7 Houseplants That Thrive in Low Light
No sunny windows? No problem. These seven tough plants grow happily in darker rooms, offices and hallways.
Not every home has bright, south-facing windows, and that is completely fine. Many popular houseplants come from the floor of tropical forests, where they grow in the shade of taller trees. They have adapted to make the most of limited light, which makes them perfect for darker apartments, offices and hallways.
What does low light really mean?
Low light does not mean no light. A good rule of thumb is that if you can comfortably read a book in the spot during the day without turning on a lamp, a low-light plant can live there. A windowless room is too dark for any plant unless you add a grow light.
Our top picks
1. Snake Plant. Almost indestructible. It tolerates dark corners and only needs water every few weeks.
2. ZZ Plant. Its glossy leaves look polished all year, and its underground rhizomes store water for weeks.
3. Golden Pothos. A fast-growing trailing plant that keeps growing even far from a window.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron. Soft, heart-shaped leaves on long vines. Perfect for shelves.
5. Parlor Palm. A compact, feathery palm that has been a favourite indoor plant for over a century. It is also pet-safe.
6. Peace Lily. One of the few flowering plants that copes with medium to low light.
7. Prayer Plant. Its patterned leaves fade in strong sun, so a shadier spot actually suits it.
Tips for success in low light
Plants in low light use less water, so the most common mistake is overwatering. Always check the soil before watering and wait until it has dried out more than you would for a plant in a bright room. Wipe dust off the leaves regularly so they can capture every bit of light. Rotate pots every few weeks so all sides of the plant get a turn facing the window. Finally, be patient: plants in low light grow more slowly, and that is perfectly normal.