40 Alluring Low Light Indoor Plants to Give Your Living Space an Exotic Touch

When I first heard about low light indoor plants, I was amazed. Plants that don’t need sunlight? — Perfect for my cozy apartment! One cannot deny the health benefits of keeping houseplants. They improve air quality, boost mental health, and add tropical charm to the boring corners. 

For me, adding these low light plants has become the easiest way to elevate interiors without expensive renovations. 

Whether it’s your bathroom, office corner, or bedroom, these low light indoor plants can make any dull space come alive. Furthermore, in this article, I will share some amazing shade-loving houseplants that you will surely fall in love with.

15 Must-Have Low Light Indoor Plants

If you feel that finding the right blooms when your home doesn’t get a lot of sunlight is tough, you have reached the correct spot. Given below are 15 low light indoor plants that are perfect to brighten up your space.

The Prayer plant is a popular indoor flora that can be added to any living space, at any time of the year. Additionally, the genus got its name after the leaf structure, which remains flat during the day but later folds up like praying hands in the evening. The species is non-toxic to both pets and humans and requires minimal care to flourish.

Growing Conditions: Thrives in low-light areas, but can develop stunted growth in extremely dark rooms. Prefers growing in well-draining, moist soil with having rich organic mix.

This is one of the most popular low light plants, mainly planted due to its patterned foliage. Commonly known as the confetti plant or freckle face bloom, the genus is also a great terrarium plant and super easy to grow. It requires sunlight in moderation and grows best in areas having high humidity. 

Growing Conditions: Usually planted in areas having shade, these are commonly placed at east or south-facing windows where they get filtered sunlight. Requires rich organic soil with good drainage and moderate watering.

Bromeliads manage to add vibrancy to any living space and are also known as the air-purifying bedroom plant. The genus has colorful blooms and has around 80 more cultivars. Additionally, if you usually wake up with a mild headache, that might be because of low oxygen, and that is exactly why you need bromeliads in your home space. 

These are easy to care for and are mostly sown in heavy container pots.

Growing Conditions: Flourishes in bright filtered sunlight and requires fast-draining potting mix. Some species are drought-tolerant and stay vibrant in high-humidity zones.

The genus resembles a bird’s nest due to its large fronds, hence the name of the species. Also known as bathroom flora, the genus requires high-humidity areas to thrive. Primarily grown for its attractive foliage, this is one of the best low light house plants. The genus also has medicinal benefits and is often used to treat and ease labor pain.

Growing Conditions: Flourishes in low light or partial shade. Requires loose, permeable soil with rich organic matter. Watering should be done consistently, but make sure to avoid waterlogging, as the genus is susceptible to root rot.

Native to the rainforests of Colombia, this low light indoor plant has glossy, dark green leaves having white or red veins. The Nerve plant is also an excellent terrarium species and is often used as a potted house plant to elevate the home decor. 

If you are on the lookout for decor tips for the home, adding this genus can be an exceptional choice. Additionally, this is a slow-growing perennial species that thrives well in shady areas.

Growing Conditions: Nerve plant usually dislikes direct scorching sun rays and prefers growing in areas having filtered sunlight. Direct exposure to the afternoon sun can completely damage the leaves of the genus. The flora grows well in a potting soil mix with no additional demands and requires water in moderation. 

Also known as the Hoya plant, the genus bears beautiful pink flowers that are simply irresistible and also has glossy, leather-like leaves. The Wax Plant is also an ornamental hanging plant, widely used to elevate the home or office space. With star-shaped blooms often grown in clusters, this indoor bloom requires minimal care. 

Growing Conditions: The wax plant thrives best when placed in areas having low light. Direct sun exposure can damage the blooms, and the genus prefers growing in lightweight, acidic soil with moderate watering.

The Ponytail Palm is not an actual palm variety but belongs to the closely related plant family. Additionally, this low light indoor plant is a slow-growing species. If you are working from home and want to add a houseplant that does not need much attention, the ponytail palm is an ideal remote work plant. The unique palm-like appearance of the flora adds a tropical touch to any living space.

Growing Conditions: Ponytail Palm is typically an outdoor garden bloom, but when sown indoors, be sure to place it in an area having bright indirect sunlight. Grows best in sandy but organic soil with rare watering, since it is drought-tolerant.

Money tree is a fast-growing species and one of the widely known species that need no light. It is an easy-to-grow species and does not require much attention once fully grown. 

Although there are many types of money plants, this is a popular choice among homeowners who are looking for a houseplant that brings wealth and prosperity to their home. With proper care, this bloom can have a long life, elevating the aesthetics of any space. 

Growing Conditions: Place the plant where it can get a minimum of 6 hours of bright but low light exposure. Use a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly to help the species flourish.

