13 Tough Houseplants That Thrive in Low Light
We all know how difficult it can be to keep plants healthy in a room that gets little sunlight. But the good news is, certain houseplants thrive in these conditions. These resilient plants do not require much light to grow strong and beautiful. They can brighten up your home without the stress of constantly worrying about their care.
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Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is a tough houseplant known for its ability to thrive in nearly any environment. Its upright, sword-like leaves can withstand low light and infrequent watering. This plant is also low maintenance, making it a perfect choice for those with a busy lifestyle. Snake plants are perfect for beginners, as they do not need much attention to grow well.
Even in spaces with very little natural light, this plant will continue to grow. Its hardiness makes it a popular choice for offices and homes alike. Snake plants can also help purify the air, making them a beneficial addition to any room. Just make sure not to overwater it, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is an excellent choice for low-light areas and requires minimal care. It has glossy, dark green leaves that thrive in indirect light or even dim spots. This plant is perfect for homes and offices where sunlight is limited, as it can go weeks without watering. The ZZ plant is known for its resilience and can tolerate neglect, making it a great option for beginners.
Its unique appearance adds beauty to any space, and it requires very little maintenance to keep it healthy. You can place it in almost any room, from your bathroom to your hallway. The ZZ plant also tolerates dry air, making it an ideal option for areas with air conditioning or heating. Just be careful with its water needs, as too much moisture can lead to issues.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It can survive in low light conditions and requires very little upkeep. Whether you place it in a dark corner or a shelf with indirect light, pothos will adapt and grow. Its ability to thrive in such conditions makes it perfect for homes or offices with less sunlight.
This hardy plant can tolerate irregular watering schedules, so you do not have to worry about constant care. Pothos is also an excellent air purifier, making it a useful addition to any indoor space. It can grow long vines, making it great for hanging baskets or draping over a shelf. Just be sure to trim the vines occasionally to keep it looking neat.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is another great choice for rooms with low light. It has striking green leaves and produces white flowers that can brighten any space. Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also resilient, making them ideal for people who may not have a green thumb. They can tolerate low light conditions and only need watering when the soil is dry.
This plant also helps purify the air, removing harmful toxins from your living space. Peace lilies do not require much attention to thrive, but they will need occasional fertilizing to stay healthy. They do well in low to moderate light, but if you want to encourage flowering, it is best to place them in an area with more indirect light. However, they will still grow fine with minimal sunlight.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast-iron plant is famous for its ability to survive in almost any environment, including low-light conditions. It has long, dark green leaves and can tolerate neglect, making it perfect for those who may not have time for plant care. This plant is known for being virtually indestructible and can last for years with minimal effort.
Cast-iron plants are perfect for darker spaces where most plants would struggle to grow. It is a slow-growing plant, so it does not require frequent repotting or trimming. The cast-iron plant also does well in various temperatures and humidity levels, making it versatile for different indoor climates. It is a low-maintenance choice that adds a touch of greenery to any room.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a well-known, low-maintenance option for low-light areas. They have long, arching green leaves with white stripes, and their ability to grow in indirect light makes them a popular choice. Spider plants are easy to care for and can thrive in low light without requiring much attention. They are also known for producing “babies,” or small plantlets, that can be propagated into new plants.
This plant is perfect for beginners, as it can tolerate a variety of conditions. Spider plants also act as natural air purifiers, which makes them even more valuable in a home. The plant will thrive with occasional watering but does not need frequent care. For best results, place it in an area with indirect light, where it can flourish without direct sunlight.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile plant that can tolerate low-light conditions, making it perfect for indoor spaces with limited sunlight. Its small, pointed leaves can grow on long, trailing vines, making it great for hanging baskets or window sills. English ivy can thrive in the shade and only requires occasional watering, making it a low-maintenance option for your home.
This plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, as it helps remove toxins from indoor environments. English ivy can grow quickly, so be sure to trim the vines to prevent them from becoming too unruly. It also benefits from occasional pruning to encourage new growth. Place it in an area with indirect light to ensure it thrives over time.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen plants are known for their ability to tolerate low light and poor soil conditions. They have variegated leaves that come in various shades of green, silver, and red, making them an attractive addition to any space. These plants are perfect for rooms with limited sunlight, as they do not require much light to thrive.
Chinese evergreens are low-maintenance plants that only need watering when the soil becomes dry. They are also highly adaptable to different humidity levels, making them great for homes with varying temperatures. This plant grows slowly but steadily, adding a pop of color and greenery to any room. For the best results, avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants are known for their tall, elegant appearance and their ability to tolerate low light. These plants have long, narrow leaves that often feature stripes or patterns, making them visually striking. Dracaenas are hardy and can grow in dimly lit spaces, making them a great option for areas that lack direct sunlight.
Dracaena plants are easy to care for and can tolerate periods of neglect, making them perfect for busy individuals. They only need watering when the top of the soil feels dry. These plants can add a touch of tropical elegance to any home, and their air-purifying properties make them even more valuable. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent their leaves from getting scorched.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm is an excellent plant for low-light conditions and can grow well even in areas with indirect sunlight. It has slender, arching leaves that give it a graceful, tropical appearance. Bamboo palms are great for adding a touch of greenery to darker rooms and do not require much attention to grow successfully.
This plant can thrive in low to moderate light, and it only needs watering when the soil feels dry. Bamboo palms also help purify the air, making them an excellent choice for living rooms or offices. They grow slowly and do not require frequent repotting, making them an easy addition to your home. Just avoid placing them in direct sunlight to maintain their healthy appearance.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are another fantastic low-light houseplant option, known for their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. They are great for hanging baskets or placing on shelves where they can trail down. These plants thrive in low-light areas, making them perfect for homes or offices with minimal sunlight.
Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and little to no direct sunlight. They can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels, making them adaptable to different indoor environments. Their unique appearance adds charm to any space, and they are perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful plant. Keep them in indirect light to help them grow and flourish.
Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns are a wonderful choice for low-light environments, as they naturally grow in shaded areas. The Boston fern, in particular, is known for its lush, arching fronds that can brighten up any room. These plants thrive in areas with indirect light, making them perfect for corners or windowsills that do not receive direct sunlight.
Ferns require a bit more humidity than some other low-light plants, so they are ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. They only need watering when the soil is dry to the touch, and they benefit from occasional misting. These plants are easy to care for and grow quickly in the right conditions. Their lush, green appearance brings life and vibrancy to any indoor space.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is not only a low-light houseplant, but it also has the added benefit of being useful for healing burns and cuts. The succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive with minimal care. Aloe vera can thrive in low-light spaces, but it grows best in indirect sunlight.
This plant requires little watering, as its leaves store moisture for long periods. Aloe vera is perfect for those who tend to forget about watering their plants, as it can go without water for weeks at a time. It also helps purify the air by removing toxins. If you want a low-maintenance plant that offers additional benefits, aloe vera is an excellent choice.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.