Having houseplants in your home not only adds beauty to your space, but also offers a variety of mental and physical health benefits. Plants can create a calmer and more comfortable atmosphere, help reduce stress, and improve the air quality around you. However, challenges arise when your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, as is often the case in apartments or houses with limited windows. In these situations, choosing plants that can thrive in low-light conditions becomes essential to creating a green oasis in your home.
Fortunately, there are a number of types of plants that can thrive even with little sunlight. Some of these plants are highly adaptable and can thrive in low-light environments. This article will discuss ten types of houseplants that are ideal for low-light conditions, giving you options to beautify and freshen up your space without having to worry about limited lighting. Find these plants and make your home greener and healthier.
Now, let’s explore 10 houseplants that can thrive even with limited sunlight.
1. Sansevieria (Mother-in-law’s Tongue)
Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant, is one of the most popular plants for low-light rooms. This plant has upright, stiff leaves with an attractive striped pattern, making it a perfect decorative choice for a variety of interior styles.
Sansevieria Benefits:
- Highly tolerant of a variety of conditions, including low light and irregular watering.
- Effective in absorbing air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
- Requires minimal watering, ideal for novice plant owners or people with busy schedules.
- Available in a variety of sizes and varieties, allowing for flexibility in decoration.
Sansevieria Care:
- Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.
- Avoid watering the leaves directly to prevent rot.
- Place in an area with indirect light or even in a dark corner of the room.
- Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots begin to grow out of the pot.
With its incredible resilience, Sansevieria is a perfect choice for those who want a green plant in their home without having to worry about intensive care or high light requirements.
2. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, better known as the ZZ Plant, is a great plant for low-light spaces. It has glossy, dark green leaves and an interesting structure, making it an elegant addition to any interior decor.
ZZ Plant Benefits:
- Very tolerant of low light conditions and can survive in rooms without windows.
- Drought tolerant and can survive for weeks without water.
- Has the ability to clean the air of various pollutants.
- Slow growing, so it doesn’t require frequent pruning or repotting.
ZZ Plant Care:
- Water the plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
- Can grow in a variety of soil types, but ensure good drainage.
- Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to maintain their beauty.
The ZZ Plant is an ideal choice for those who want a plant that requires little to no maintenance but still looks attractive. Its beauty and durability make it suitable for a variety of spaces in the home or office.
3. Dracaena
Dracaena is a genus of plants that includes many species that thrive in low light conditions. Some popular varieties include Dracaena marginata (Dragon Tree), Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant), and Dracaena deremensis (Janet Craig). These plants have long, slender leaves that grow from woody stems, giving them an exotic and attractive appearance.
Dracaena Benefits:
- Available in a variety of sizes and varieties, suitable for a variety of spaces and decorating styles.
- Effective at cleaning the air of pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
- Can thrive in low to medium light conditions.
- Relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Dracaena Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity, especially in air-conditioned rooms.
- Prune yellowing or dead leaves to maintain the appearance and health of the plant.
- Apply a light fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
excellent choice for adding a vertical element to a room. With so many varieties available, you can choose a plant that suits your preferences and the space you have.
4. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonema, or often called Chinese Evergreen, is a popular houseplant for low-light indoor spaces. This plant has attractively patterned leaves in various combinations of green, silver, and even pink, making it a very decorative choice.
Aglaonema Benefits:
- Can grow well in low to medium light conditions.
- Comes in a variety of varieties with a variety of leaf patterns and colors.
- Effective at cleaning the air of various indoor pollutants.
- Relatively easy to care for and tolerant of a variety of conditions.
Aglaonema Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- Likes high humidity, so mist the leaves regularly or use a pebble tray with water.
- Wipe the leaves regularly to maintain the beauty and health of the plant.
- Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant looks like it’s outgrowing its pot.
perfect choice for adding color and texture to low-light spaces. The wide variety of varieties allows you to choose a plant that matches the color scheme of your room.
5. Epipremnum Aureum (Pothos)
Epipremnum Aureum, better known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a very adaptable and easy-care vine. This plant has heart-shaped leaves with a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the variety.
Pothos Benefits:
- Very tolerant of a variety of light conditions, including low light.
- Grows quickly and can be used as a hanging plant or a vine.
- Effective in cleaning the air of pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene.
- Easily propagated through stem cuttings.
Pothos Care:
- Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry out.
- Can grow in water or soil, giving flexibility in care.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to maintain their beauty.
excellent choice for beginners in caring for plants. Its resistance to a wide range of conditions and ease of care make it a favorite for many indoor plant owners.
6. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum, more commonly known as the Peace Lily, is a flowering plant that thrives in low light conditions. It has glossy, dark green leaves and elegant white flowers, making it a popular choice for interior decoration.
