Best Indoor Plants for Low Light: Easy Greenery for Dim Rooms
Not every home gets bright sun. Some apartments face north, some rooms sit under deep eaves, and some windows look straight into a brick wall. The good news: you can still grow healthy, good-looking houseplants.
This guide covers the best indoor plants for low light, what “low light” really means, and how to keep these plants alive (and growing) without guesswork. You’ll also get simple care tips and a short troubleshooting section for common problems.
What “low light” means indoors (and what it doesn’t)
Low light does not mean “no light.” Plants still need some natural light to make energy. In most homes, low light looks like this:
- A spot a few feet back from an east or west window
- A room with one small window, especially in winter
- A north-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere)
- Light filtered through curtains, trees, or nearby buildings
If you can read a book there during the day without turning on a lamp, many low-light plants will do fine. If you need a lamp at noon, choose the toughest plants or add a small grow light.
Want to get precise? A light meter app can help you compare rooms and corners. The Royal Horticultural Society explains indoor light levels in plain terms and why placement matters: RHS guidance on indoor light levels.
Quick rules for low-light plant success
1) Water less than you think
Most plant deaths in low light come from too much water, not too little. Low light slows growth, so soil stays wet longer. Let the top inch or two dry before you water, unless the plant prefers steady moisture.
2) Pick the right pot and soil
Use a pot with a drain hole. If you love decorative pots, keep the plant in a nursery pot inside the cover pot so excess water can drain out. A basic indoor potting mix works for most picks here, but add perlite if your home stays cool and dim.
3) Rotate and dust
Turn the pot every week or two so growth stays even. Wipe dust off leaves with a damp cloth. Dust blocks light, and in low light every bit counts.
4) Feed lightly
Don’t “fix” low light with lots of fertilizer. It won’t work and can burn roots. Feed at half strength in spring and summer only, unless the plant clearly grows year-round.
Best indoor plants for low light (reliable and easy)
These plants handle low light better than most. “Better” still means they grow slower and may look less full than they would in brighter spots. That’s normal.
1) Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
If you want a plant that forgives missed waterings and dim corners, start here. Snake plants store water in thick leaves, so they don’t mind dry air or uneven care.
- Light: Low to bright indirect (slow growth in low light)
- Water: Let soil dry out most of the way
- Best spot: Bedroom corner, hallway, office
Snake plants can handle neglect, but they hate soggy soil. If you only follow one rule, make it this: don’t water on a schedule.
2) ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant looks glossy and neat even when it grows slowly. It has thick underground stems (rhizomes) that store water, which makes it a strong pick for low light and busy people.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: When soil is mostly dry
- Best spot: Interior room near a doorway, low-light office
If your ZZ starts to flop, it often means it’s reaching for more light. Move it a bit closer to a window, not into direct sun.
3) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the best indoor plants for low light if you want vines. It will survive dim rooms and still put out long trails, though leaves may be smaller and less variegated in shade.
- Light: Low to bright indirect
- Water: When the top 1-2 inches dry
- Best spot: On a shelf, in a hanging pot, trained along a wall
Trim long stems to keep it full. You can root cuttings in water and start new plants.
4) Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
This plant has soft, heart-shaped leaves and a relaxed, trailing habit. It handles low light well and tells you when it needs water by looking slightly droopy.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: When the top inch dries
- Best spot: Bookcase, mantel, high shelf
Philodendron and pothos look similar at a glance, but philodendron leaves often feel thinner and more matte.
5) Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name fits. This plant tolerates low light, infrequent watering, and cooler rooms. It grows slowly, but it holds its shape and doesn’t fuss.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: When the top few inches dry
- Best spot: Darker corners where other plants sulk
It’s a strong choice if you travel or forget to water.
6) Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Aglaonema gives you color without needing bright sun. Many types have silver, pink, or red tones. In lower light, choose greener varieties since they tend to cope better.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: Keep lightly moist, not wet
- Best spot: Living rooms and bedrooms with filtered light
If leaf edges turn brown, check watering and indoor humidity, and keep it away from heating vents.
7) Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies handle low light and give you a clear signal when thirsty: they droop. They can bloom in decent indirect light, but in low light they may grow leaves with fewer flowers.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: When leaves start to dip or the top inch dries
- Best spot: Bathrooms with a window, shaded living areas
Peace lilies can be sensitive to tap water. If leaf tips brown often, try filtered water or let water sit out overnight before using it.
8) Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
If you want a soft, classic “palm” look without strong sun, the parlor palm is a safe bet. It stays compact and works well in corners with steady, low light.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: When the top inch dries
- Best spot: Corner near a window, away from harsh afternoon sun
The University of Florida’s extension office has practical notes on palm care and indoor growing conditions: UF/IFAS Extension publications.
9) Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)
Many ferns demand high humidity and constant care. Bird’s nest fern is easier than most and likes medium to low indirect light. It also gives a bold, tropical shape without trailing vines.
- Light: Low to medium indirect
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist; don’t let it dry out fully
- Best spot: Bathroom or kitchen with gentle light
Water the soil, not the center “nest,” which can rot if it stays wet.
10) Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants adapt well and make baby “pups” you can propagate. They prefer brighter indirect light, but they still do fine in lower light if you don’t overwater.
- Light: Low to bright indirect
- Water: When the top inch dries
- Best spot: Hanging basket near a window, or back from a brighter room
If leaf tips brown, it can be salts from fertilizer or minerals in tap water. Flush the soil every month or two by watering until it drains well.
Picking the right plant for each room
Low-light bedroom
- Snake plant for a clean, upright look
- ZZ plant for low effort
- Peace lily if you’ll water when it droops
If you have pets, check toxicity first. Many common houseplants can upset cats and dogs if chewed.
Dim bathroom (with a window)
- Bird’s nest fern for humidity
- Peace lily for steady moisture
- Parlor palm for a soft, airy feel
Office with overhead lights and little sun
- ZZ plant and snake plant handle low light and missed waterings
- Aglaonema adds color without fuss
If the only light comes from ceiling fixtures, you may need a small grow light. Cornell University offers a clear overview of what plants need and how light affects growth: Cornell Home Gardening resources.
How to tell if your “low light” is too low
Plants can survive for a while in bad light, then slowly decline. Watch for these signs:
- Long, weak stems and wide gaps between leaves
- New leaves that stay small
- Variegated plants turning solid green
- Soil that stays wet for a week or more after watering
If you see this, try one of these fixes:
- Move the plant 1-3 feet closer to the window.
- Raise it up on a stool or shelf so it “sees” more sky.
- Add a simple LED grow light on a timer for 8-12 hours.
If you want to measure light instead of guessing, a basic lux guide helps you understand what numbers mean for houseplants. This practical explainer from a lighting manufacturer is easy to follow: a simple lux guide for plants.
Low-light care mistakes (and quick fixes)
You water on the same day every week
Fix: Check soil first. Stick your finger in the mix. If it’s still damp past your first knuckle, wait.
You chose a plant that needs sun
Fix: Move it to brighter light and replace it with a tougher low-light pick like ZZ, snake plant, or cast iron plant.
You use a pot with no drain hole
Fix: Repot into a draining pot, or use a nursery pot inside a cover pot and empty standing water.
Leaves look dull and dusty
Fix: Wipe leaves. It sounds small, but it can make a real difference in dim rooms.
Do low-light plants clean the air?
You’ve probably heard that houseplants “purify the air.” Plants can absorb some indoor pollutants in lab tests, but real homes have too much air exchange and too many variables for a few pots to act like an air filter. For a grounded overview, see the EPA’s guidance on indoor air quality and practical steps that matter most: EPA indoor air quality basics.
Keep plants because you like them, because they soften a room, and because caring for them feels good. That’s reason enough.
Buying tips: how to choose a healthy plant
- Check leaves for pests: look under leaves and along stems.
- Avoid plants with lots of yellow leaves or mushy stems.
- Lift the pot. If it’s very heavy and soggy, it may have root problems.
- Pick a plant that fits your habits. If you forget to water, choose snake plant or ZZ.
If you bring home multiple plants, isolate new ones for a week or two. That helps you catch pests before they spread.
Simple low-light plant care checklist
- Place the plant where it gets the most indirect natural light in that room.
- Water only when the soil dries to the right depth for that plant.
- Use a draining pot and empty the saucer.
- Rotate the pot every 1-2 weeks.
- Feed lightly in spring and summer.
For a solid, practical overview of common houseplant care, including light and watering basics, this resource is handy: houseplant care guidance from Gardener’s Supply.
Conclusion
You don’t need a sun-soaked home to grow indoor plants. Start with proven low-light picks like snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, cast iron plant, and Chinese evergreen. Place them where they get the best indirect light you can offer, then water less than you think. If a plant struggles, move it closer to the window or add a small grow light. With those basics, your “dim” rooms can still look green and alive.
