Several indoor plants are well-suited for very low light conditions, thriving even in spaces with minimal natural sunlight or relying primarily on artificial lighting. These plants are ideal for corners, hallways, or rooms with only north-facing windows or no direct sunlight.
The snake plant (Sansevieria spp.) is highly tolerant of low light and requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for beginners and busy individuals. It can survive in dim conditions and is especially resilient to overwatering, though it still benefits from well-draining soil. Similarly, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is nearly indestructible, capable of enduring long periods of neglect and low light, with glossy, dark green leaves that add a modern touch to any space.
Other reliable options include the pothos (Epipremnum aureum), which can adapt to low light and is known for its trailing vines that make it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves. The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) thrives in low light and can live for decades with proper care, adding an elegant, architectural presence to indoor environments.
The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema spp.) is another excellent choice, featuring bold, colorful foliage that can tolerate low light, though variegation may fade without some indirect light. The peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is often used in offices and public spaces due to its ability to flourish in low light, although it may not bloom as frequently under such conditions.
For those seeking unique foliage, the cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) lives up to its name by surviving in extremely low light and even neglect, with new cultivars featuring speckled or striped leaves. The arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) and the nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis) also perform well in low light, with the latter displaying striking veining patterns that stand out even in dim spaces.
It is important to note that while these plants can survive in low light, they will grow more slowly and require less frequent watering, as water use correlates with light availability. Overwatering is a common issue in low-light settings, as plants use less water when light is limited, increasing the risk of root rot. To support plant health, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights, especially if aiming for more vigorous growth or flowering. Plants with solid green leaves tend to fare better in low light than those with variegated or brightly colored foliage, which often require more light to maintain their appearance.
Realise that most plants recommended for low light TOLERATE low light, not thrive in it, and this does include some Snake Plants (Sansevieria). Another plant that does better than most and is often overlooked: Aspidistra. Answer from phytomanic on reddit.com
The Fernseed
thefernseed.com › collections › low-light-plants
Low Light Tolerant Plants | The Fernseed
While no plants "require" low light, some plants are more tolerant of low light conditions than others. We specialize in stocking plants that are tolerant of low light conditions, especially during the fall and winter months in the Pacific Northwest, when indoor growing conditions are not ideal!
Reddit
reddit.com › r/botany › discussion: what are some actually low light plants?
r/botany on Reddit: Discussion: What are some ACTUALLY low light plants?
August 24, 2022 -
Tired of seeing snake plants being listed as low light plants. What are some plants that prefer or thrive in strikingly low light? E.g. Selaginella Uncinata (bonus points if it's viable as a house plant, but not by any means a requirement)
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Realise that most plants recommended for low light TOLERATE low light, not thrive in it, and this does include some Snake Plants (Sansevieria). Another plant that does better than most and is often overlooked: Aspidistra.
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You can easily determine this by thinking about the plants ecologically. The only plants that are adapted to low light conditions are those that occur primarily on the forest floor during times when that area is shaded by leaves. So for example many people consider spring ephemerals such as trilliums, Virginia bluebells, and columbine shade adapted because they only occur in forests, but their entire life history is to do almost all their growing early in the spring before forest leaves overhead shade them out. This ends up meaning that they actually prefer sunlight and only occur in forests because they are outcompeted in open areas. If you're talking about houseplants, you need to go further still because most temperate plants are inherently seasonal; they require a cold dormant period to stay healthy and being inside does not provide that. This is the reason why most house plants are tropical plants: things like monsterras and diffenbachias are all native to the forest floors of tropical regions where there is constant shade and relatively consistent temperatures. Lastly, as many others have said, even plants adapted to low light environments often perform better with more light and simply tolerate low light. It's why many leafy tropical plants can be grown as houseplants, but will rarely, if ever flower when grown as such.
Are these houseplants *ACTUALLY* low-light? - Off Topic General - Aquarium Co-Op Forum
I feel like all those magazines just want to claim every single plant on earth is low-light and low-maintenance, when of course that isn't the case. So I did some research on low light houseplants and I was just hoping someone with experience could give me some input before I end up killing a pla... More on forum.aquariumcoop.com
Discussion: What are some ACTUALLY low light plants?
Realise that most plants recommended for low light TOLERATE low light, not thrive in it, and this does include some Snake Plants (Sansevieria). Another plant that does better than most and is often overlooked: Aspidistra. More on reddit.com
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August 24, 2022Recommendations for low light house plants?
