35 Low-Light Houseplants to Bring Your Space to Life

If you’re living in an apartment that doesn’t get much sunlight, it can be hard to get light-loving houseplants and flowers to grow. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of greenery in your home! We’ve rounded up over 30 low-light houseplants that don’t need direct sunlight to thrive — in fact, some of them can even be damaged by direct sunlight.

Check out our list of the best low-light houseplants below.

Best houseplants for low-light

Whether you’re new to caring for plants or want to add a low-maintenance plant to your collection, these low-light houseplants thrive in shadier rooms and don’t need direct sunlight to grow. Additionally, they have the added benefit of being very tough to kill.

1. Devil's ivy

Also known as the pothos, Tim Zarra with Alderwood Landscaping shares how these popular plants are “an excellent choice for low-light indoor spaces.” He adds how they are “easy to care for” and “only needs to be watered once the soil turns dry about once a week.” These plants have leaves that change color based on lighting conditions and grow long vines which may need to be untangled regularly to continue growing.

2. Chinese evergreen

This low-light houseplant is one of the most durable plants you can grow, making it perfect for novice gardeners. Marty Byrne, with the Master Gardeners of King County program for Washington State University shares how the Chinese evergreen “likes moist, not wet, soil” and is “easy to maintain.”

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera plants are perfect additions to small spaces and their leaves can even be used to relieve pain or burned skin. Though this succulent enjoys some indirect light, direct sunlight will dry its leaves.

4. Pink allusion arrowhead

Michelle Miranda with Newcastle Fruit and Produce Co. in Bellevue, recommends the pink allusion arrowhead. She calls this plant a “compact and vining plant with large, arrowhead-shaped foliage that are medium green with darker green edges and pink variegation. It is fast-growing and can be expected to reach about 12 inches tall at maturity with a spread of 6 feet.”

5. Snake plant

Co-owner of Seattle Sustainable Landscapes, Nicolette McCary, recommends the snake plant, also known as Dracaena Trifasciata. She shares how “These plants will thrive in any lighting condition from low to high” and adds how “their versatility makes them ideal for apartment dwellers who may need to move it every year or two.”

6. Red aglaonema

These colorful plants are cousins to the Chinese evergreen and show their most vivid colors with medium light. Despite its red color, the leaves of red aglaonema burn easily in direct sunlight.

7. ZZ plant

Jeannie Psomas of The Plant Lady SF, shares how the ZZ Plant “is a wonderful option” for low-light environments. She shares how “it has an elegant leafy growth pattern” and only needs “water once a month.” Additionally, ZZ plants have been found to remove copious amounts of toxins from the air.

8. Parlor palm

These full-foliage plants resemble small shrubs, making them perfect to fill out space in an otherwise minimalist room. Water only 1–2 times a month, as overwatering can easily kill these plants.

9. Sago palm

These leafy plants are older than dinosaurs and are just as hardy, but don’t tolerate moisture well. Though rare, sago palm blooms can be encouraged with monthly fertilizer treatments.

10. Oyster plant

Also called Moses-in-the-cradle, this no-fuss house plant doesn’t grow very tall, making it perfect for tabletops or desks. Place the plant in a north-facing or east-facing window to avoid direct sunlight.

11. Dieffenbachia

These striking low-light houseplants make bold statements in any room but grow best when not overwatered. Rotate the plant regularly to provide consistent light to all sides.

12. Cast iron plant

April Jamison with Emerald City Dream suggests the cast iron plant, calling it “perfect for beginner indoor gardeners.” She shares how “they thrive in low-light, need infrequent watering, and are pretty resilient to neglect.”

13. Heartleaf philodendron

This romantic houseplant is incredibly easy to care for and will develop long vines if left to grow unhindered. Place the plant on a bookcase or shelf to encourage the vines to drape.

14. Rex begonia

The rex begonia is a unique little plant that may be finicky to care for but will grow well in low-light environments. Do not mist the leaves, as this can lead to spotting and discoloration.

15. Dracaena limelight

This vibrant plant maintains its color best in low-light environments and is relatively slow-growing. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, but mist the leaves regularly.