Peace Lily Benefits:
- It can flower even in low light conditions.
- It is very effective in cleaning the air of various pollutants.
- It tolerates irregular watering and recovers quickly from wilting.
- It has an elegant appearance and is suitable for a variety of decorating styles.
Peace Lily Care:
- Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot.
- It likes high humidity, so mist the leaves regularly or place them on a tray of pebbles with water.
- Clean the leaves regularly to maintain their beauty and maximize photosynthesis.
- Cut off faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
perfect choice for those who want a low-light indoor flowering plant. In addition to being beautiful, this plant also has significant health benefits with its ability to clean the air.
7. Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant)
Aspidistra Elatior, also known as the Cast Iron Plant, is a very hardy plant that thrives in low light conditions. The name “Cast Iron” reflects its incredible resilience to a variety of less-than-ideal conditions.
Cast Iron Plant Pros:
- Very tolerant of low light and can survive indoors without windows.
- Tolerant of a variety of conditions including low temperatures and low humidity.
- Slow growing, so it doesn’t require much care or pruning.
- Attractive, long-lasting dark green leaves.
Cast Iron Plant Care:
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but ensure good drainage.
- Wipe down the leaves regularly to maintain the beauty and health of the plant.
- Fertilize lightly every few months during the growing season.
The Cast Iron Plant is a perfect choice for very dark areas or for those who often forget to water their plants. Its incredible resilience makes it an ideal choice for beginners or people with busy schedules.
8. Philodendron
Philodendron is a genus of plants that includes many species that are well-suited to low-light conditions. Some popular varieties include Philodendron hederaceum (Heart-leaf Philodendron) and Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Lacy Tree Philodendron). These plants have leaves that vary in shape and size, providing a wide range of options for interior decoration.
Philodendron Benefits:
- They flourish in environments with low to moderate light.
- They come in a variety of shapes, including climbing and upright varieties.
- They are effective at cleaning the air of pollutants such as formaldehyde.
- They are relatively easy to care for and are resistant to pests.
Philodendron Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- They like high humidity, so mist the leaves regularly or use a pebble tray with water.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
- Dust the leaves regularly to maintain their beauty and maximize photosynthesis.
excellent choice for adding texture and beauty to low-light spaces. The wide variety of varieties allows you to choose a plant that suits your style and space.
9. Calathea
Calathea is a genus of plants known for its beautiful, patterned leaves. It is often referred to as the “prayer plant” because its leaves move up and down in time with the day and night cycle.
Calathea Benefits (continued):
- It has leaves with very interesting and varied patterns and colors.
- It can grow well in low to medium light conditions.
- The unique leaf movement adds visual interest.
- It is effective in cleaning the air and increasing the humidity of the room.
Calathea Care:
- Keep the soil moisture consistent, avoid soil that is too dry or too wet.
- Likes high humidity, spray the leaves regularly or use a humidifier.
- Avoid water that contains chlorine or fluoride, use rainwater or distilled water if possible.
- Protect from direct sunlight which can fade the color of the leaves.
perfect choice for plant lovers who want an attractive plant in a low-light room. The unique beauty of its leaves can be a focal point in your room’s decor.
10. Asplenium nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern)
Asplenium nidus, also known as Bird’s Nest Fern, is a fern that thrives in low light conditions. It has broad, wavy, bright green leaves that form a bird’s nest-like formation.
Bird’s Nest Fern Benefits:
- It thrives in low to medium light conditions.
- It has unique and interesting leaves that add texture to a room.
- It is effective in increasing indoor humidity.
- It is relatively easy to care for compared to other types of ferns.
Bird’s Nest Fern Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- It likes high humidity, so mist the leaves regularly or place them on a pebble tray with water.
- Avoid watering directly into the center of the plant as this can cause rot.
- Clean the leaves gently and carefully to avoid damage.
great choice for adding a tropical element to a low-light room. Its broad, wavy leaves give it a fresh, natural look.
Having plants indoors in low light is no longer a challenge thanks to the wide variety of plants that are tolerant of the condition. From the hardy Sansevieria to the beautiful Calathea, there are plenty of options to green up and beautify your space. Each plant has its own unique characteristics and care needs, so it’s important to understand the plants you choose. With the right care, these plants will not only survive but thrive, providing a variety of benefits from improved air quality to boosting your mood and productivity.
Keep in mind that while these plants are tolerant of low light, they still require some attention and care. With a little effort and patience, you can create a beautiful green oasis in your home, even in a room with limited lighting. So don’t let a lack of sunlight stop you from enjoying the beauty and benefits of indoor plants. Choose plants that are suited to your indoor conditions, provide them with the right care, and enjoy the presence of nature in your home.