Contrary to what advertising for dark room plants say, all plants prefer bright indirect light. No plants like darkness. Some plants can survive low light for extended times, but it is less they can live in lowlight and more they very slowly die in lowlight. With that in mind, I recommend getting a plant light or lights for any plants you buy and put in your dark apartment. I use the yellow version of this light set for my plant area in my house as I have the same issue. I keep it on a separate timer. At my office, I have a sun loving succulent that is thriving on my desk under a lamp like this one . I keep it set for 12 hours of light a day. Having said that, ZZ plants and snake plants are legendary for surviving years in dark areas and little to no water. ZZs are known for thriving on neglect. To the point that they are mistaken by people as fake and only noticed to be real when they finally start dying from no water. There are multiple tales on this subreddit of people leaving their ZZ in a dark closet for 6+ months, only to find it later, give it bright light and water, and get new shoots almost immediately. More on reddit.com
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April 20, 2024What plants would survive in such low light?
I second cast iron plant, with a side note that no plant survives this long-term. The "low-light tolerant plants" you see in the listicles are just extreme survivalists that take a long time to show that they've been slowly dying all along. If you want to keep plants in a dark corner, supplemental light is your best bet. More on reddit.com
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December 27, 2023Videos
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › indoor-plants-that-thrive-in-low-light-11853249
I've Been a Master Gardener for 15 Years—8 Plants I Love That Thrive Without Much Light
December 3, 2025 - Also known as devil's ivy, pothos is a ubiquitous indoor plant everywhere from homes to offices to restaurants because of its ability to thrive with very little natural light or even just artificial light. It's important to note that there are many different pothos varieties out there, but not all of them will do well in lower-light spaces.
Proven Winners
provenwinners.com › learn › houseplants › low-light
14 Low-Light Houseplants That Thrive in Dim Indoor Spaces
These include African violet, anthurium, bromeliad, kalanchoe, peace lily, pothos and spider plant. Many low-light indoor plants are native to humid tropical regions and benefit from additional room humidity, particularly in winter when home and office environments are dry from supplemental heating.
The Sill
thesill.com › collections › low-light-plants
Low-Light Houseplants | Indoor Plants & Potted Plants, Delivered | The Sill
ZZ plant, pothos plant, and more—these are the best houseplants for low-light, perfect for brightening up a dark spot. We ship nationwide. 30-day return policy.
Bloomscape
bloomscape.com › shop › featured-indoor › low-light-houseplants
Low Light and Light Adaptable Houseplants | Bloomscape
Shop our favorite low light indoor plants. These fully grown, potted indoor plants are perfect for those spaces in your home with less than ideal lighting.
REWILD
rewilddc.com › home › low light plants
Low Light Plants
These plants will survive in darker spots than most other house plants. This does not mean they will live in a dark closet. Plants need some light so do your best to give them a bit of sun! ... Featured Best selling Alphabetically, A-Z Alphabetically, Z-A Price, low to high Price, high to low Date, old to new Date, new to old
Ohio Tropics
ohiotropics.com › home › houseplants › plants that grow in the dark: 5 great choices for dim areas
Plants That Grow in the Dark: 5 Great Choices For Dim Areas
July 29, 2025 - Remember, it’s about the right plant for the right place. Not the other way around. Peace lilies are everywhere, and for good reason. They make amazing low-light houseplants and few plants can tolerate growing conditions that these plants can grow in.
Fairview Garden Center
fairviewgardencenter.com › home › 10 great low-light houseplants
10 Great Low-light Houseplants | Fairview Garden Center
July 27, 2020 - Known for it’s exquisite foliage, the cast iron plant can jazz up any lonely corner of a room. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between watering; in many conditions this is once a month to every two months. When it comes to finding a houseplant that will bloom in low light, this one takes the cake!
My Perfect Plants
myperfectplants.com › blogs › blog › best-houseplants-for-low-light
Best Houseplants for Low Light | Best Indoor Plants | Perfect Plants
January 24, 2024 - We have made a list of the best low light plants and most of them are also low maintenance. No Green Thumb Required! It’s scientific name Sansevieria trifasciata or it’s more common name Mother In Law’s Tongue, are one of the easiest indoor plants to grow.
