are ten fantastic plants that thrive in low light conditions proving that a lack of sunlight isn’t a barrier to a wonderful indoor garden.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Starting off strong we have the peace lily. A beauty with glossy, green leaves that not only tolerates low light but also blooms with striking white flowers that can bring a touch of peace to any space (hence the name!).
Peace lilies are also known for their air purifying qualities. So they’re a double threat: they look great and have a useful function.
Growing Conditions: Thrives in well draining potting soil and low to medium light.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist. Water thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. See more watering tips with this guide.
Location Tips: Best placed in a room with a window that receives filtered light. A window with a sheer curtain would be perfect. Avoid direct sunlight though as it can burn the leaves.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants, or mother in law’s tongue as they’re also known, are nearly indestructible and actually thrive on neglect. This makes them perfect for beginners or those who travel often.
They prefer dim corners with little light. Along the same lines they need very little water and thrive in dry soil with minimal light. They’re quite modern looking with striped and very upright leaves and so look good in a lot of rooms. On top of that they’re excellent at filtering indoor air too. What’s not to like!?
Growing Conditions: Prefers free draining soil mixtures as it’s prone to root rot.
Watering Needs: Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between each watering.
Location Tips: Ideal for spots away from windows or in somewhere like a dimly lit hallway. Will tolerate some direct sun but does much better in shade.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name the cast iron plant is tough as nails. It can withstand a lot of abuse, including poor light, extreme temperatures and forgetting to water it.
Its lush and dark green leaves give it a sophisticated look so it fits well in offices or a home that has a minimalist look/feel.
Growing Conditions: Does well in rich, well draining soil and low light conditions.
Watering Needs: Water moderately. You want the soil stay evenly moist and not soggy. During the winter it will need less water.
Location Tips: Perfect for north facing rooms or bathrooms that don’t have much natural light.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a large family of plants known for their ability to adapt to low light conditions. The heartleaf philodendron in particular is a favorite as it grows very fast and has trailing vines that look great growing from shelves and bookcases. If you need a plant that’s low maintenance and offices you if you forget to water it a few times then philodendron are good choices.
Growing Conditions: Prefers a loose, well draining potting mix. Does best in low light conditions.
Watering Needs: Likes the soil to be kept consistently damp so water it when the top inch of soil dries out.
Location Tips: Great for hanging baskets in shaded corners or being draped along shelves and let the trailing vines hang down freely.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants have waxy leaves that brighten up boring and dim areas. They can survive for months without water and still look fresh. And as they can happily grow in little light and without much watering they’re very maintenance free.
Growing Conditions: Best in well draining soil. Very tolerant of a lack of water.
Watering Needs: Water infrequently and allow the soil to dry out completely between each time you water. See more watering tips with this guide.
Location Tips: Good in office spaces with fluorescent lighting or any part of the home that doesn’t get much daylight.
For more ZZ plant care tips try this guide, or this one for special tips to grow them faster.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
The Maidenhair fern is a bit delicate compared to the others on this list and so you will have to give it more attention. But I think it’s worth it considering the result.
It does best in low light and high humidity so they’re perfect for bathrooms that don’t get much in the way of natural light. And they have a very softening feel to them thanks to their feathery leaves.
Growing Conditions: Loves moisture and well draining that is soil rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist. Likes high humidity so mist regularly.
Location Tips: Does really well in bathrooms where steam from showers increases the humidity levels. Alternatively try it in a kitchen that gets moderate light.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are fun and easy to care for. They like indirect light but will do fine in low light too.
They’re known for their leaves that arch and have small ‘plantlets’ that grow and hang from the mother plant. They look a lot like spiders webs, which is where they get their name from.
Spider plants are also great at purifying the air and are safe for pets. So it’s hard to find a downside to them!
Growing Conditions: Likes well draining potting soil and can take quite a bit of neglect (I’ve ignored mine for ages and it’s bounced back).
Watering Needs: Water thoroughly but let the top inch of soil dry out between each time. Use this guide for more watering tips.
Location Tips: Work well in kitchens and living rooms with windows that face north or east. Looks good in hanging baskets or on high shelves.
Use our spider plants care guide if you’re new to spider plants or need some care tips.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, or devil’s ivy, is a versatile plant. It’ll grow long trailing vines even in the darkest corner of your home. And it doesn’t care much about it’s water or being fed.
So if you want a plant that looks awesome and doesn’t require any real effort you could do worse than a pothos.
Growing Conditions: Can grow in a variety of soil types, from well draining to a but more compact soils.
Watering Needs: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Doesn’t mind irregular watering. See more watering tips with this guide.
Location Tips: Perfect for shelves and mantels that let its vines cascade down. Avoid direct sunlight.
This easy to follow pothos care guide will help you if you’re new to growing pothos.
Calathea
Calatheas are colorful and have really interesting patterned leaves. They do really well in low light but do need a little more humidity and consistent watering when compare to the other plants on this list. But they’re striking and a great statement plant.
Growing Conditions: Prefers humidity and a good potting mix that holds moisture yet drains well.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you can use distilled or non fluoridated water as Calatheas are sensitive to the fluoride found in most tap water.
Location Tips: Put it on a pebble tray to raise the humidity and great for bathrooms that don’t have a lot of light.
Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii)
If you want something a bit different then Japanese sedge is the one for you. It has a grassy sort of look and doesn’t need much light. It grows in clumps and brings a feeling of outdoors wherever you put it.
Growing Conditions: Likes cool, moist conditions and a rich, well draining soil.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the warmer months.
Location Tips: Think of any nooks and crannies you have that don’t get much light. Anywhere like that is ideal, but it needs to also be cool and not overly warm.
If you don’t have much sunlight then you might think you’re limited with what you can do. But as this list shows there are loads of options for you out there.
The plants here let you enjoy all the joy of gardening and the benefits plants bring to your life but indoors and out of the light.
