It’s crucial for a home to transcend mere functionality and become a true sanctuary. People crave a sense of belonging and warmth in their living spaces, which is why adding personal touches can make all the difference. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating houseplants into your décor. Not only do they purify the air and boost mood, but they also bring a touch of natural beauty indoors.
However, one of the biggest hurdles in keeping houseplants healthy is ensuring they receive sufficient sunlight. This can be particularly challenging for those living in areas with limited natural light. For instance, our own home has numerous windows, yet due to its wooded surroundings, we struggle to get enough sunlight streaming through. If you find yourself in a similar situation, take heart – there are ways to thrive despite the lack of direct sunlight.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 23 low-light houseplants that can thrive even with limited maintenance. These resilient plants have adapted to survive in conditions with little to no direct sunlight, making them perfect for busy individuals or those who tend to forget to water their plants from time to time.
African Violets
African Violets have earned a special place in many people’s hearts due to their unique charm. Their dark-green leaves and vibrant purple flowers, which can occasionally appear blue or white, make them a popular choice for indoor gardening. One of the advantages of these small plants is that they thrive in small spaces, requiring minimal sunlight. In fact, African Violets are quite tolerant of shade, making them an excellent option for rooms with limited natural light.
When it comes to watering, there’s a simple yet crucial tip to keep your African Violet healthy and blooming: water from below rather than overhead. This subtle difference can make a significant impact on the plant’s overall well-being. Interestingly, African Violets have also been linked to stress relief and relaxation due to their ability to stimulate the release of endorphins and adrenaline.
In terms of specific care requirements, African Violets prefer heights between 6 inches (15cm) and can tolerate some direct sunlight. They require around eight hours of darkness each day, which can be easily achieved under fluorescent lighting. To keep your plant happy, ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. A humid environment with temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C) also promotes healthy growth.
If you’re interested in bringing an African Violet into your home, consider purchasing a starter kit that includes everything you need to get started, including soil and fertilizer. Remember, when it comes to fertilizing, choose a product specifically designed for indoor plants, as lawn fertilizer is not suitable. You can apply fertilizer every two weeks to support your plant’s growth.
ZZ Plant
ZZ or ZeeZee is an excellent choice for individuals who struggle with maintaining plants. This hardy plant can thrive in conditions that would be detrimental to many other species, including neglect. However, it does have one major requirement: avoiding overwatering. To keep your ZZ plant happy, simply wait until the soil becomes completely dry before watering again. In terms of lighting, ZZ is surprisingly adaptable.
It can tolerate both bright and low light environments, as long as it’s not placed in direct sunlight. In fact, the only constraint is that this plant requires sufficient space to grow, reaching a diameter of approximately two feet. Be sure to display your ZZ plant in an area where it has room to expand.
Some key takeaways for growing your ZZ plant include:* Height: 3 ft (90 cm)* Lighting: Keep it out of direct sunlight; bright to low light is acceptable* Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings* Humidity: Average* Temperature: 60-75°F / 16-24°CIf you’re interested in bringing a ZZ plant into your home, you can find it on Amazon. You may also want to consider purchasing additional supplies, such as soil and fertilizer, which are available on the same platform.
Be sure to fertilize your plant four times a year for optimal growth.
Dracaena
Dracaenas, a diverse group of plants, boast an uncanny resemblance to small palm trees, making them a stunning addition to any home. Their ability to thrive in low-light conditions only adds to their appeal, allowing you to bring a touch of the beach indoors. However, overwatering is a common pitfall when growing these houseplants. To overcome this challenge, simply wait until the soil is dry before re-watering, and you’ll be rewarded with lush growth.
One of the standout features of Dracaenas is their striking foliage – long and glossy leaves that add a burst of life to any room. With a mature height of around 6 feet (1.8 meters), these plants are sure to make a statement. While they do prefer bright light, direct sunlight in summer can be detrimental. To keep your Dracaena happy, aim for average humidity levels and temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C).
As an added bonus, these plants are surprisingly tolerant of dry air, making them a great choice for busy homes.
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a stunning addition to any space, bringing unique character to its surroundings. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it an ideal choice for homes with limited direct sunlight. In fact, this plant can even flourish in the darkest corners of your home. As with many plants, overwatering can be detrimental to the Parlor Palm’s health. To avoid this, ensure the soil is completely dry before adding water.
One notable feature of this plant is its ability to bloom in the spring when placed in an area receiving a moderate amount of light. Some key characteristics of the Parlor Palm include: height (3-4 ft / 90-120 cm), slow growth rate, and low to moderate lighting requirements. It also requires minimal watering, with the soil needing to be kept lightly moist. Good drainage is essential for this plant’s health, as well as regular misting to maintain a humid environment.
