Last updated on December 25, 2025
No-light spots? These plants love them.
Low Light Indoor Plants can thrive even in the darkest corners of your home. Think your home is too dark for greenery? Think again! From easy-to-grow favorites to eye-catching greenery, these 37 low light indoor plants can instantly brighten your space and make your home feel alive.
Discover the perfect plants for those shadowy spots you never knew could flourish. This guide highlights 37 Low light indoor plants that need little light and are easy to care for. These plants add fresh decor, purify the air, and bring a calming feel, making dim corners valuable spaces.
A landmark study by NASA found that certain common houseplants can help reduce indoor air pollutants, a bonus benefit for low-light indoor plants.
Let’s look at each plant to see what makes it perfect for low-light corners.
1_ Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica)
The Money Tree Plant earns the first spot on our list for a reason. This low light indoor plant is known for its adaptability and effortless care. This plant thrives even in homes with limited sunlight, making it a go-to choice for beginners and plant lovers.
What truly sets the Money Plant apart is its striking appearance. Its iconic braided trunk, often created from three, five, or seven young stems, continues to grow thicker and more elegant as the plant matures.
While the Money Plant prefers bright, indirect light, it also tolerates low light spaces well.
It can reach a mature height of 6–8 feet. With its resilient, easy-care nature, this plant combines style, symbolism, and endurance, making it a top choice for low-light indoor settings.
2_ Spider Plant
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular low light indoor plant, known for adaptability and graceful, arching green leaves. Its trailing “spider” offshoots add movement and freshness to any dim corner.
The Spider Plant thrives best in bright, filtered light, but it’s also surprisingly adaptable. It continues to grow even in low-light corners or under artificial lighting. Therefore, it is ideal for homes, apartments, and office setups.
This plant hardly demands any special care; as the soil stays slightly moist, it will keep producing fresh, healthy foliage.
It grows around 1 to 2 feet when mature. The Spider Plant is a compact, air-purifying houseplant that fits beautifully into any indoor environment.
3_ Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The Snake Plant stands out among low light indoor plants, with tall, sword-like leaves that add instant height and character. Moreover, it thrives with minimal sunlight, making it perfect for dim corners.
The Snake Plant is notable for its longevity. Many people keep it for years with little maintenance. This plant thrives with infrequent watering. It reaches 2 to 5 feet indoors, making it a fashionable, low-care solution for modern, shaded spaces.
4_ Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The Peace Lily stands out among low light indoor plants. Its dark green leaves quietly soften a room, and the occasional white bloom brings a calm, spa-like feel. Best of all, it handles dim corners easily, thriving where other plants often struggle.
Even better, the Peace Lily signals exactly what it needs: when its leaves start to droop. It’s simply asking for water, and within hours, it perks right back up. With a mature size of 1–4 feet, this plant brings both beauty and tranquility to bedrooms, offices, and quiet spaces.
5_ ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Among low light houseplants, the ZZ Plant is distinguished by its glossy, waxy leaves that shine in dark settings. It elevates a room’s appearance and needs minimal attention.
Surprisingly, the ZZ Plant thrives in places without sunlight. These include windowless offices, shaded hallways, or rooms lit only by bulbs. Its thick underground rhizomes retain water, so let the soil dry out entirely before watering. It typically grows 2–4 feet tall.
6_ Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant’s colorful leaves fold together at night, looking as if it’s praying. Its rich tricolor patterns stay vibrant in low light, adding beauty to any space.
It thrives in warm, humid conditions. That is why it’s often chosen by people seeking low-light indoor plants that still add personality. Just keep the soil slightly moist and avoid direct, harsh sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
This plant grows 6–12 inches tall and wide, prefers low to bright indirect light, and needs moderate attention.
7_ Polka Dot Plant
Add a splash of color to your room with the Polka Dot Plant. Its leaves are playful and bright, with some showing bold reds, whites, or purples. Every leaf brings texture and life, instantly brightening any corner.
