28 Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home (2024)

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No sunlight, no problem—these houseplants can thrive in the shade

Jon VanZile

Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines.

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Annie Burdick

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Updated on 08/10/23

Reviewed by

Debra LaGattuta

Reviewed byDebra LaGattuta

Debra LaGattuta is a Master Gardener with 30+ years of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. She is a lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Debra is a member of The Spruce Garden Review Board.

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28 Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home (3)

Lighting conditions can be a challenge for the indoor gardener, but luckily there are plenty of low-light-loving indoor plants to choose from if you don't have an abundance of sunny windowsills.

Low-light houseplants will likely do fine in an east- or west-facing room that has a window or two, even if they receive no direct sunshine. But a room with no windows or a single north-facing window will make it difficult for even the most shade-tolerant plants. In that situation, you can help your plants by turning on artificial lights for a few hours each day.

Here are 28 low-light indoor plants that will do well, even if your windows don't provide bright light.

01 of 28
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Grown in either water or soil, lucky bamboo plants are suitable plants for offices and homes. They often have sculptural or braided stalks dotted with little green leaves. An important element of feng shui practice, lucky bamboo plants are said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants were received as gifts. It also helps that they have a well-earned reputation as being nearly indestructible. Lucky bamboo prefers some light but will gladly thrive in nearly full-shade locations. Just make sure they aren't located near drafty areas in your home. Keep them away from pets because they do have toxic properties.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 5 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide (indoors)
- Difficulty: Low-maintenance
02 of 28
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is one of the most adaptable and easy-to-grow houseplants. It is so-named because the plant's star-shaped flowers evolve into spider-like green offshoots, or spiderettes, which dangle down from the parent plant's long, slender green leaves like spiders on a web. Spider plants can be grown as hanging or trailing plants in baskets or pots. They will survive for a long time in less-than-ideal light conditions, including artificial light. Make sure to water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green or variegated foliage
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low-maintenance
03 of 28
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

See Also
How to Care for Indoor Plants: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow 11 Super HousePlants With Health Benefits 12 Low-Maintenance Houseplants Even Beginners Can Keep Alive 10 low-maintenance houseplants you are very unlikely to kill

Golden pothos can thrive in conditions in which almost no other plants can grow, including very low light and a near-complete lack of water. It is one of the most popularhouseplants, thanks to its attractive, durable, and easy-to-grow vines with smooth, leathery, heart-shaped leaves. Some varieties have leaves with distinctive marbling alternating along rope-like green stems. Be sure to loosen and dust the vines every so often to prevent them from becoming a tangled mess. Long stems respond well to trimming to keep them at a manageable length and encourage branching. Keep the plant away from pets because they are toxic.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green or variegated foliage
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 20 to 40 feet long, 3 to 6 feet wide
- Difficulty: Low-maintenance
04 of 28
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Sansevieria species are some of the best low-light indoor plants you can grow and they require very little maintenance. They are striking in appearance because they grow thick sword-like green leaves that can grow up to eight feet tall. The snake plant, also called mother-in-law's tongue, is a very long-lived plant that can thrive for decades. It prefers to grow in partial shade but can tolerate quite shady conditions as well. And make sure not to overwater it, especially if it's not in direct sunlight that dries out the soil. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant. Note that the snake plant is toxic to pets.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Deep green foliage with a striped edge and gray-green markings
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 12 feet tall
- Difficulty: Low-maintenance
Watch Now: How to Take Care of a Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's Tongue)
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05 of 28
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn ferns are epiphytic, meaning they grow naturally on other plants instead of in soil. Their distinct green leaves can grow large and tend to look like deer antlers. As a houseplant, they can grow mounted on wooden boards, making them beautiful natural art pieces. They prefer shady spots and can burn in direct sunlight. Be sure to allow them to dry out between waterings.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Full shade
- Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Expert
06 of 28
English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy can spread as a ground cover outdoors, but as a low-light indoor plant, it simply offers a beautiful trailing effect of small and dainty green leaves. Indoors, place your English ivy in a location that receives indirect light. Be sure to mist the plant to maintain adequate humidity, and keep it in a cool room at night if possible (ideally around 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Be careful where grow English ivy because it's toxic to humans and pets.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Dark green
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: Climbs and spreads as much as possible
- Difficulty: Needy (indoors)
07 of 28
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast iron plants have a well-deserved reputation as being indestructible houseplants. They are handsome plants, though, with large and arching deep green glossy leaves. They can tolerate all kinds of neglect, including a lack of light and water. But ideally, you should water them when you stick your finger in the soil and it feels dry. In terms of light, keep them away from direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. A north-facing window is ideal.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Dark green
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
- Difficulty: Low-maintenance
08 of 28
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are popular low-light indoor plants that also can tolerate neglect. They produce large dark green leaves and bloom with a rare elegant white flower or two every so often. What they do need is ample water or else the foliage will wilt. However, watering will usually perk up wilted foliage. These shade-loving plants should be placed somewhere that receives indirect light. Keep the plant away from children and pets because they are toxic.
- Leaf and Flower Color Varieties: Dark green foliage, white flowers
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide (indoors)
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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09 of 28
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)