The Radiator plant is a popular low-light hanging plant that is usually added to fill up small spaces in the house. Native to Central America and South America, this genus is easygoing and a hardy perennial. 

Since the leaves of the species can store water, it can stay hydrated for days without being watered. The cultivars of this plant are said to produce a famous kitchen condiment, black pepper, which makes the genus one of the best plants for indoors with little light. 

Growing Conditions: Grows best in areas having low light and slightly acidic but permeable soil type. The semi-succulent leaf structure of the genus makes it a drought-tolerant plant and does not require much watering.

Calathea is truly an ornamental plant that is widely appreciated for its vibrant foliage and the unique patterns it has. This plant thrives in high humidity (more than 60%), which can easily be achieved indoors via misting or placing the pot in humid spaces like the bathroom and kitchen. 

It is often believed that the genus is hard to care for due to its susceptibility to root rot. Calathea Roseopicta is the most popular low light houseplant, appreciated by both garden enthusiasts and flora lovers. 

Growing Conditions: The Calathea plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as the plant can start losing its vibrancy. Furthermore, too much or too little water can damage the roots of the genus. It requires water in moderation and grows best in a moisture-retaining potting mix. 

The Spider plant is said to be an ultimate green buddy and is liked by so many botanists and plant lovers. It is known as one of the most stylish and adaptable houseplants. Being most popular among the low sunlight plants, this genus offers a perfect blend of beauty and visual appeal. One can simply add this indoor vine plant to their living room and increase the aesthetics of their place. 

Growing Conditions: Spider plants tolerate low light and flourish in bright indirect sunlight. The genus is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and requires moderate watering only to keep the soil consistently moist. 

If you are looking for a plant that fixes the indoor air quality during summer, Pothos is an easy-going, low-light indoor plant. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice plant lover, this herbaceous perennial is an incredible option to elevate the overall vibe of the living space. Native to China, the variegated leaves of the plant make it a center of attraction. 

Growing Conditions: Pothos can thrive in low light conditions. Exposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves of the plant. Watering is only needed when the soil is completely dry, and it grows best in well-draining soil mixed with peat moss. 

Snake plant is a versatile addition to any living space. It instantly uplifts the vibe of the whole space. Native to West Africa, this is an easy-to-care-for genus. With a striking appearance, the cultivar has upright sword-like leaves and has air purifying qualities, which makes it an ideal bedroom plant. The alluring and variegated leaves of the genus add a minimalistic touch to any living space. 

Growing Conditions: Snake plant is a drought-tolerant species; therefore requires less watering. Being one of the best low light plants, the species grows well in filtered sunlight. Exposure to scorching sunlight can fade the leaves. Use a well-draining potting mix having sandy or loamy soil for the overall development of the plant. 

Staghorn Fern is a slow-growing showpiece plant. It is an epiphytic plant, which means that it is not a parasite but rather needs a host plant or object to grow on. The leaves of the genus resemble deer antlers and purify the air by eliminating toxins. Additionally, the genus is mainly planted due to its ornamental value and requires minimal care.

Growing Conditions: Flourishes in low light but can also handle sunlight if kept in a humid area. Since it is a host plant, there are no specific soil requirements; it simply requires peat moss or a lump of organic compost at the base. Regulating watering should be done during the initial growth stages.

English Ivy, botanically known as Hedera helix, is an evergreen perennial plant that requires very minimal sunlight. Once fully grown, the leaves of the genus offer a trailing effect. 

Being one of the alluring plants that don’t need sunlight, it can be grown as a houseplant or planted outdoors, near the entrance as well. The leaves of the English Ivy can spread like a ground cover, which makes it a useful cover for fences, walls, or other structures. 

Growing Conditions: Similar to many indoor plants, the English Ivy also requires partial shade to survive. Exposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves of the genus. Watering should be done in moderation, only to keep the soil moist. 

By exploring all the above-mentioned blooms, you must have realized that you don’t need a sun-drenched room to enjoy lush green plants. These 15 indoor plants for low light are not only easy to care for, but also become an eye-catching element of the space.

10 Popular Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight

Isn’t it astonishing how some plants thrive even without direct sunlight! If you have been waiting to level up the dim corners of your home, these 10 popular plants are your perfect companions. They are hardy, beautiful, and super low-maintenance.