It does best in bright, indirect light by an east- or west-facing window, as harsh sunlight can dull its colors.
Typically growing to 1–2 feet tall and wide. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners who want an easy-to-care-for indoor accent.
8_ Bromeliads
Bromeliads often look like tropical plants that need strong sun, but they really don’t. Softer, spineless types cope well with a bit less light. On the other hand, the firmer, structured varieties usually prefer slightly brighter spots.
This plant needs steady humidity and lightly moist soil. These stunning plants are low-maintenance and can reach up to 2 feet of tropical beauty indoors.
9_ Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern, Asplenium nidus, is an attractive low light indoor plant with bright green fronds that emerge from a neat central rosette. Because it originates in tropical rainforests, it thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity.
However, this fern also adapts to low-light spaces, thriving in rooms with less sun. It typically grows to about 2 feet, filling spaces with soft greenery. Despite its tropical origin, the fern is straightforward to care for and fits well into low-maintenance indoor plans.
10_ Nerve Plant
Fittonia albivenis, the Nerve Plant, is a small, slow-growing tropical plant. It has deep-green leaves and striking pink, red, or white veins. It comes from the rainforest floor, so it prefers low light and burns easily in direct sun.
However, this low light indoor plant does need consistently high humidity, which makes it a little more sensitive indoors. With its compact size and love of moisture, it’s perfect for terrariums. It usually spreads up to 18 inches while staying just 3–6 inches tall.
11_ Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa, commonly called the Wax Plant, is one of the best indoor plants for low light. It is a great choice if you want something hardy, trailing, and stylish. Its thick, glossy leaves and delicate, star-shaped pink flowers bring a tropical vibe to any space.
Naturally growing in shaded forests, it prefers bright, indirect light but adapts well to low-light indoor setups. Plus, it tolerates occasional missed waterings, making it a truly low-maintenance houseplant. As it grows, this vine can reach 3–6 feet, perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.
12_ Calathea (Calathea picturata)
Calathea (Calathea picturata) is a striking low light houseplant from Central and South America. Its bold, patterned leaves immediately introduce color and texture to indoor spaces. While it grows best in warm, humid, low- to moderate-light environments, it is sensitive to cold drafts.
This fast-growing plant can be a little fussy, so it’s best for people who enjoy a hands-on approach. It usually spreads 1–2 feet tall and wide. Because of its size and striking leaves, Calathea works beautifully in small to medium indoor spaces, adding life to dim corners.
13_ Radiator plants (Peperomia spp.)
Radiator plants (Peperomia spp.) are easygoing, low light indoor plants that fit well in small spaces. Their diverse leaf shapes and colors add charm to any room. They adapt to different light conditions, but moderate indirect light is best.
These slow-growing, low-light indoor plants enjoy warm, humid spots and require little care. They usually grow 6–12 inches tall and wide. Because of their size and charm, radiator plants are perfect, easy indoor plants for beginners, and add life to small indoor spaces.
14_ Ponytail plant (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail plant (Beaucarnea recurvata) isn’t a true palm but a striking low light indoor plants with a bulbous stem and a tuft of long, strappy green leaves. It thrives best in bright indirect light, though it can tolerate some direct sun. Slow-growing and often kept in shallow pots, this plant rewards patience.
This Ponytail plant requires very little care, making it perfect for beginners. It slowly grows up to 6–8 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide. Thanks to its tall, bulbous stem and strappy leaves, it brings a striking, sculptural look to any indoor interior.
15_ Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos has a knack for growing where many other plants struggle. Its shiny, heart-shaped leaves trail gracefully, filling dim corners with greenery. Some types exhibit beautiful marbling along their stems, adding extra charm.
The long vines of Pothos grow back nicely when trimmed, keeping the plant full and well-shaped. Its low maintenance and adaptability make it perfect for brightening low-light spaces.
16_ Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) lives up to its name, thriving even in tough conditions where other low light indoor plants struggle. Its large, glossy, arching leaves bring a bold, tropical feel to any indoor interior.