The ideal temperature range for the Parlor Palm is 65-80°F / 18-27°C. When it comes to caring for your Parlor Palm, use a moss-based potting mix and sharp sand in a 2:1 ratio. Fertilize your plant monthly during the spring and summer seasons. You can purchase this plant on Amazon or another reputable retailer.
Umbrella Papyrus
The Umbrella Papyrus is a unique and low-maintenance plant that thrives in waterlogged conditions. To care for it, simply submerge the pot holding the plant in a large container of water, allowing it to be fully saturated. While overwatering is unlikely, drying out is the only common mistake to avoid with this species.
This plant requires shade rather than direct sunlight, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor spaces with partial shade.
A height of up to 10 feet (3 meters) can be expected from a mature Umbrella Papyrus. To keep your plant happy, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and humidity levels are average.
Temperature-wise, this species prefers a range of 60-75°F (16-24°C). For optimal growth, consider supplementing with fertilizer on a monthly basis during the spring and fall seasons.
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue (a.k.a. Snake Plant)
I must admit, the name of this plant has a whimsical quality to it. Despite its moniker, I think the Snake Plant bears a striking resemblance to above-ground seaweed. Its versatility is undeniable, and it can bring an air of uniqueness to your home. One of its most notable characteristics is its hardiness and capacity to thrive in low-light conditions. If you’re looking for a plant that can survive without direct sunlight, this might be the perfect choice.
The Snake Plant’s specifications include: height up to 2 feet (60 cm), light requirements range from bright to tolerate low light, watering needs involve keeping the soil lightly moist, average humidity tolerance, and the ability to withstand dry air. In terms of temperature, it prefers a range of 60-75°F (16-24°C). For those interested in purchasing this plant, you can find it on Amazon along with related products like soil and fertilizer.
Creeping Fig
The Creeping Pig is an adaptable plant that can thrive in a wide range of environments, with the exception of overwatering. Its antique appearance, characterized by dark, coiled, leathery leaves reminiscent of ivy, adds a touch of elegance to even the most dimly lit spaces. While its color palette may be subdued, it still brings a welcome splash of life to your home. When grown indoors, this plant requires moderate humidity and temperatures ranging from 55-85°F (13-29°C).
It can tolerate low light conditions but will do best in bright indirect sunlight. To keep it happy, aim for lightly moist soil and avoid overwatering.
Philodendron
Philodendrons thrive in environments where the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. A delicate balance between wet and dry soil is essential for their well-being. To avoid overwatering, it’s recommended to let the top layer of soil dry slightly before the next watering. In addition to their impressive air-purifying qualities, philodendrons can bring a touch of greenery and vitality to even the most mundane spaces.
They are capable of tolerating a range of lighting conditions, from partial shade to moderate direct sunlight. When it comes to water, these plants prefer soil that is lightly moist but not soggy. For optimal growth, they also require a humid environment with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C). Philodendrons can be trained to trail up to 4 feet in length and are relatively low-maintenance additions to any indoor space.
Peacock Plant
While the peacock plant’s showy foliage is undeniably striking, it does come with some specific requirements to thrive. For starters, it prefers low-light conditions and a humid environment, where the temperature stays above 55°F (13°C). Watering this plant also requires finesse, as it likes its soil kept consistently moist – but not waterlogged. The ideal height for the peacock plant is around 2 ft (60 cm), making it a compact addition to any room.
In terms of specific care, avoid direct sunlight and maintain the humidity by misting the air regularly. To keep your peacock plant healthy, ensure the soil remains moist and fertilize monthly – except during winter, when feeding should be avoided.
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant is a popular choice among spider mite enthusiasts, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for these pesky pests. This plant thrives in indirect sunlight conditions, as direct sun can cause the leaves to curl and become distorted. For those familiar with Calatheas (Peacock Plants), you may be pleased to know that the Prayer Plant is a suitable alternative if you don’t live in a tropical climate where Calatheas typically flourish.
In terms of care, the Prayer Plant grows up to 1 ft tall (30 cm) and requires bright light without direct sunlight. Its ideal environment involves keeping the soil evenly moist, maintaining high humidity, and a comfortable temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). For optimal growth, use a peat-rich potting mix and fertilize every two weeks during spring and fall.
Sword Fern
The Sword Fern is a quintessential representation of the term ‘fern.’ Its striking shape and consistent green color throughout the year make it a standout. While it doesn’t thrive in direct sunlight, it excels in humid environments with acidic soil. To keep this plant happy, it requires frequent watering, but also needs well-drained soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall (180 cm), the Sword Fern is quite statuesque.
It can tolerate a range of temperatures from 65-80°F (18-27°C), making it a versatile addition to many spaces.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a charming and compact houseplant that thrives in low-light conditions. Its unique striped pattern has earned it the affectionate nickname ‘adorable.’ This plant has a special fondness for humid environments, which can be achieved by regularly misting its leaves with a spray bottle. To keep the Peperomia’s soil content happy, aim for a consistently moist environment during most of the year.
