15 Best Low Light Plants for Dark Rooms
No sunny windows? Living in a basement apartment? Working in a windowless office? These resilient houseplants don't just survive in low light - they actually prefer it.
What is "Low Light"?
Low light doesn't mean no light. It means indirect light away from windows, north-facing rooms, or spaces that only receive artificial light. If you can read a book without turning on a lamp during the day, you have enough light for these plants.
Not every home is blessed with bright, south-facing windows. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits of houseplants. The plants below have adapted to grow under forest canopies where sunlight is scarce, making them perfect for dimly lit apartments, offices, and bathrooms.
The 15 Best Low Light Plants
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Very Low to Medium EasyThe ultimate beginner plant. Pothos tolerates neglect, low light, and irregular watering. Its trailing vines add greenery to any dark corner.
Quick Tips:
- Can grow in water alone
- Yellow leaves = too much light
- Trim to encourage bushier growth
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Very Low to Bright Very EasyNearly indestructible. Snake plants thrive on neglect and can survive months without water in low light conditions.
Quick Tips:
- Water only when completely dry
- Avoid cold drafts
- Great air purifier
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Very Low to Medium Very EasyGlossy, dark green leaves that look like plastic. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and perfect for offices with only fluorescent lighting.
Quick Tips:
- Toxic if ingested - keep away from pets
- Yellow leaves = overwatering
- Grows slowly but steadily
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Low to Medium EasyOne of the few low-light plants that flowers. Peace lilies also dramatically droop when thirsty, making watering easy to judge.
Quick Tips:
- Drooping = needs water
- Brown tips = chlorine in water
- Wipe leaves for best appearance
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Very Low Very EasyLiterally named for its toughness. Cast iron plants were popular in Victorian-era hallways with zero natural light.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid direct sunlight completely
- Wipe leaves monthly
- Slow grower - be patient
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Low to Medium EasyBeautiful variegated leaves in silver, pink, or red. More colorful varieties need slightly more light.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid cold water
- Humidity helps but not required
- Toxic to pets
Dracaena
Low to Medium EasyTall, architectural plants perfect for filling empty corners. Many varieties like corn plant and Janet Craig do well in low light.
Quick Tips:
- Sensitive to fluoride - use filtered water
- Brown tips are common
- Can grow very tall
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Low to Medium EasyA true low-light palm that brings tropical vibes to dark rooms. Popular since Victorian times for shaded parlors.
Quick Tips:
- Prefers humidity
- Never let soil dry completely
- Cat and dog safe
Philodendron
Low to Medium EasyHeart-shaped leaves on trailing or climbing vines. Heartleaf philodendron is the most tolerant of low light.
Quick Tips:
- Similar care to pothos
- Yellow leaves = overwatering
- Prune for bushier growth
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Low to Bright Indirect EasyProduces adorable baby plants on runners. Spider plants are forgiving and adapt to various light conditions.
Quick Tips:
- Brown tips = fluoride or dry air
- Easy to propagate
- Pet safe
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Low to Medium ModerateLarge, tropical-looking leaves with interesting patterns. Makes a bold statement in darker corners.
Quick Tips:
- Very toxic - wash hands after handling
- Rotate for even growth
- Loses lower leaves naturally
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Low to Medium Very EasyNot actually bamboo but a dracaena. Grows in water alone and tolerates very low light conditions.
Quick Tips:
- Change water weekly
- Avoid direct sun
- Sensitive to chlorine
Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Low to Medium ModerateStriking veined leaves in pink, white, or red. Perfect for terrariums and bathroom shelves.
Quick Tips:
- Dramatic fainting when thirsty
- Loves humidity
- Great terrarium plant
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Low to Medium ModerateLeaves fold up at night like praying hands. Beautiful patterns thrive in indirect light.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid direct sun - burns leaves
- Loves humidity
- Use filtered water
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Low to Bright EasyClassic trailing vine that adapts to most conditions. Great for shelves and hanging baskets in dim rooms.
Quick Tips:
- Watch for spider mites
- Prune to control size
- Can cause skin irritation
Low Light Plant Care Tips
Water Less Often
Plants in low light use less water because they photosynthesize more slowly. Overwatering is the #1 killer of low light plants. Let soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilize Sparingly
Slower growth means lower nutrient needs. Fertilize at half strength, only during spring and summer. Over-fertilizing in low light causes salt buildup.
Rotate Regularly
Even in low light, plants grow toward the light source. Rotate your plants 90 degrees every few weeks to encourage even, balanced growth.
Keep Leaves Clean
Dust blocks what little light reaches the leaves. Wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth to maximize photosynthesis efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light do "low light" plants actually need?
Low light plants typically need 50-250 foot-candles, equivalent to a room where you can comfortably read without turning on a lamp. Most can survive with just fluorescent office lighting. No plant can survive in complete darkness - they all need some light for photosynthesis.
Will low light plants grow slower?
Yes, plants in low light conditions grow more slowly than they would in brighter conditions. This is actually a benefit for many people - less frequent repotting, less pruning, and slower-growing plants are easier to maintain.
Can I use artificial lights for low light plants?
Absolutely! Low light plants can thrive under fluorescent or LED lights. If your plant only receives artificial light, aim for 12-14 hours of light per day to compensate for lower intensity.
Why are my low light plant's leaves pale or yellowing?
Ironically, yellowing or pale leaves on a "low light" plant can mean too LITTLE light. While these plants tolerate low light, there's a minimum threshold. Other causes include overwatering (the most common issue in low light) or nutrient deficiency.
Identify Any Low Light Plant Instantly
Found a plant you think might work in your dark corner? Snap a photo and let BotanAI tell you exactly what it needs.
Download BotanAI Free