16. Philodendron silver

These silver-spotted plants can grow vines up to 10 feet in length in good indoor conditions. Trim as desired to curb overgrowth and lengthy vines.

17. Arrowhead plant

This moisture-loving plant has leaves that will change shape as the plant matures –– young plants feature the “arrowhead” shape. Allow the plant to dry between waterings for best growth.

18. Peace lily

The peace lily, named for its singular white flower, is highly adaptable and is a NASA-recognized air-cleaning plant. Ryan with Kent East Hill Nursery shares how the peace lily is “a great plant for low light and even produces a beautiful white flower.” For care tips, Ryan states, “The trick to make sure you don’t overwater them is waiting for their foliage to get a little droopy, water, and then it’ll perk up within a few hours.”

19. Ponytail palm

This frilly plant is actually a member of the succulent family, making it very easy to care for in any lighting. Be sure to let the soil dry out well in between waterings.

20. Money tree

This low-maintenance plant is believed to bring good luck and can adapt to low-light and fluorescent lighting conditions. More experienced plant owners may use a sandy, peat-based soil and a pot with good drainage.

21. Weeping fig tree

These rainforest natives love the shade but can go into shock if moved around too much. Keep the weeping fig in a bathroom to provide high humidity.

22. Ming aralia

This houseplant is easy to care for and loves moisture, thriving with frequent watering and leaf misting. Trim the top branches occasionally to manage upward growth.

23. Dragon tree

The hardy dragon tree is tough to kill, making it the perfect plant for beginners. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight, however, as this may burn or damage the leaves.

24. Majesty palm

These aptly named plants need a few hours of bright light daily but can live in low-light environments most of the time. To gauge hydration, check the leaf color. Yellowing leaves means the soil is too wet.

25. Kentia palm

Another tropical plant, these low-maintenance palms are native to the South Pacific islands. Water it only when the top inch of soil begins to dry out.

Low-light houseplants that are safe for cats and dogs

26. Leather-leaf fern

Matt with Wanderlust Nursery shares how his team finds that “Ferns make some of the best houseplants, especially ferns with tough, durable foliage.” He adds how “Most ferns thrive in low light and many are surprisingly adaptable to inconsistent watering and low humidity.” If you're looking for "a small fern that is well-suited to countertops or plant stands," Matt suggests "trying the leather-leaf fern, which grows as an epiphyte in the wild (living on other trees or on rocks instead of in the soil)."

27. Bird’s nest fern

These beautiful plants need warmth and humidity to grow, making them ideal additions to a shower ledge or bathroom counter. Avoid watering the plant’s center (or “nest”), as this promotes root rot.

28. Bromeliad

These exotic-looking plants have a natural rosy hue and are easy to care for when they are fully adjusted to their space. Keep this houseplant in a humid environment, like the bathroom.

29. Calathea

Calathea, also called the prayer plant, comes in many varieties and will open and close throughout the day depending on the light. These plants are salt-sensitive and need periodic soil changes.

30. Kimberly queen fern

This regal houseplant is relatively low-maintenance but craves high humidity. Place a humidifier near the plant if fronds become brown or crispy.

31. Marimo moss ball

These adorable plants can live for over 100 years and are fully aquatic, making them the perfect addition to your flower vase or fish tank. Change the water every two weeks, using room-temperature tap water.

32. Nerve plant

Also known as the mosaic plant, this low-light houseplant comes in several color varieties and may occasionally produce red or yellow flowers. Place this plant in a terrarium to satisfy its need for high humidity.

33. Peperomia obtusifolia

Also known as baby rubber plants, these little plants have thick green leaves and prefer shady rooms. Water this plant once weekly and allow the soil to dry between waterings.

34. Spider plant

This fun-looking houseplant is highly adaptable and grows quickly in most environments, but flourishes in cooler temperatures. Prune the spider plant back to its base occasionally to promote growth.

35. Staghorn fern

For plant lovers with more experience, staghorn ferns are stunning, bold houseplants that command the room’s attention. Mount mature plants to a board to encourage epiphytic growth.

Styling your low-light houseplants

Now that you know which low-light houseplants are right for you and your space, it’s time to decorate! Use the tips below to match your personal style with the perfect low-light houseplant.