Chicago Botanic Garden
chicagobotanic.org › plant-information › smart-gardener › denizens-dark-indoor-plants-low-light-spaces
Denizens of the Dark: Indoor Plants for Low-Light Spaces | Chicago Botanic Garden
These include cast-iron plant, mother-in-law’s-tongue, and radiator plant. Some of these beauties originated in tropical understories where little light reaches the ground. Although far removed from their original habitats, they can thrive indoors and brighten the sometimes bleak winter months. Here are some workhorses for low-light settings. Who needs flowers when leaves offer a dramatic sculptural effect? Typically vertical and sometimes twisted, snake plant’s foliage creates a focal point in a less-than-ideal situation indoors.
Room For Tuesday
roomfortuesday.com › home › plants & gardening › the easiest indoor plants that thrive in low light
The Easiest Indoor Plants that Thrive in Low Light
August 8, 2024 - Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) is a very good example. It will even bloom under indoor lights. ... Thank you, hugely helpful. Will start with your recommendation first, no point wasting time, money & poor plants. ... So glad to hear this post was helpful, Anna! ... What is the paint color on your walls around the window and doors?! ... Hi Jon! My paint color is Aesthetic White (walls) and Extra White (trim and doors) from Sherwin-Williams. ... Best plant I’ve ever had in low light was a bamboo palm.
AquariumCoop
forum.aquariumcoop.com › home › general › off topic general › are these houseplants *actually* low-light?
Are these houseplants *ACTUALLY* low-light? - Off Topic General - Aquarium Co-Op Forum
December 25, 2024 - I feel like all those magazines just want to claim every single plant on earth is low-light and low-maintenance, when of course that isn't the case. So I did some research on low light houseplants and I was just hoping someone with experience could give me some input before I end up killing a pla...
Facebook
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Best house plants for a very low light area? 🙏🏻 (staircase ...
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Léon & George
leonandgeorge.com › products › collection › low-light-plants
Low Light Plants
A collection of low light indoor plants perfect for adding a touch of green to any room in your home, even those with minimal sunlight. From the Zanzibar Gem to Pothos, these plants are adaptable and easy to care for.
Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-easiest-houseplants-to-keep-alive-in-low-level-light-conditions
What are the easiest houseplants to keep alive in low-level light conditions? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Sanseverias as they are still very commonly called, though properly that name has changed to Dracaeana and excepting the cultivars that have lots and lots of yellow or white variegation, do very well in low light and are extremely tolerant of drought. Almost all of them are dead...
Southern Living
southernliving.com › low-light-houseplants-11816473
10 Houseplants That Don't Require A Ton Of Light
September 26, 2025 - This is a great plant for beginners as it is very low-light tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering. Thick stems with shiny, waxy leaves grow straight up and the plant will grow wider as it grows, too.
Swansons Nursery
swansonsnursery.com › blog › the-9-best-low-light-plants-for-your-home-or-office
The 9 Best Low-Light Plants for your Home or Office — Seattle's Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 - Swansons Nursery
October 10, 2025 - Actually, the whole Dracaena family of plants are great options if you’re looking for plants that tolerate low light. We’ve just found that the compact Janet Craig Dracaena does especially well. Ivy is a classic! It can grow long and lush, and it’s excellent that they can live in low light areas. It can be a fast-growing climber, but it also looks beautiful cascading over a shelf or from a hanging pot. It’s a little hard to believe this is a succulent because most succulents like very bright light with at least a few hours of direct sun, but haworthias can survive in low to medium light areas.
Address 9701 15th Ave NW Seattle, WA, 98117 United States
Succulents Box
succulentsbox.com › collections › easy-low-light-houseplants
Buy Easy & Low Light Houseplants Online: Best Houseplants for Home Office - Succulents Box
Buy Easy and Low Light Houseplants Online. We offer a diverse range of plants in various sizes, shapes, and growing habits to suit your specific needs. They are perfect for homes or offices with limited natural light.
Gardenia
gardenia.net › home › guides › 30 top low-light indoor plants for easy care and beauty
30 Top Low-Light Indoor Plants for Easy Care and Beauty
March 2, 2025 - This low-maintenance palm prefers consistent moisture and benefits from occasional misting, enhancing indoor air quality. ... The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a low-maintenance houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerance for low light conditions. It thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for busy or forgetful gardeners. ... Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile and hardy houseplant beloved for its cascading vines and heart-shaped, variegated leaves.