I love filling every corner of my home with plants – even the ones far from windows! You might think “low light” means no plants, but many greens are perfectly happy with just a little indirect light. In fact, NASA’s famous Clean Air Study used only plants that can grow in low-light conditions. These houseplants are like loyal roommates: they need little attention and still deliver perks, from cleaner air to a brighter mood. (Studies show low light indoor plants can quietly filter toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.)
Think of low-light plants as the introverts of the plant world – they flourish in shade without complaining. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best low light indoor plants – easy-care varieties that even thrive in offices, bathrooms, or bedrooms with no sun. I’ll also note which ones are safe for pets and how to care for them.
Why Choose Low-Light Indoor Plants?
Bring life to dim spaces
Not every room gets bright sun. Maybe you have a basement office, a north-facing bedroom, or a gloomy hallway. Low-light plants turn those dark corners into green oases. You don’t need a sunny window – even fluorescent office lights or a single lamp can keep these plants happy.
Easy, forgiving care
Many shade-loving plants are very tough. For example, the Snake Plant practically thrives on neglect. It can go weeks without water, making it perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners. Analogously, if high-light plants are like sunbathing beachgoers, low-light plants are more like cave-dwelling adventurers – they get by with just a little light.
Natural air purifiers
The plants on NASA’s list (all low-light growers) remove common indoor toxins. For instance, the Bamboo Palm filters out benzene and formaldehyde and “is not toxic to pets” – making it a safe, air-cleaning choice for the family room. Spider Plants also remove formaldehyde. Even if one plant’s effect on air is small, every bit helps, and they certainly add freshness.
Year-round greenery
Unlike some seasonal houseplants, many low-light varieties stay evergreen. For example, the Peace Lily blooms sporadically, even in winter, with minimal sun. It’s like having a perennial bloom in a dim spot.
These benefits make low light indoor plants an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Now let’s look at some of the best plants to try in your home:
Top Low-Light Indoor Plants
Snake Plant (Sansevieria, aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue):
This is my go-to corner plant. It’s incredibly tolerant of neglect – you can tuck it in a dark corner and only water every 2–3 weeks. Its upright, sword-like leaves (often variegated) almost purify the air by filtering benzene and formaldehyde. Think of it like a green sentinel standing guard quietly. I often grab Snake Plants for dim rooms.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ is practically indestructible. As one source notes, a ZZ “doesn’t need a lot of sun – you can even keep it in a room without any natural light,” and it “can survive (and thrive) without water… an A+ for resilience”. In other words, go on vacation for a month and this plant barely notices. It has shiny, waxy leaves that tolerate dust, making it ideal for neglected desks or shelves.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy, Epipremnum aureum)
It’s a vine that nearly impossible to kill. Pothos actually prefers some shade – too much sun can burn its leaves. As one expert joked, they “almost want to be starved a little bit,” which means you can let the soil dry between waterings. It grows quickly even in low light, draping down from shelves or climbing a pole. Golden Pothos (with green-and-yellow leaves) is a classic choice, and there are variegated types to suit any decor. (Plant it in your office and don’t worry if you forget it!).
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is legendary for low-light, flowering even with minimal sun. It “thrives on low light and benign neglect”, producing graceful white spathes on glossy leaves. It’s also one of the best for air purification (NASA study plants). Just water it every few weeks; it droops slightly to signal when thirsty. (One caution: Peace Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them up high if you have pets.)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A favorite in offices for a reason. Its arching green-and-white foliage stays vibrant in shade; in fact, very bright light can bleach its colors. The Spider Plant grows “like weeds” if trimmed and properly drained, sprouting baby “spiders” for easy propagation. It is also pet-friendly, and it is actively filters formaldehyde from the air. A potted Spider Plant adds texture (and even a hanging display if in a basket).
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Aptly named, this plant is nearly indestructible. It’s suited to the darkest spots, like an unlit hallway or dim bathroom. It’s tolerates very low watering – you just keep its soil lightly moist. Cast Iron’s large, glossy leaves will survive neglect that would kill other plants. Imagine it as a verdant background that needs little maintenance.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
A stunning, easy-care plant for shade. Its foliage comes in patterns of silver, red, or pink. Chinese Evergreens are known to “handle low light and some watering neglect”, especially in humid spots. They even have feng shui lore about prosperity. Place one in a corner and forget it; it’ll quietly thrive without much sun.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This petite palm brings a tropical feel to low-light rooms. It is ideal for novices and “will thrive in low-light situations,” according to Real Simple. Its feathery fronds grow slowly, so it stays small. Keep it sometime in foggy and indirect light. It even survives well in offices or bathrooms. Best of all, Parlor Palms (also called Bamboo Palm) are non-toxic to pets, so they’re both beautiful and safe.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):
Ferns love humidity, so a steamy bathroom or kitchen is ideal. Boston Ferns prefer bright indirect light (shade does fine); they’re often recommended for bathroom shade. Their soft, arching fronds add lush greenery to otherwise bare corners. Treat them to moist soil and humidity (like a mini rain forest), and they’ll stay full and vibrant. They’re also pet-friendly and help filter air.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Often sold as “lucky bamboo,” this is actually a type of dracaena. It truly “thrives in low light” and can grow in just water or soil. It’s a classic for desks and shelves because it’s compact and needs virtually no care beyond fresh water (and it’s said to bring good luck!). Place a stalk or two in a dim corner – they’ll stay green with hardly any sunlight.