Slow-growing and extremely hardy, it tolerates neglect, including low light and irregular watering. A north-facing window works best, but this plant adapts easily. With little care, it can grow 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The Cast Iron Plant is the best choice for easy indoor plants that add lasting greenery to dim corners.
17_ Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema spp.) are stunning low light indoor plants that instantly brighten any indoor space. Chinese Evergreens have shiny, oval leaves in green, silver, red, purple, and cream. They grow well in shady corners, though variegated types do best with some bright, indirect light.
Additionally, these slow-growing, low-maintenance plants rarely flower indoors. They continue to add elegance and lush greenery. Reaching 1–3 feet tall and wide, Chinese Evergreens are perfect, easy indoor plants for dim spaces.
18_ Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)
Anthurium, often called flamingo flowers, brings a pop of color to any indoor space. Its shiny leaves and bright red, white, or green blooms make a room feel fresh. It grows slowly but can bloom repeatedly throughout the year. These plants love warmth and humidity. They need soil that stays moist without getting soggy.
They prefer bright indirect light. Anthuriums require more care than most low light indoor plants, so they are best suited to experienced plant lovers. At 12–18 inches tall and 9–12 inches wide, they add a splash of tropical elegance to your home.
19_ Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) ranks among the most popular low light indoor plants. It is a favorite easy indoor plant for any home. Its long, heart-shaped vines add a lush, jungle-like vibe to your indoor space.
While it tolerates indoor plants with minimal light, sparse light may cause leggy stems. Growing 10–20 feet tall with a 3–6 feet spread, it works as either a large indoor plant or a trailing small indoor plant. Truly, it’s one of the best indoor plants for brightening dim corners with minimal care.
20_ Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
Maidenhair Fern has tiny, fan-shaped leaves on dark stems, giving any indoor space a soft, tropical look. This low light indoor plant loves warm, humid spots and soil that stays moist but not soggy. While it’s a bit sensitive, its airy foliage makes it a beautiful choice among types of houseplants.
While it can handle dim corners, this fern is a bit more sensitive than other easy indoor plants. Growing 1–2 feet tall and wide, Maidenhair Fern is perfect for adding a lush, vibrant green accent to small indoor plant setups.
21_ Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Fern has fronds that look like deer antlers, making it a unique, large indoor plant for any indoor space. This epiphyte grows on other plants and is often displayed on wooden boards.
It grows slowly, likes low light, and needs the soil to dry completely between waterings. This Plant can reach 2–3 feet tall and wide. It is considered a medium-difficulty plant. Moreover, it stands out among types of houseplants for its unique, dramatic appeal.
22_ English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile low-light plant with delicate, trailing green leaves. It grows quickly but remains easy to manage indoors, thriving in low to bright indirect light.
For best results, please keep it in a slightly cool, humid room, especially at night. It can grow 3–8 feet tall and 1–5 feet wide. This easy indoor plant works well on shelves, in hanging baskets, or as a cascading accent among other houseplants.
23_ Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine)
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia seguine) is a fast-growing indoor plant with bold, tropical leaves that brighten any indoor space. It prefers bright, indirect light filtered through curtains and enjoys a humid environment to stay healthy.
It can grow up to 3–5 feet tall. This easy indoor plant is low-maintenance. It adds vibrant greenery to medium- or large-sized rooms, making it a standout among houseplants.
24_ Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) is a charming trailing indoor plant perfect for shelves or hanging baskets. Its arrowhead-shaped leaves add a lush, textured look to any indoor interior, while deeper green varieties adapt well to low light.
This easy indoor plant thrives in bright, indirect light but avoids direct sun, which can scorch its foliage. Growing 3–6 feet tall, it’s an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike.
25_ Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a bold tropical low light indoor plant that brings bright, eye-catching flowers and lush greenery. It grows faster than many tropical plants. It does well with regular watering and indirect sunlight.