However, do take note that the frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter months to accommodate the plant’s dormancy period. When it comes to its growing requirements, Peperomia prefers moderate humidity, moderate temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C), and bright indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Its potting mix should consist of a well-draining soil with added perlite or sand for extra aeration.
Fertilization is also crucial, with a recommended application once a month during the spring through fall seasons. If you’re interested in bringing this delightful plant into your home, Amazon offers it for purchase.
African Mask
The African Mask plant thrives in humid environments, necessitating consistently moist soil. While it’s not a fan of direct sunlight, it does appreciate warmth, making it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation.
What sets this plant apart is the striking dark purple streak that runs along the back of its leaves. To replicate its natural habitat, provide indirect sunlight and ensure the soil remains evenly moist.
The ideal temperature range for African Mask plants is 70-85°F (21-29°C), with a humidity level that mirrors their tropical roots.
For optimal growth, consider the following care guidelines: height of around 4 ft (120 cm); no direct sunlight; and keep soil moisture consistent throughout the year. During the spring and fall months, fertilize your African Mask plant once a month to promote healthy development.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens are a stunning addition to any room, boasting striking marble-patterned leaves that add a touch of elegance. But what truly sets them apart is their remarkable ability to purify the air. With low-maintenance requirements and an effortless care routine, these plants have earned their reputation as one of the easiest to cultivate.
A simple dusting every now and then, combined with moderate watering (allowing the soil to dry completely before rehydrating) makes for a worry-free experience. However, it’s crucial to avoid placing them in areas prone to drafts, as this can lead to unsightly brown spots on the leaves. If you’re seeking a reliable, low-light companion to brighten up your space and soothe your mood, Chinese Evergreens are an excellent choice.
When it comes to specific needs, they thrive in environments with average humidity, temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and indirect sunlight.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Ferns are a far cry from your average fern species. Native to rainforests, these epiphytes thrive on the trunks of massive trees, but they’ve also adapted well to life indoors as houseplants, reaching heights of around 18 inches. As you’d expect from their rainforest origins, they’re absolutely enamored with water – but it’s crucial not to overdo it, lest the soil become too soggy and ultimately fatal for the plant. A balanced moisture level is key.
The humidity-loving nature of Bird’s Nest Ferns also makes misting their leaves a must. For an added touch, you can place them in a tray with pebbles and water, but be cautious not to create a breeding ground for fungal diseases – if that happens, treat the plant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. On the other hand, avoid spraying insecticides directly on these plants altogether.
In terms of care, Bird’s Nest Ferns require moderate to bright lighting, no direct sunlight, and consistent watering to keep their soil evenly moist. They also thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C) and moderate humidity levels. When it comes to feeding, use a peat moss-based potting mix and fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer.
Cast-Iron Plant
The Cast-Iron Plant is renowned for its remarkable resilience, capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions. Its unique adaptation to dry soil ensures it doesn’t require excessive watering. In fact, it prefers well-draining soil with some sand content to prevent waterlogging.
Despite its robust nature, the Cast-Iron Plant is susceptible to leaf-rotting diseases when its leaves are left submerged in water. To maintain optimal health, occasional dusting of the leaves is recommended.
One of this plant’s greatest assets is its ability to withstand pests with ease, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions.
As a bonus, the Cast-Iron Plant produces delightful little purple flowers that add a touch of elegance to any room. Its compact height of 3 ft (90 cm) makes it an ideal addition to small spaces.
In terms of care, this plant requires minimal watering – allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings – and can tolerate average humidity and temperatures ranging from 50-85°F (10-29°C).
Silver Queen
The Silver Queen plant is a variant of Evergreen plants, similar to Chinese Evergreen. Despite being cold sensitive, it makes for an excellent low-maintenance houseplant option for beginners. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions means you can enjoy its unique beauty without having to worry about intense sunlight exposure.
In terms of aesthetics, the Silver Queen’s shape is truly striking and would be a wonderful addition to any home decor.
Measuring 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) in height, it’s a compact option that won’t overwhelm smaller spaces.
For optimal care, aim for a consistent level of moisture in the soil, with no need for extreme watering schedules. Average humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F/18-24°C ensure a healthy environment.
For those interested in bringing this beautiful plant home, you can find everything from seeds to pots on Amazon.
Peace Lily
For busy individuals, the Peace Lily is an ideal choice. Its remarkable adaptability to neglect makes it a perfect fit for those who tend to forget about their plants from time to time. This versatile plant can thrive even when its water supply is sporadic, providing a sense of relief for those who struggle to maintain consistent watering schedules.
