Many homes have rooms with little sun. North-facing windows or corners far from light create shade. You can still grow plants there. These picks handle dim spots well. They add green and fresh air without much work. Pick ones that fit your space. Start small if you are new to this.
What Counts as Low Light?
Low light means indirect or filtered sun. Think rooms with no direct beams. North windows give this. Areas behind curtains or in hallways count too. Plants here get 1-3 hours of soft light a day. They grow slower but stay healthy. Avoid full dark. Some light helps all plants.
Top Low-Light Plants for Easy Growth
Here are 12 plants that do well in shade. Each has simple care needs. They come from forest floors or dim wild spots. Grow them in pots with drain holes. Use soil that holds water but drains fast.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This plant has thick, shiny green leaves. It stores water in roots. ZZ handles dry air and forgetful watering. It cleans air by pulling out toxins. Great for desks or shelves.
- Water every 2-3 weeks when soil is dry.
- Likes average room temps, 65-75°F.
- Grows 1-3 feet tall.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth monthly.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Tall, sword-like leaves stand straight. Varieties have green or yellow edges. It turns CO2 to oxygen at night. Good for bedrooms. Thrives on neglect.
- Water every 2-4 weeks.
- Temps 60-85°F.
- Reaches 2-4 feet.
- Cut brown tips with scissors.
Link to our guide on common plant diseases and fixes for tip care.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Vining stems trail from pots. Heart leaves are green or speckled. It climbs or hangs. Roots easy in water. Fits bathrooms or bookshelves.
- Water when top inch of soil dries.
- 65-80°F range.
- Trails 6-10 feet.
- Trim long vines to shape.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
White blooms look like flags. Dark green leaves droop when thirsty—a water sign. It likes humid spots. Blooms in shade.
- Keep soil moist but not wet.
- 65-80°F, high humidity.
- Grows 1-4 feet.
- Blooms last weeks; deadhead spent ones.
See our winter plant care tips for indoor houseplants for humidity boosts.
Philodendron
Broad leaves on climbing or upright stems. Some have splits. It purifies air. Place on tables or let climb walls.
- Water weekly in summer, less in winter.
- 65-75°F.
- 1-6 feet depending on type.
- Stake tall stems.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Oval leaves in green, silver, or pink. Slow grower. Handles dry homes. Good for offices under fluorescents.
- Water when top soil dries.
- 65-75°F, low humidity ok.
- 1-3 feet tall.
- Rotate for even growth.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Tough dark green leaves. Earned name from hardiness. Fits basements or halls.
- Water every 2 weeks.
- 50-75°F, very forgiving.
- 2 feet tall.
- Dust leaves yearly.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Feathery fronds like a small tree. Adds height to corners. Prefers moist soil.
- Water to keep even moisture.
- 65-80°F, mist for humidity.
- 3-6 feet.
- Brown tips mean dry air.
Link to best planters for indoor gardens for palm pots.
Calathea
Patterned leaves in greens and purples. Folds at night. Needs steady moisture.
- Water with distilled; keep damp.
- 65-75°F, high humidity.
- 1-2 feet.
- Use pebble tray for moisture.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Trailing vines with lobed leaves. Climbs or drapes. Likes cool spots.
- Water when dry; avoid soggy.
- 50-70°F.
- Trails 6-20 feet.
- Prune to control spread.
From recent guides, ivy tops 2025 lists for humid baths.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Wavy green fronds in a rosette. Loves steam. Place in kitchens.
- Keep soil moist.
- 60-75°F, high humidity.
- 1-2 feet wide.
- No direct sun.
Haworthia
Small succulent rosettes. Spiky tips. Fits windowsills.
- Water sparingly, like cactus.
- 60-80°F.
- 3-5 inches tall.
- Good drainage key.
For more succulents, check easy-to-grow succulents for beginners.
General Care Tips for Low-Light Plants
These plants share needs. Match your home setup.
- Soil: Use potting mix with perlite for drainage.
- Watering: Check soil first. Overwatering kills more than dry spells.
- Humidity: Group plants or use trays with pebbles and water.
- Fertilizer: Feed half-strength every 4-6 weeks in spring-fall.
- Pests: Watch for mealybugs. Wipe with soap water.
Link to organic pest control for potted plants for fixes.
For pots, try our DIY plant stand projects under 30 dollars.
Where to Place Low-Light Plants in Your Home
- Living room corners: ZZ or cast iron for height.
- Bathrooms: Ferns or ivy for steam.
- Offices: Pothos or Chinese evergreen under lights.
- Bedrooms: Snake plant for night oxygen.
See grow herbs indoors successfully guide for kitchen ties.
Answers to Common Questions
Can Low-Light Plants Purify Air?
Yes. Peace lily and snake plant remove benzene and formaldehyde. Pothos filters too. Place near vents for best effect.
Do They Need Grow Lights?
Most do not. But if no windows, use full-spectrum bulbs 12 hours a day.
How Often to Repot?
Every 1-2 years. Look for roots circling the pot. Our signs your plant needs repotting helps spot it.
Best for Pets?
Choose non-toxic like spider plant. Avoid philodendron if cats chew.
What If Leaves Yellow?
Too much water or low humidity. Adjust and trim.
More on common signs of overwatering plants.
Final Thoughts
Start with two plants. Watch how they do. Adjust water based on your room. These greens make dim spaces feel alive. Share your picks in comments. For soil tips, read best soil mixes for houseplants.