Each of these plants can bring life to a low-light room. In general, remember: low-light means not complete darkness – your plants still need some ambient or artificial light, just no direct sun. And while most don’t like soggy soil, they often prefer evenly moist, especially in low light (because they grow slower). Now let’s talk about safety for pet owners and some care tips.
Pet-Safe Low-Light Indoor Plants
If you have curious cats or dogs, it’s crucial to choose non-toxic plants. Sadly, many popular houseplants (like Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, and Dragon Trees) can be poisonous. But don’t worry – some of our best low-light picks are pet-friendly. For example, Bamboo/Parlor Palm is an air-filtering palm that “is not toxic to pets”. Spider Plants and Boston Ferns are also on the ASPCA’s safe list. The Cast Iron Plant is similarly listed as non-toxic. In short, Bamboo Palms, Spider Plants, Cast Iron Plants, Boston Ferns, and Parlor Palms are excellent low-light choices around pets. (Always double-check any plant if you’re unsure – ASPCA’s guides are helpful.)
Care Tips for Low-Light Indeoor Plants
Caring for the best low light indoor plants entails striking the proper balance rather than providing continual care. Since these plants thrive in shade, their needs are different from sun-loving varieties. Here are some essential tips I’ve learned to keep the best low light indoor plants healthy and thriving:
Water sparingly
The best low light indoor plants don’t photosynthesize as quickly, so they use less water. Overwatering is the fastest way to lose them.
- Before watering, let the top inch of soil dry.
- Plants like Snake Plants and ZZ Plants prefer being almost forgotten – I water mine every 2–3 weeks.
- Ferns and Peace Lilies, however, like consistent moisture, so I check them weekly.
- Think of it like this: some plants sip slowly (ferns), others binge and fast (Snake Plants, ZZ). Matching water to their pace keeps them thriving.
Light Positioning
“Low light” doesn’t mean “no light.” Even the best low light indoor plants need some ambient light or artificial lighting.
- Place them near a north-facing window, a hallway with indirect light, or under LED grow lights.
- Rotate pots every few weeks so all sides get exposure – otherwise, you’ll notice lopsided growth.
Soil and Drainage
Roots in dark conditions are extra sensitive to soggy soil.
- Always use a well-draining potting mix.
- To prevent root rot, select containers with drainage holes.
- Add perlite or bark for plants like Pothos and Spider Plants that enjoy a lighter mix.
Clean and Refresh
Dust blocks what little light these plants do get.
- Wipe broad leaves (like Peace Lilies or Cast Iron Plants) with a damp cloth once a month.
- Mist humidity-loving plants (ferns, palms) in dry rooms – especially during winter heating.
Watch for Signals
The best low light indoor plants are great communicators:
- Drooping leaves usually mean thirsty.
- Yellowing often means overwatered.
- Pale growth can indicate too little light, even for shade plants.
When I first started, I thought low-light plants were indestructible. The truth is, they’re resilient, but they still “talk” through their leaves. Learning their signals makes care effortless. Bringing greenery into darker rooms is easier than most people think. With the best low light indoor plants, you don’t need a sunny window to enjoy lush, thriving greenery year-round.
From the toughness of Snake Plants and ZZ Plants to the elegance of Peace Lilies and Parlor Palms, these plants prove that beauty doesn’t depend on bright light. By following simple care steps—watering wisely, using well-draining soil, and keeping leaves clean—you can enjoy healthier air, a calmer atmosphere, and a home that feels more alive. Whether you’re decorating a dim office, a cozy living room, or even a bathroom, the best low light indoor plants will bring life to every shady corner. Enjoy making your home lush – even without all the sun!
FAQ
Which low-light indoor plants are pet-safe (cat- and dog-friendly)?
If you have pets, stick with non-toxic varieties. Safe bets include Bamboo/Parlor Palms, Spider Plants, Cast Iron Plants, Boston Ferns, and Lucky Bamboo. These are all listed by ASPCA as pet-friendly. (For example, a Parlor Palm filters air and “is not toxic to pets”) Always keep toxic ones – like Peace Lily or Snake Plant – out of reach.
Do any low-light indoor plants improve air quality?
Yes. Many of NASA’s top air-purifying plants are shade-tolerant. Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, Spider Plants, and Golden Pothos all remove VOCs like formaldehyde. In fact, the NASA study only used plants that grow in low light. While no plant will replace a HEPA filter, having several in your home can slightly boost air quality.
What low-light indoor plants are good for an office or desk?
I often suggest Snake Plants or ZZ Plants for desks because they handle fluorescent lighting and neglect. Pothos and Spider Plants are also office classics – they trail nicely from shelves or file cabinets. Compact palms like the Parlor Palm can sit on a corner desk. Basically, any on our list that tolerates low, consistent indoor light will do well in an office.
Can I grow plants in a low-light indoor plant bathroom?
Absolutely. Bathrooms usually have high humidity (favorable) but often low light. Try Boston Ferns, Spider Plants, Chinese Evergreens, or Peace Lilies – they all enjoy damp air. Even Nerve Plants (Fittonia) and Prayer Plants do well here if you water regularly. Just make sure the bathroom gets some indirect light (even a lit bulb helps).
Which low-light indoor plants are easiest to care for?
The toughest plants are the easiest. Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Cast Iron Plant top the list – they laugh off drought and dimness. After that, Pothos and Spider Plants are forgiving vines. If you’re just starting out, grab one of those – they’re nearly foolproof.