Plant Name	Image	Description	Growth Needs
Cast Iron Plant		The Cast Iron Plant is a popular houseplant, known for its toughness and ability to thrive in any condition. Its dark green, glossy leaves add elegance to any indoor space.	It loves low light, needs moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry up before the next watering session, and grows best in well-draining soil.
Peace Lily		Peace Lily is a graceful plant with shiny leaves and elegant white blooms. The plant is famous for its air-purifying qualities.	The genus thrives in low to medium sunlight, prefers consistently moist soil (not soggy), and grows best in rich, organic potting mix.
Maidenhair Fern		Maidenhair is a delicate plant with soft, feathery fronds that bring a fresh feel to any living space.	It prefers low to medium indirect light, needs consistently moist soil, and thrives in a rich organic mix with good humidity.
ZZ Plant		ZZ plant is a hardy, low-maintenance indoor plant that can survive for days without sunlight. The beautiful fronds of the plant add elegance to the indoor space.	It does well in low light and does not require much watering. Prefers growing in dry, sandy soil type.
Heartleaf Philodendron		This is known to be the best low-light hanging plant. Since it requires minimal care, it is a perfect indoor plant for beginners.	Requires minimal sun exposure and water only once in two weeks. It can be grown in a variety of soil conditions.
Anthurium		Anthurium is a tropical houseplant having heart-shaped leaves. The genus is said to symbolize love and the feeling of welcome.	The stunning blooms of the plant flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. Soil texture should be consistently moist but not soggy.
Chinese Evergreen		The Chinese Evergreen bears glossy, oval-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors.	Being an excellent shade plant, it can survive in low-light areas for days. Deep watering is needed once a week to keep the soil moist.
Swiss Cheese Plant		The Swiss Cheese Plant is an iconic, hole-filled leaf species that manages to add tropical charm to any home space.	It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Watering is only needed when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry.
Silver Pothos		Silver Pothos is a low-light trailing houseplant. Perfect for houses with dim lights and high humidity levels.	Pothos, in general, is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal sunlight. Do not overwater to avoid root rot.
Dragon Tree		Dragon Tree is an eye-catching houseplant that has spiky green leaves with a red line on the edge. It is a slow-growing evergreen plant.	Prefers a permeable soil type with moderate watering. Grows best in partial shade.

Now, you probably know that sunlight isn’t always a must for a thriving plant. These 10 alluring species can elevate the overall look and vibe of your home without demanding much. You simply need to choose a low-light indoor plant that matches the aesthetics of your space, and everything else is sorted!

15 Best Indoor Houseplants For Low Light

If you are looking for smart ways to elevate your home decor, I have mentioned below some astonishing houseplants that don’t require much sunlight and can even thrive with minimal attention. 

Plant Name	Image	Description	Growth Needs
Wax Begonia		Begonia plants are known to be the most eye-catching and ornamental houseplants. Wax Begonia specifically helps purify indoor air.	The green-leaved varieties of this plant do not tolerate much sunlight and grow well in peat-based potting mix. Watering is only needed when the soil feels dry.
Corn Plant		The corn plant is an African evergreen that usually has a thick stem and narrow, upright leaves. It is also called False Palm sometimes.	Prefers growing in bright indirect sunlight. Make sure to plant the species in a well-draining potting mix and do not overwater.
Parlor Palm		Parlor Palm is one of the most commonly found low light indoor plants. These are mainly used to decorate the entryway or hallway.	Place the plant in areas having filtered sunlight. Use a peat-based, permeable soil mix and do not overwater the genus.
Yucca Cane		Yucca Cane is a perennial houseplant. It is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant species and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.	It can survive for days in a dark space. Required medium to low watering, only to keep the soil moist. Naturally prefers growing in sandy soil.
Dieffenbachia		This is an easy-going houseplant that thrives in almost any room. Also known as dumb cane, the genus has air-purifying qualities.	Do not provide full sun exposure, as it can damage the variegated leaves. Grows well in permeable potting mix with rich organic matter and moderate watering.
Arrowhead Vine		The Arrowhead Vine is a fast-growing climbing plant. Keep the genus away from pets, as its leaves are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.	Grows best in bright, filtered sunlight, in a loamy pot mix having rich nutrients. The species does not require much watering, only to keep the soil moist.
Bird of Paradise		This genus is known to be nature’s masterpiece. It has bird-in-flight shaped blooms, making it an eye-catching element in any space.	Although it is a low-light indoor plant, it can tolerate a few hours of direct sun exposure. The plant grows well in moist soil but can die due to overwatering.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree		The canopy-like structure of the plant is why it is called an Umbrella tree. With shiny dark green leaves, the plant adds tropical charm to any space.	Ideally grown near a window where it can get filtered sunlight. Does not require much watering and thrives in a permeable soil type.
Inch Plant		Also known as the Zebra plant or Silver Inch plant, the genus has vibrant foliage. These are mostly planted in hanging baskets, elevating the look of the balcony garden.	The main requirement of the genus is a good quality fertilizer to avoid pest infestation. It thrives in filtered sunlight with adequate watering and moist potting mix.
Lucky Bamboo		This is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance houseplant. Although the stems of the genus look like bamboo, it is not related to the real bamboo plant.	Lucky bamboo is popular for its low-light survival ability. It is either grown in water or sunlight. Permeable soil type or distilled water works best.
String of Hearts		This is a whimsical, low-light hanging plant. The leaves of the plant are heart-shaped, hence the name.	Feed them with balanced water, permeable sandy soil, and place the container in areas where it can get bright indirect light.
Lipstick Plant		This is a popular evergreen perennial houseplant. It received its name because the tubular-shaped blooms resemble a lipstick tube.	Place the pot in a low-light area. Make sure the soil is sandy and moist. Do not overwater, as the genus is susceptible to root rot.
Stromanthe Triostar		This is a tropical cultivar of the prayer plant. With stunning foliage, it is liked by both gardeners and novice plant lovers.	Thrives in warm, humid conditions with indirect but bright sunlight. The soil shouldn’t be too soggy; be sure to use permeable soil with rich nutrients.
Aglaonema Wishes		This is one of the most durable indoor plants that requires minimal care. It can even survive under artificial light.	Grows best in high-humidity areas and requires soil with good drainage. Do not overwater to prevent root rot.
Baby Rubber Plant		Among many plant enthusiasts, this is a popular houseplant choice due to its glossy rubber rubber-textured leaves. It is mostly grown because of its low-maintenance qualities.	The variegated leaves of the plant often get damaged when exposed to bright sunlight. Be sure to place the pot near an east-facing window. With moderate watering and permeable soil, the rubber baby plant will surely flourish.

