If your home gets little natural light and you think a lush jungle oasis is out of reach, think again. While plants like aloe vera or jade might not do well in dimly lit rooms, the best low-light indoor plants, like pothos and peace lilies, can still flourish in your home.
The best low-light indoor plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
While low-light houseplants are generally considered lower maintenance, they do have specific needs. For instance, these plants typically thrive in spaces with modest amounts of direct or indirect sunlight—ideally in east- or west-facing rooms. If you have a room with no windows or just a single north-facing window, you can still add a plant to the space—simply invest in a special grow light to help it thrive. And remember, even low-light indoor plants require regular watering. Below, you’ll find the very best low-light indoor plants to brighten up the dimmest of spaces, along with expert tips and recommendations.
Best Low-Light Indoor Plants
Light: Low to bright indirect light | Water: Once a week (or when 50 to 75% of the soil is dry)
Pros:
- Safe for dogs
- Can thrive in various levels of light
Cons:
- Tips of leaves can dry out and shrivel
- While nontoxic for cats, the plant has a mildly hallucinogenic effect on felines
“Whether you’re an expert gardener or just looking to add greenery to your space, spider plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for,” says Rebecca Sears, chief marketing officer and resident green thumb at Ferry-Morse Seed Company. “While full sun is ideal for most plants, spider plants thrive in low-light conditions and require watering only once a week.”
Even better, spider plants are resilient and hard to kill. The tips of their long leaves can dry out and shrivel if neglected, but the plants themselves are more likely to become overgrown than to die off. “Spider plants can grow vigorously when placed in the right spot,” says PlantIn gardening expert Melvin Cubian. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: “Consider pruning the little plant babies, or spiderettes, and giving them to a friend or planting them yourself,” he advises.
Light: Low to bright | Water: Once every two weeks (or when the soil feels completely dry)
Pros:
- Can survive in any level of light
- Requires infrequent waterings
Cons:
- Mildly toxic to pets
- Prone to root rot
Snake plants are widely recognized as one of the most low-maintenance and resilient houseplants. “This plant actually thrives in low light, preferring partial shade or very shady conditions,” says Sears. However, it’s crucial to provide the right soil conditions for optimal growth. “The soil’s pH is vital to the health of your snake plant, as it prefers soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0,” she explains. “If you need help determining your soil’s pH level, a soil testing kit can provide results in just a few minutes.”
Lively Root
Lively Root Golden Pothos Plant
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