If you’ve ever felt like your apartment or home is just too dark to support any plant life, you’re in luck! There are many plants that thrive in low light, making them perfect companions for those hard-to-reach corners or rooms with small windows. Not only do they add a touch of green to your space, but they also help improve air quality and create a calming ambiance. Let’s dive into our top picks for the best low light indoor plants and why they should be your next plant purchase.
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1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos Houseplant
Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
Pothos is a go-to choice for anyone looking to add greenery to a low-light space. It’s not only super easy to care for, but its trailing vines make it a versatile decorative plant. Place it on a shelf or let it cascade down a hanging basket.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s tolerant of neglect, making it great for busy individuals.
2. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Snake Plant
Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Snake plants are famous for their resilience, and they’re one of the best options for low-light spaces. With their tall, upright leaves and unique patterns, they add a modern touch to any room.
- Light Needs: Low to bright, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Let the soil dry out completely before watering. Overwatering is its enemy.
3. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen
Scientific Name: Aglaonema
The Chinese Evergreen is another fantastic plant for low light. With its lush, bushy foliage and varied leaf patterns, it can add a tropical vibe to any space. Plus, it’s one of the most durable indoor plants around.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. It’s relatively pest-free and thrives even if you miss a watering or two.
4. Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum
Peace Lilies are a popular choice for their beautiful, white blooms and glossy green leaves. They can flower even in low light, making them a great option for those looking to add a bit of elegance to their homes.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. It’s a great indicator plant – if it droops, it’s time to water!
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant
Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The ZZ Plant is nearly indestructible and a great fit for low-light spaces. Its shiny, waxy leaves can withstand neglect and are known to tolerate periods of drought.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Water thoroughly but infrequently. This plant doesn’t like to be overwatered and prefers its soil to dry out.
6. Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Spider Plants are one of the most adaptable houseplants, and they thrive in low light. With their cascading leaves and “spiderette” offshoots, they’re both fun to look at and easy to grow.
- Light Needs: Low to bright, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Water regularly but don’t let it sit in water. It appreciates some humidity, so mist it occasionally.
7. Cast Iron Plant
Cast Iron Plant
Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is tough and durable. It can handle a variety of conditions, including low light, and it’s great for those who may be forgetful with watering.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. This plant is pretty forgiving, so don’t stress about a missed watering session.
8. Philodendron
Philodendron
Scientific Name: Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are versatile, low-maintenance plants with a variety of shapes and colors. They do well in low light and come in both trailing and upright forms, making them perfect for any space.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Let the soil dry out between waterings. They’re generally easy-going, making them great for beginners.
9. Dracaena
Dracaena
Scientific Name: Dracaena spp.
Dracaenas come in many varieties and can tolerate low light and low humidity. Their upright growth and sword-like leaves give them a striking appearance, making them a great focal point in a room.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Water when the top of the soil is dry. They’re sensitive to fluoride, so using filtered water is a good idea.
10. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Fern
Scientific Name: Adiantum spp.
If you want something a bit different, the Maidenhair Fern is a beautiful choice. Though ferns are often associated with high humidity, this variety can still thrive in low-light, indoor spaces if given proper care.
- Light Needs: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It appreciates higher humidity, so misting or a nearby humidifier helps.
Benefits of Low Light Plants
- Air Purification: Many of these plants help filter and clean the air in your home.
- Stress Relief: Having greenery indoors has been linked to reduced stress and increased happiness.
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for busy individuals or those without a green thumb.
FAQs
Q: Can I place low light plants in total darkness?
A: Not exactly. “Low light” means indirect or filtered light. Even these plants need some light to survive, but they don’t require direct sunlight.
Q: How often should I water low light plants?
A: It varies from plant to plant. Generally, allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering, but avoid letting them sit in water to prevent root rot.
Q: Can these plants survive in an office environment?
A: Absolutely! Most of these plants are perfect for low-light office spaces, especially those with fluorescent lighting.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need a bright, sunny home to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants. These ten low-light-loving plants can transform even the dimmest corners into vibrant green spaces. With their easy-going nature and attractive foliage, they’re sure to make any room feel more lively and refreshing.
Top 10 Best Low Light Indoor Plants