Plus, with the proper care, it can bloom several times a year, making any indoor space feel lively and fresh. It can grow up to 3.5–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide. This medium-difficulty indoor plant is perfect for plant enthusiasts looking to make a bold statement.
26_ Yucca Cane (Yucca gigantea)
Yucca Cane (Yucca gigantea) is a hardy, adaptable, large indoor plant with striking, sword-like leaves. This Plant is Fast-growing and low-maintenance. It thrives in both bright indirect light and low-light corners, making it perfect for indoor interior plants or sunny patios.
Yucca handles occasional drought well; just water when the soil is completely dry. Reaching up to 15 feet tall, it adds bold height and structure to any room or indoor setup.
27_ Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a low light indoor plant that adapts well to changing light throughout the day. Its soft, feathery fronds grow in small clumps, giving any room a charming mini-palm appearance.”
It does best in well-draining, peaty soil and only needs watering occasionally. It can grow 2 to 6 feet, giving a bit of height to shelves, desks, or any corner of your room. Beginners will like it because it’s low-maintenance and easy to care for, while still brightening up spots that don’t get much light.
28_ Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a tall, striking indoor plant with thick stems and long, upright leaves, often called the ‘false palm. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but can survive in shadier corners.
Please avoid direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves. This slow-growing indoor plant is easy to care for. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, adding height and a tropical touch with minimal effort.
29_ Wax Begonia
Wax Begonia (Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum) is a small, beautiful indoor plant. Its glossy green, bronze, or maroon leaves and colorful flower clusters brighten any space from summer through fall.
While it grows slowly, patience pays off when it blooms. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but can also do okay in low light spots. It can grow 6–18 inches tall and 6–12 inches wide. Wax Begonia adds a pop of color to any shelf, desk, or corner, and it’s easy to care for.
30_ Dragon Tree
Dragon Tree (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia) is a striking, tall indoor plant with sword-like green leaves edged in red, adding a bold look to any indoor interior. Indoors, it usually grows to 6 feet tall and doesn’t require frequent repotting, only once every 2 to 3 years.
It is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that thrives even in lower-light areas. Its leaves may be smaller than those in brighter spots. It effortlessly brings a tropical feel and natural height to any indoor space.”
31_ Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) has large, split leaves and grows 1–2 feet per year. It grows best in bright, indirect light or partial shade.
It can grow up to 15 feet. Monstera deliciosa adds lush greenery and makes a bold statement indoors. Easy to care for, it requires slightly damp soil and occasional rotation for even growth. Providing climbing support encourages its natural form and makes it ideal for beginners.
32_ Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus), also called satin pothos. It features matte green leaves speckled with silver, which brighten up any indoor space. Although it thrives best in bright indirect light, it can tolerate dimmer areas as well. Additionally, placing it in a humid room or near a humidifier encourages healthier growth.
This easy-to-care-for plant prefers bright indirect to low light. Silver Pothos can reach 4–10 feet in length. It is considered a low-maintenance Plant. This plant is suitable for both beginners and experienced indoor gardeners.
33_ Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a hardy plant that works well in homes and offices. It can grow in water or soil, needs very little care, and has unique, sculptural green stalks. Although adaptable to low or bright indirect light, it even tolerates shade. However, to help it thrive, protect it from drafts.
This easy-care plant reaches 1–5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, making it suitable for a range of spaces. It also grows well in different lighting conditions and is suitable for gardeners of any experience level.
34_ Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
The Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina), also called the zebra plant or silver inch plant, has striking striped leaves and is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. It is not winter-hardy, so it is commonly grown indoors.
Bright indirect light keeps its colors vibrant, while too much sun or too little light can dull its foliage. This low-maintenance plant usually grows 2–3 feet tall and wide. It is an easy and attractive choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
35_ Dwarf Umbrella Tree: Low Light Indoor Plants
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Heptapleurum arboricola) is a popular indoor plant with glossy, cream-variegated leaves. Its smaller leaves still add a lush, tropical feel to any indoor space.