In addition to its forgiving nature, the Peace Lily is also renowned for its air-purifying properties.
It’s an excellent option for homes seeking to improve indoor air quality. With its compact growth habit reaching approximately 3 feet in height, it’s an attractive and functional choice for any room.
To keep your Peace Lily happy, ensure it receives bright, indirect light, maintain the soil moisture level by keeping it evenly moist but not waterlogged, and provide good drainage to prevent root rot.
A humid environment with a relative humidity of 40% or higher and a comfortable temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) will also foster its well-being.
When it comes time for repotting, use a peat moss-based potting mix and fertilize your Peace Lily monthly during the spring and summer months to support its continued growth.
Spider Plant
While they may not have the most glamorous name, spider plants are truly a sight to behold. Their lush green foliage is accented with creamy highlights that give them a soft, velvety texture. When they produce new growth, it’s like watching a beautiful hairstyle take shape – a true marvel of nature! As low-light houseplants, they’re perfect for injecting life into even the darkest corners of your home. Many people choose to display them in hanging baskets or as a decorative accent for entryways.
However, it’s worth noting that they do require some care. To keep their leaves happy and healthy, aim for indirect sunlight – direct sunlight can be too intense and cause burning. Watering is also crucial; make sure the soil remains consistently moist. In terms of humidity and temperature, spider plants are relatively adaptable, thriving in moderate humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
If you’re looking to bring a touch of elegance to your space, consider adding one of these lovely plants to your collection.
Japanese Sedge
Japanese Sedges evoke the whimsical charm of Albert Einstein’s signature hairstyle. This ornamental grass is surprisingly low-maintenance, yet its beauty can elevate any room’s ambiance in a subtle yet effective way. Standing at around one foot tall (30 cm), Japanese Sedges are an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish addition to their home without too much fuss. It thrives in bright or partial sunlight, and its delicate nature makes it perfect for indoor spaces.
For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and maintain a humid environment with temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C). If you’re interested in bringing this lovely plant into your home, consider purchasing it on Amazon, along with any necessary soil or fertilizer supplies.
Money Low-light Houseplant
Known as Devil’s Ivy, this low-maintenance houseplant is surprisingly adaptable to a range of environments. It can thrive in conditions with minimal sunlight, making it an ideal choice for rooms that don’t receive direct light. This versatile plant is also renowned for its ability to climb, allowing it to be trained to grow up walls or trellises, making it a great addition to any room.
One of the most sought-after features of Devil’s Ivy is its remarkable air-purifying properties.
It has been shown to effectively remove carbon monoxide from the air, making it a valuable asset for improving indoor air quality.
In terms of care, this plant is relatively straightforward. It can reach heights of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), and prefers average temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). To keep it happy, simply allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and fertilize every two weeks during the spring and fall seasons.
With its low-maintenance requirements and impressive air-purifying abilities, Devil’s Ivy is a great choice for anyone looking to bring some greenery into their home.
Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern earns its distinctive name due to its uncanny resemblance to human hair. Imagine a woman’s locks after a perm, and you’ll get the idea – this delicate fern boasts a lush green foliage that thrives in conditions mimicking those of its namesake. With a penchant for indirect sunlight and infrequent watering, it’s no wonder this charming plant has captured the hearts of many.
Its compact size, ranging from 6 to 15 inches (15-38 cm) in height, makes it an ideal addition to any indoor space. Care Instructions: Light: Avoid direct sunlight by placing the fern near a window with filtered or sheer curtains. Water: Maintain consistent moisture levels by keeping the soil evenly moist. Slight neglect is acceptable, but don’t leave it too dry. Humidity: As this plant prefers moist air, ensure your home’s humidity levels are moderate to high.
You can achieve this through a humidifier or placing plants with similar needs nearby. Temperature: The ideal temperature range for the Maidenhair Fern is 60-75°F (16-24°C), making it suitable for most indoor environments. Soil: A mix of half potting mix and half peat moss provides the necessary nutrients and drainage. You can also repot annually with fresh soil. Fertilizer: Feed your fern with a balanced fertilizer every month from spring to summer, when it’s actively growing.
Availability: The Maidenhair Fern is readily available for purchase on Amazon.
Bromeliad
Bromeliads stand out for their one-of-a-kind appearance, but what’s truly remarkable is their ability to thrive in a range of environments. While they hail from the tropics, these plants are surprisingly container-friendly and can even flourish under shaded conditions or low-light settings, such as those provided by luminescent lights.
When it comes to specific needs, Bromeliads require a relatively modest level of care: they’ll grow up to 5 feet tall, prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), and appreciate humidity levels that are slightly above average. In terms of watering, aim for consistently moist soil without overwatering. If you’re interested in bringing this plant into your home, you can find it on Amazon along with suitable companion products like soil and fertilizer.