Do you dream of welcoming beautiful green plants into your home? Oh yes, it’s not the desire that you lack; alas, your interior is so poorly lit that you quickly become discouraged. Cheer up! We have excellent news for you! Of course, indoor plants generally need light to flourish, but strangely, some are content with little. Even if the sun is not always there and your windows look gray, you will quickly find your smile again with this catalog of 20 low-light plants.
What green plants should be placed in a dark room?
Are you lacking inspiration? Then take a look at this range of the most beautiful indoor plants for low light. You will probably fall in love with one or more of them. Just a small important note: among the list, some plants are toxic to children and pets. So it is better to make an appropriate choice for your home!
1. Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
This fern is an “epiphyte,” meaning it naturally grows on other plants rather than in the ground. Its distinct green leaves can quickly grow and resemble deer antlers. As a houseplant, it can easily grow on a wooden board—a nice piece of art in your living room! Since it can burn in direct sunlight, place it in a shady spot. Always let it dry out between waterings.
- Light: full shade
- Size: 0.6 to 0.9 meters
- Toxicity: no
2. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
This plant attracts luck, happiness, and prosperity. It can be grown in water or soil and has beautiful sculptural or braided stems. Known to be almost indestructible, it thrives in shady places, provided there are no drafts.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.3 to 1.5 meters
- Toxicity: yes
3. English ivy (Hedera helix)
This plant offers a beautiful trailing effect of small, delicate green leaves. It should be placed in a corner that receives indirect light. Remember to mist it often and keep it in a cool room at night.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: climbs as much as possible
- Toxicity: yes
4. The capillary (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
Commonly called “Venus Hair Fern,” this plant has delicate, fan-shaped leaves. It adds a lush touch to any space and prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, soil.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.3 to 0.6 meters
- Toxicity: no
5. Zamioculcas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Also known as the ZZ plant, it has thick, shiny leaves and can survive without natural sunlight. It tolerates drought, so let it dry out between waterings.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.6 to 1.2 meters
- Toxicity: yes
6. The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
With large, shiny leaves, cast iron plants are known for being hardy and low-maintenance. They can tolerate low light and water, making them ideal for poorly lit apartments.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.6 to 1 meter
- Toxicity: no
7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants due to its heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in low light and almost no water. Just remember to dust the vines occasionally.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 6 to 12 meters long
- Toxicity: yes
8. The Philodendron (Philodendron monstera)
Known for its exotic appearance, this plant has long stems and heart-shaped leaves. It can tolerate low light but prefers indirect sunlight.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 3 to 6 meters tall
- Toxicity: yes
9. Anthurium (Anthurium sp.)
This stunning plant, also known as “Tongue of Fire,” requires bright light but not direct sunlight. It needs high humidity and consistently moist soil.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 0.3 to 0.4 meters
- Toxicity: yes
10. Aglaonema (Aglaonema commutatum)
With glossy, oval leaves, Aglaonema thrives in shade. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid burning its foliage.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.3 to 0.9 meters
- Toxicity: yes
11. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily produces large green leaves and elegant white flowers. It requires little light and loves water.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 0.3 to 1.2 meters
- Toxicity: yes
12. The Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Great for detoxifying, this hardy plant requires little maintenance. It can tolerate low light and thrives without much water.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 0.1 to 0.6 meters
- Toxicity: yes
13. The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
With large, perforated leaves, this striking plant prefers bright but indirect light indoors. Too much light can damage its foliage.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 0.9 meters high
- Toxicity: yes
14. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
This shrubby perennial tolerates shade and is low-maintenance. It needs bright, indirect light but can survive in low light.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 1.8 to 2.4 meters
- Toxicity: yes
15. Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
This fabulous perennial plant has shimmering flowers and glossy leaves. It thrives in a bit of shade, even in less lit corners.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 1.8 to 5.4 meters
- Toxicity: yes
16. The Fragrant Dragon Tree (Dracaena fragrans)
This impressive plant can grow to about six feet tall and prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate shady spots.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 1.8 meters
- Toxicity: yes
17. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This plant features variegated foliage and thrives in indirect sunlight. It also tolerates low light conditions.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 0.3 to 0.6 meters
- Toxicity: no
18. The Maranta (Maranta leuconeura)
Known as the “Prayer Plant,” it folds its leaves at night and loves low light conditions.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 1.8 to 3.6 meters
- Toxicity: no
19. Silver Pothos (Scindapsus Pictus)
Hardy and easy to care for, Silver Pothos can survive in darker locations but prefers humidity.
- Light: partial shade to full shade
- Size: 1.2 to 3 meters long
- Toxicity: yes
20. Ephelide plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Known for its eye-catching foliage, this plant thrives in shade. Too much sun can dull its colors.
- Light: partial shade
- Size: 0.3 to 0.6 meters
- Toxicity: no
Some Tips to Follow
Now that you have your sights set on some plants, keep in mind:
- Few plants can survive in total darkness.
- Even those that do well in shade outdoors may still need light indoors.
- Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
FAQ
What plants should be placed in a dark kitchen?
- Aralia: A resistant shrub that thrives in shade.
- Fern: Requires humidity and shade.
- Bamboo: Grows well in low light, can be in water.
- Orchid: Thrives in humid conditions with indirect light.
Which tall plant does not tolerate too much light?
- Multiplying Palm: A slow-growing palm that thrives in bright, indirect light.
Bring some greenery into your home with these beautiful low-light plants!
