These Low-Light Houseplants Can Survive Even the Darkest Corner
These indoor varieties are perfect for gardening beginners. Our top ten low-light houseplants thrive in unexpected conditions and are super easy to grow.
Peacock Plant (Calathea)
Its patterned and colorful leaves makes this plant a lovely addition to any room – it grows well in medium to low light and requires consistent moisture for best performance.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The Dumb Cane plant is a fan favorite – happy with standard potting soil, average home temperatures, and average humidity. This plant’s leaves are variegated in greens and cream colors and can reach a height of up to 5 feet.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Dragon Tree is another plant that is near impossible to kill. Direct sunlight and over-watering is not something the Dracaena Marginata takes well to.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Hands down, this is one of the most popular house plants and is extremely easy to grow. It actually can stand up to a lot of neglect, and will thrive in indirect sunlight.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
This sweetheart of a plant can thrive indoors year-round without complaint, but they do enjoy an occasional stay outdoors in a shady spot when the weather permits.
Bromeliads
This tropical houseplant can actually survive on fluorescent light alone and thrives in humid conditions like bathrooms. A small Bromeliad on a vanity can add life to any bathroom!
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This popular, shade-loving house plant is SUPER low-maintenance and actually needs to dry out between waterings. It re-blooms several times a year and is extremely easy to grow.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen can make even the novice “indoor gardener” look like an expert. This tropical foliage plant is one of the most durable houseplants you can grow, tolerating poor light, dry air, and drought.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Caring for the Snake Plant is very straightforward. These plants can be neglected for weeks at a time; yet, with their stripy leaves and architectural shape, they still look fresh. Additionally, they can survive low light levels, drought and have few insect problems. Now, that’s our kind of plant!
Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron plant is one of the easiest house plants to care for. While this species does prefer bright light, it survives well in shaded spots and rooms lacking natural light. Really, the only way to harm this guy is by over-watering or re-potting too often.
Happy Planting!
For more inspiration, follow our Happy House Plants Pinterest board!
Thank you for these great ideas! Where are those big beautiful pots from with the wooden stand? So lovely!
I was looking for them too! Found the original pic here that linked sources. The pots are from West Elm.
https://www.suburban-bees.com/one-room-challenge-back-black-dining-room-reveal/
I have the pits on the stands got them at Target..
Fantastic. Thank you
Cost Plus carries the pots as well.
I saw those pots with wooden stands at TJMaxx recently.
Is the snake plant commonly known as mothering laws tongue
Yes, it is!
Mother-in-law’s tongue
I thought it was mother-in-law! Haha
I think that plant is a noxious weed here in Qld?
No, it’s not a noxious weed anywhere!
It’s actually “mother-in-laws tongue”
Actually the term is Mothers in law.
Its Mother In Law’s Tongue.
I know it as mother-in-law’s tongue. Whoever named it that was obviously thinking in derogatory terms (tongue in cheek though, hopefully).
Mother-in-laws toungue I always knew it by!
Yes, but I believe that’s actually “mother-in-law’s tongue,” probably named because of its sharp shape.
Yes
Mother-in-Laws Tongue
It’s also referred to in some parts of the world as Hen & Chicken!
Sanseveria is the Latin name for it. In the states referred to as snake plant in Great Britain referred to as mother in law tongue.
Yes it is!
Why do the leaves on my Peace Lilly turn black? Even the new leaves turn black. What’s wrong with them?
Too much or not enough water , try turning the pot every time you water
My peace lily blooms in small leaves and the dies
How often do you water the Snake Plant indoors?
My neighbor lavender plant gets real big mines don’t and I don’t smell it help
Are these your pics? If so, could you post the sources of the awesome pots? Especially The snake plant and the dumb cane!!!
Wayfair. The pots are at wayfair
Thanks for sending posts of plants with their Botanical names
You’re welcome!
Hello, where can I get seeds for theses plants. Thank You. Robert
I have a snake plant that I have 4 a long time. It’s dieing from the bottom down. I had 2 pull 1 out. What do I need 2 do 4 the other snake plants won’t die? Thank u!
Try re potting in a bigger pot also try a clay pot
Why a clay pot?
I’m not sure if this is the reason she suggested it, but I’ve read that unglazed clay pots offer more drainage because they absorb some of the water. If your plants are rotting from the bottom up, it might be because they’re sitting in too much moisture.
I have a very small powder room with no windows, barely any light, none when the door is closed & electric lights off.
Is there any plant, especially a hanging one, that could survive in these conditions?
Hi Carol! We would suggest maybe trying succulents or air plants!
Succulents need lots of sunlight. Snake plant would be the only choice, the darker leaves the better.
Definately do not use succulents unless they are fake. Succulents need very bright light. Try a snake plant or dragon tree. Both of those do well in low light.
Are any of these plants dangerous to pets?
Many plants and flowers can be dangerous to pets. We would advise doing more research on your end.
That is why I asked the question.
Peace lilies are highly toxic to pets as well as several on this list.
really?! That stinks because I wanted a peace lily so bad! Just got a new puppy. Thanks for letting us know.
I have many toxic plants, which most indoor plants are. My dog isn’t interested in any of them. I believe animals are smarter than we are when it comes to what they will put in their mouth.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
This is a good link to find if things are poisonous for your pets.
The above link is for cats and from there, I found the dogs. Thanks, Maddie!
For the dogs:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
Great pictures! The first plant is a Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ though, not a peacock plant, Calathea.
Hi Lisa! Thanks for the heads up!
Actually that is a peacock plant, triostar stromanthe have a completely different pattern.
I own 3 peacock plants!
Included a link about triostar stromanthe.
Excellent. I’ve geen looking fir such a list for a year. I moved last year and I’ve only got a northern exposure. There’s a half-hour direct sunlight shortly after dawn and that’s it for the day.
Hi James, glad we could help! 🙂
Off to get a snake plant
Great News !!
How about a prayer plant which has small round pink blooms ? My grew real large outside this summer and I am trying to keep it large and pretty
Prayer plants are becoming increasingly popular! The prayer plant does require high humidity to thrive, since it is a tropical, but does not need direct sunlight. Thanks for reading Linda!
I have a Prayer Plant in my bathroom. My bathroom window is shaded, so not a lot of light. The plant does very well.
Awesome to hear Phyllis!
I have a Chinese Evergreen still in it’s original pot, growing, but bottom leaves keep dying. Should I repot it to bigger pot?
Hi Barbara. Yes, many plants will benefit definitely from being moved into pots about 10 to 20 percent larger than their current homes, every two years or so.
Love this website, I worked for a plant company and loved it until my back& hip got bad, I had to quick the job I loved. That was 18 years ago. It’s ok God is faithful.
Thanks for reading Cindy! Glad you are doing well !
I’ve successfully killed all of these except the peace lily… so far. 😩
Plant of Steel is a very good one!
Great post! Thank you 🙂
Thanks so much for reading Tin! Glad you enjoyed it!
Gresat article! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared
around the web. Shame on Google for no loner positioning this put up higher!
Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
Thanks so much for reading!!
Are any of those plants dangerous to cats if they nibble on them?
Yes, some of these plants can have negative affects on cats/dogs. When looking for a plant be sure to do your research before purchasing, there are tons of non-toxic plants out there!
Very nice write-up. I absolutely appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!