The maidenhair fern has small, delicate, fan-shaped leaves clustered on dark stems. It’s a popular low-light indoor plant that adds a pop of green to a space. But these ferns do need consistently moist, but not soggy, soil to thrive. They also like a warm, humid environment, along with a location that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Medium green foliage
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Needy
10 of 28
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance houseplant that can technically survive even without natural sunlight. Thus, you’ll find it in many windowless offices. You can't miss it thanks to the plant's shiny, wide, oval-shaped leaves that grow upward.However, the plant does best with bright, indirect light. These plants also can tolerate drought well and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Keep them away from children and pets because the plants are toxic.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Dark green
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
11 of 28
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Philodendrons are popular houseplants due to their ease of care and ability to add a jungle-like vibe to a space with their long green vines and heart-shaped leaves. Be sure to regularly dust the vines to keep them looking their best. In terms of light, a window that receives bright but indirect sunlight is ideal indoors. These plants can tolerate low-light settings but might experience leggy stem growth with sparse foliage. Keep philodendrons away from children and pets because the plants are toxic.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 10 to 20 feet tall; 3 to 6 feet spread
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
12 of 28
Anthurium (Anthurnium spp.)

Anthurium, also called the flamingo flower, is a genus of tropical plants with bright flowers and lush foliage. These plants can be grown indoors in high humidity and consistently moist but not soggy soil. A location that receives bright, indirect light is best. Direct sun can burn the leaves. Keep these plants away from children and pets due to their toxic nature.
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, pink, or white flowers
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 12 to 18 inches tall, 9 to 12 inches wide
- Difficulty: Expert
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13 of 28
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

The Chinese evergreen features oval, glossy green leaves on short stems. These plants do well in shade, making them excellent low-light indoor plants. Place them out of direct sunlight as it can burn the foliage. If you are growing a variegated variety, it will need bright, indirect light to produce the best color. But all varieties can survive in shady conditions.Keep pets away from this plant because it is toxic.
See Also
Low-maintenance indoor plants: our top 10 - Plantura
- Leaf Color Varieties: Dark green to silver foliage
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
14 of 28
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

The Swiss cheese plant, also known as the split-leaf philodendron, grows large, leathery, green leaves with notable perforations in its leaves. These plants grow naturally in shady conditions and tend to do well with bright, indirect light indoors. Too much light can burn the foliage. These plants are toxic to pets.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet spread
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
15 of 28
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

The prayer plant is a small, low-growing tropical plant with attractive oval or roundish tricolor leaves. It grows well indoors if you provide it with warmth and humidity but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. These plants are quite tolerant to low-light conditions, and direct sunlight can burn their foliage. A window that provides bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Deep green leaves with yellow and red markings
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide
- Difficulty: Moderate maintenance
16 of 28
Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