Now that you have a list of 40 exquisite indoor plants that do not require much sunlight, you can simply choose the one that suits the vibe of your home space. Enjoy lush greenery in your bedroom, bathroom, or even in the kitchen without having any second thoughts!

Ideal Growing Conditions for Indoor Low Light Houseplants

Initially, I thought that growing flowers in low light could be tricky, but with the right conditions, they will thrive beautifully. Most low light plants are hardy and adapt well to minimal sunlight. Here are the key factors like light, water, soil, and humidity that helped me keep my houseplants healthy and vibrant.

• Light Requirements: Low light indoor plants prefer indirect or filtered rays. The foliage of such houseplants can get damaged when kept under direct sunlight. Place the pot near north or east-facing windows or at corners having ambient light. 

• Watering Needs: Avoid overwatering. Most low-light plants like the soil slightly dry and are susceptible to root rot. Make sure to adjust the frequency between each watering session. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering. 

• Soil Type: A well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. A mix of potting soil, perlite, peat moss, and organic compost works best for the genus. 

• Ideal Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 16-24 degrees Celsius. Keep the bloom away from cold shafts and heating vents. Moderate humidity is ideal. Be sure to mist your houseplant occasionally, especially if it is a tropical species. 

When you give your low light indoor plants the right growing environment, they reward you with vibrant growth. These small upgrades to improve the life of the indoor plants can make your space a more inviting environment. Even in dim spaces, a little care goes a long way.

Pests and Diseases That Can Affect the Low Light Interior Plants

Though the plants that don’t require much sunlight are said to be hardy and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, they aren’t completely safe from pests and diseases. I have learned that the right care guide helps, but it’s still important to know some common issues that can affect the health of your plants.

1. Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause yellowing leaves. You may have come across fine webbing on the back side of the leaves. Consider wiping it with a damp cloth and using insecticidal soap.

2. Mealybugs: Ever noticed white cotton-like insects that suck plant sap and stunt growth? Mealybugs can be removed manually with alcohol-soaked cotton and by applying insecticidal soap.

3. Aphids: These are small green, black, or white bugs that weaken the stems by sucking all the important nutrients. Use mild soapy water or horticulture oil to get rid of them. 

4. Sooty Mold: This is a non-parasitic black fungus that is usually secreted by sap-sucking insects like aphids and whiteflies. To stop this pest infestation, you simply need to spray insecticidal solution on the leaves. 

5. Fungus Gnats: These are commonly known as houseflies or mosquitoes, and mostly happen due to overwatering or stagnant water in the pots. 

6. Root Rot: If you notice the base stem of your houseplant getting soft and black, it is likely suffering root rot. Make sure to treat this as soon as possible, as it can damage the whole species.

Make sure to isolate the affected genus so that other plants don’t catch the disease. Provide the right amount of water, sunlight, and other nutrients to keep your green babies healthy and avoid any kind of infestation. 

Conclusion

When I first started adding these tropical indoor plants to my living room, I was doubtful about their care needs. To my relief, each genus only required basic growing conditions, and once fully matured, they rewarded me with an exotic look in my home. 

As a novice plant lover, you simply need to keep a check on pest infestation, and your green baby is all good to go! Providing the right amount of sunlight, water, and using the accurate potting mix can help them thrive. These low light indoor plants are not only visually appealing, but they also have many valuable benefits that are undeniable.