11 Indoor Plants That Thrive in Low Light During December

Looking to add some greenery to your home during the winter months? Certain indoor plants thrive in low light, making them perfect for darker spaces when natural sunlight is limited. Whether you’re new to houseplants or just looking for low-maintenance options, these hardy plants will bring life to your home while requiring minimal care. With the right choice, you can enjoy lush foliage all season long without worrying about bright, direct sunlight.

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Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant is a popular choice for homes with low light because it can thrive with minimal care. Its sturdy leaves can endure in dim corners and require very little water. In December, when the days are shorter and the sunlight is scarce, the Snake Plant continues to grow steadily. It is also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it a great addition to your home, especially in the winter months when the air can be drier. This plant can survive in various conditions, making it perfect for those who need a low-maintenance plant for the darker season.

Another reason to love the Snake Plant is its ability to tolerate both cold and warm conditions. While it prefers warmth, it can survive in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent indoor companion during the chilly December months. Its upright, sword-like leaves bring an attractive architectural element to any space, and since it requires so little attention, even beginners can enjoy it.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is an ideal choice for low-light environments, thriving in areas that may not receive direct sunlight for long stretches of time. Its glossy, waxy leaves are not just decorative, but they also help it retain moisture, allowing it to survive in less-than-ideal conditions. During December, when light levels are lower, the ZZ Plant continues to do well in dim areas without requiring frequent watering or high humidity.

This plant is highly resilient and can go weeks without water, making it perfect for anyone who might forget to water their plants during the busy holiday season. With its sleek, dark green foliage, the ZZ Plant adds a modern, elegant look to any room. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be placed in corners or areas with minimal light and still thrive.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only a useful plant for its medicinal properties, but it also thrives in low light conditions. While it does prefer bright indirect light, Aloe Vera can also tolerate dimmer environments, making it perfect for the cooler, darker months of December. This succulent is known for its thick, fleshy leaves that store moisture, so it only needs occasional watering.

Despite its low-maintenance nature, Aloe Vera thrives in areas where other plants might struggle. It is perfect for those who want a plant that can withstand low light while also serving a functional purpose, offering soothing gel for burns and skin care.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is another hardy plant that excels in low light conditions. It thrives in indirect light, making it an ideal indoor plant for homes during the winter months when the days are shorter. This plant is well-known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins, which is especially beneficial during December when people spend more time indoors.

In addition to its air-purifying qualities, the Peace Lily’s dark green leaves and white flowers can brighten up any room. It requires little maintenance, needing only occasional watering and a spot away from direct sunlight. Its elegant blooms add a touch of beauty to darker spaces, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add greenery to low-light rooms.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in low light, making it a perfect option for winter months. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, this plant can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, including areas with minimal sunlight. It is a fast grower and can be placed on shelves, hanging baskets, or even trained to climb up a trellis, adding beauty to any space.

During December, when the light is scarce, Pothos still flourishes and does not require much maintenance. It is an excellent plant for beginners due to its low care needs and its ability to survive in lower light environments. Just ensure the soil is kept slightly moist, and it will thrive with minimal effort.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is well-suited for low light, although it does prefer some indirect sunlight. It’s an excellent plant for the cooler months of December because it’s both resilient and adaptable. The plant’s long, arching green leaves with white stripes make it visually appealing, and it can thrive in various indoor conditions, including low-light spots.

This plant is also a great air purifier, making it a good choice for improving indoor air quality. Spider Plants are easy to care for and only need occasional watering and the occasional trimming of their baby spider plants. Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal light conditions and its minimal care requirements make it ideal for winter months.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen is an attractive plant that thrives in low light conditions, making it a great option for homes during the December months. It has vibrant green leaves with silvery spots, which brighten up darker rooms with minimal sunlight. This hardy plant is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant, as it doesn’t require much attention to thrive.

Even in low light, the Chinese Evergreen will continue to grow steadily, and it only needs to be watered when the soil feels dry. It’s perfect for colder months when light is limited, and its beautiful foliage can liven up any room. Its forgiving nature and ease of care make it ideal for indoor environments with less sunlight.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The Parlor Palm is a classic low-light plant that has been a popular choice for indoor spaces for many years. It can grow in the shade and requires minimal direct sunlight, making it a great option for low-light conditions in December. Its lush, feathery fronds bring a tropical feel to your home, even during the colder months.

This palm is also known for its air-purifying properties, which help improve indoor air quality. It’s low-maintenance and can thrive with just occasional watering and a bit of misting to keep the air around it humid. The Parlor Palm can add a tropical touch to any space, making it a great choice for your winter indoor garden.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are hardy and adaptable, thriving in low-light environments with minimal attention. Their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add a decorative touch to any space, and they can survive in dim lighting, making them a perfect indoor plant for the winter months. With a variety of types available, from trailing to bushy varieties, they suit different home styles.

Philodendrons need only occasional watering and can go weeks without care. They are ideal for areas where light is limited, such as offices, bedrooms, or corners. Their ability to tolerate a variety of conditions makes them a favorite among low-maintenance plant owners.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a versatile plant that thrives in low light and can grow both as a trailing vine or a climbing plant. It is an excellent choice for homes with dim areas, such as north-facing windows or rooms that receive minimal light during the winter months. English Ivy is also known for its air-purifying abilities, helping to cleanse the air during the winter when windows are often closed.

This plant can tolerate various light conditions, from bright indirect light to low light, and only needs occasional watering. English Ivy’s trailing vines can be used to decorate shelves or hanging baskets, and its dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the winter season’s neutral tones.

Dracaena

Dracaena is a diverse genus of plants that includes varieties known for thriving in low light. It has long, slender leaves that can come in various shades of green and red, making it an attractive addition to any indoor space. The Dracaena is ideal for darker spots where other plants may not survive, and it can go for weeks without water, making it very low-maintenance.

This plant grows slowly but steadily, and it doesn’t require direct sunlight to flourish. It is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet stylish indoor plant that can thrive with minimal care during the dimmer months of the year.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.