Silver pothos, also known as satin pothos, is quite similar to golden pothos except its matte green leaves are speckled with silver. These plants thrive in indoor conditions, including locations that don’t receive a lot of light. Bright, indirect light is ideal for the best leaf color, but the plant will survive in dimmer locations. It’s ideal to regularly mist your pothos or place them on pebble tray filled with water because these plants like humidity. But keep them away from pets because they are toxic.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green and silver
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 4 to 10 feet long
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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17 of 28
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

The dragon tree is a member of the Dracaena genus and can tolerate shady conditions to grow its sword-like, red-edged green upright leaves. It’s also quite easy to care for and is very hardy. Indoors, the tree doesn’t typically reach more than six feet tall, and it only needs repotting every two to three years. A window that receives bright, indirect light is best. It willsurvive in lower-light conditions but its leaves might grow smaller than usual. This plant is toxic to pets.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 15 to 20 feet tall, 3 to 10 feet wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
18 of 28
Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)

Wax begonias are fun little plants with glossy bronze, green, or maroon leaves and colorful blooms and they can be lovely low-maintenance additions to your houseplant collection. They appreciate some shade both indoors and outdoors because direct sunlight can stress them. A bright, indirect window is best for optimal flowering, but they also can survive in lower-light locations. They are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
- Flower Color Varieties: Red, pink, or white flowers
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 6 to 18 inches high; 6 to 12 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
19 of 28
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Also of the Dracaena genus, corn plants produce thick canes, or stems, from which long, narrow upright leaves grow. They are popular houseplants and can reach about six feet tall indoors. These plants shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight, which can wilt and burn the leaves. Bright, indirect light is best, though they will survive a fairly shady spot. Keep pets away from these plants because they are toxic.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Green
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 6 feet tall (indoors)
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
20 of 28
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka dot plants are grown for their eye-catching foliage. They commonly feature leaves with pink or white spots, though there are other color varieties as well. These plants prefer some shade both indoors and outdoors. Too much sun can fade the foliage colors. An east- or west-facing window is ideal indoors.
- Leaf Color Varieties: Spotted leaves in pink, green, purple, red, white
- Light: Partial shade
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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21 of 28
Guzmania (Bromeliad Guzmania)

Though something so colorful gives a tropical feel and might seem like it needs plenty of sun, this striking variety (like many bromeliads) does best with less direct light. When growing in the wild, these bright plants grow directly from trees, with roots that never reach the ground or require soil. In your home, guzmanias are easy to care for and do best in an orchid-mix soil, with a heavy pot, because the plant can become top heavy over time. A daily mist and moist soil will keep these tropical stunners healthy and happy if direct sun is avoided.
- Leaf color varieties: Green, multicolored
- Light: Low light, indirect
- Mature size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
22 of 28
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Versatile in its lighting needs, this bright and cheerful plant can thrive in both bright, indirect light, as well as adapting to lower light spaces—making it a great option for climates that experience low light seasons or homes with varying light conditions throughout the day. Typically grown in small clumps in a single pot to give the mini-palm look, parlor palms like a well-drained peaty soil-based mix.
- Leaf color varieties: Green
- Light: Bright, indirect light or low light
- Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
23 of 28
Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)

Hardy and adaptable, yucca canes are a relative of the aloe plant, with similar care requirements. They can handle wild variations in temperature, making them great on patios and balconies, as well as being suitable for bright spots and low light corners alike. Take care not to overwater yucca canes; while they can handle periods of drought and should only be watered when their soil is entirely dry, excess water will kill your plant.
- Leaf color varieties: Green
- Light: Bright, indirect light or low light
- Mature size: Up to 15 feet indoors
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
24 of 28
Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)