For best results, place it in bright to medium indirect sunlight. While flowering is rare indoors, its foliage remains attractive year-round. Growing to about 4–6 feet tall and 3–6 feet wide, this plant thrives with moderate care in bright indirect light.
36_ Partridge Berry (Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’)
Partridge Berry is a striking low-light indoor plant with large, glossy leaves and dramatic white flowers that brighten shadowy spaces. Although it tolerates dim corners, making it ideal for offices or living rooms with minimal sunlight. Moreover, its air-purifying qualities enhance indoor environments while requiring minimal care.
This easy-care plant reaches 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, and its bold foliage makes it a standout among easy indoor plants. It thrives best in bright indirect light.
37_ Silver Satin Vine
Silver Satin Vine is a low-light climber with silvery-green, heart-shaped leaves that glow even in dimly lit corners. It tolerates shaded areas and can trail from shelves, hangers, or moss poles. Additionally, it’s drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, making it perfect for beginners.
This versatile vine can reach 3–6 feet in length indoors. It creates an elegant, cascading look that complements modern interiors. It grows fastest in bright indirect light.
Low Light Indoor Plants at a Glance
| Category | Plants | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Pet-Safe | Spider Plant, Money Plant, Lucky Bamboo, Ponytail Plant, Parlor Palm, Radiator Plants, Bird’s Nest Fern, Nerve Plant | Safe for homes with pets, ideal for low-light spots. |
| Pet-Toxic | Snake Plant, Peace Lily, ZZ Plant, Heartleaf Philodendron, Dieffenbachia, Anthurium, Corn Plant, Dragon Tree, Swiss Cheese Plant, Silver Pothos, Inch Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Wax Begonia, Calathea, Arrowhead Vine, Bird of Paradise, Yucca Cane, Chinese Evergreen | Avoid if you have cats or dogs. |
| Small Plants (≤2 ft) | Radiator Plants, Nerve Plant, Wax Begonia, Bird’s Nest Fern, Polka Dot Plant, Calathea, Anthurium | Perfect for shelves, desks, or small corners. |
| Medium Plants (2–6 ft) | Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Lucky Bamboo, Pothos, Arrowhead Vine, Inch Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Parlor Palm, Dieffenbachia, Corn Plant, Silver Pothos, Staghorn Fern | Works well in floor spaces or medium pots. |
| Large Plants (6+ ft) | Money Plant, ZZ Plant, Dragon Tree, Swiss Cheese Plant, Bird of Paradise, Yucca Cane, Heartleaf Philodendron | Best for bold floor accents or living room corners. |
| Slow Growers | Ponytail Plant, Wax Begonia, Inch Plant, Staghorn Fern, Polka Dot Plant | Require patience, grow steadily over time. |
| Fast Growers | Money Plant, ZZ Plant, Pothos, Silver Pothos, Swiss Cheese Plant, Dragon Tree, Bird of Paradise, Yucca Cane, Heartleaf Philodendron | Quick to fill space and add greenery. |
If you’re specifically looking for plants that are safe for cats and dogs, don’t miss our detailed guide on the 11 Pet Friendly Indoor Plants. It will help you pick the safest low-light options for your home.
Low Light Indoor Plants FAQs
How to get rid of bugs on indoor plants?
Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap, remove affected leaves, and keep plants clean and well-ventilated. Regularly check for pests to prevent infestations.
When to plant seeds indoors?
Plant seeds indoors during late winter or early spring, before the last frost, to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
How often to water indoor plants?
Watering frequency depends on plant type and light. Most low-light indoor plants need water once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
How to choose the right low-light plant for your home?
Consider plant size, pet safety, growth rate, and maintenance needs. Choose plants that fit your space, lifestyle, and lighting conditions.
Can low-light indoor plants improve air quality?
Yes, many indoor plants like Spider Plant and Peace Lily can help filter pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
If you want to explore even more options, don’t forget to check out our complete guide on Low Light Plants, packed with the best picks for every space.