This evergreen perennial, available with veined leaves in a range of colors, is a popular slow-growing houseplant. Sometimes grown as a creeping groundcover or planted in a hanging planter, it can trail up to 18 inches. A bit more high maintenance in its care, nerve plants grow best in low light, humid, and moist environments. They can't tolerate any direct sun and will quickly experience leaf burn.
- Leaf color varieties: Green, silvery-white, pink, red
- Light: Partial to low light
- Mature size: 3-6 inches tall, up to 18 inch spread
- Difficulty: Needy
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25 of 28
Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Flexible to a range of conditions, wax plants feature thick, leathery leaves—and if healthy, will produce incredibly detailed clusters of star-shaped blooms. Direct sun can scorch the leaves of these plants, so bright, indirect light is preferred, but they're highly versatile and will tolerate low light, as well as bouncing back from periods without water.
- Leaf color varieties: Green
- Light: Bright indirect to low light
- Mature size: 12 inches tall
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
26 of 28
Diffenbachia Plant (Dumb cane)

Commonly known as a dumb cane, diffenbachia is a genus of plants featuring several varieties prized as houseplants. Fast-growing and lush when healthy, these plants do best with filtered, indirect light—as opposed to bright and direct or entirely low light. Light streaming through curtains works well, and high humidity will help them thrive. This plant is highly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.
- Leaf color varieties: Green, white, cream, and mixed
- Light: Filtered, indirect light
- Mature size: Up to 3-5 feet indoors
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
27 of 28
Radiator Plant (Peperomia)

Easygoing and hardy, peperomia (also called radiator plants) are a popular houseplant perfect for filling a small gap in your space. Easy to grow, they love warm, humid spaces and adapt well to a range of light levels, though moderate indirect light is preferable. There are a wide variety of looks and styles of peperomia available, offering lots of diversity for colors and leaf shape to add to your collection.
- Leaf color varieties: Assorted
- Light: Bright, indirect preferred
- Mature size: up to 10 inches high
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
28 of 28
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

A lovely option for those looking for a hanging houseplant that trails, the arrowhead vine is easygoing, with an arrowhead shape on mature leaves. Best if left mostly alone, this plant is an easy option for houseplant novices and experts alike. Bright, direct light can burn and damage this plant easily, so it does best in lower, indirect light. Deeper green varieties will be best adapted to shade.
- Leaf color varieties: Light green, dark green, white, pink
- Light: Bright, indirect to shade
- Mature size: 3-6 feet tall
- Difficulty: Low maintenance

More Information on Low-Light Indoor Plants

When growing plants in low-light conditions, keep these pointers in mind.

Few plants can survive in total darkness. Even low-light plants still need some light.
If you move low-light plants to different locations in your home, they should not be placed near very bright windows or in direct sunlight because the direct sun can scorch leaves or kill the plant.
Take into consideration that even low-light plants that typically do well in outdoor shade need some light when grown indoors.

19 Tall Low-Light Plants to Grow Indoors

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Dragon Tree. Pet Poison Helpline.
Golden Pothos. Animal Poison Control Center.
Sansevieria.Pet Poison Helpline.
English Ivy. ASPCA.
Peace lily. ASPCA.
The zz plant | horticulture and home pest news. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Dieffenbachia and Philodendron.Poison Control.
Heartleaf Philodendron. ASPCA.
Anthurium. North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Flamingo Flower.ASPCA.
Aglaonema commutatum. North Carolina State University Extension.
Swiss cheese plant. ASPCA.
Golden Pothos. ASPCA.
Dragon Tree. Pet Poison Helpline.
Begonia. ASPCA.
Dracaena. ASPCA.
Getting to Know the Guzmania Bromeliad, Bromeliads
How to Grow and Care for Parlor Palm, The Spruce
Yucca Cane Plant Profile and Care Guide, The Contented Plant
How to Grow and Care for Nerve Plant (Fittonia), The Spruce
How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia, The Spruce
Peperomia, Our Houseplants

28 Low-Light Indoor Plants for Your Home (2024)

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Watch Now: How to Take Care of a Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's Tongue)

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Anthurium (Anthurnium spp.)

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Guzmania (Bromeliad Guzmania)

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)

Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)

Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Diffenbachia Plant (Dumb cane)

Radiator Plant (Peperomia)

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

More Information on Low-Light Indoor Plants