Even if your space doesn’t get much sunshine, you can still enjoy the calming beauty of houseplants. The best low light indoor plants bring fresh life to apartments and offices that lack direct sunlight. These green companions are perfect for shady corners, north-facing windows, and areas with filtered daylight. Many of them are also low maintenance indoor plants, making them ideal for busy lifestyles or first-time plant owners.
In addition to lush greenery, they also have delicate textures, these plants can work well to the perfect indoor plants for shade. If you’re looking for smaller greenery or bold design pieces This guide will help you select the perfect low-light Indoor plants that flourish in dim light settings with ease.
Do Low Light Plants Really Thrive Indoors?
Yes, some plants do more than survive—they thrive in low light. That doesn’t mean zero light. Even no sunlight plants indoors need some type of brightness. Low light usually means filtered sunlight or areas with light for just part of the day. You can find these conditions near plants for north-facing windows or a room with open curtains but no direct beams of sun.
There are many indoor shade plants that grow beautifully in these conditions. Some have adapted from forest floors where light is weak. These include low light tropical plants like the ZZ plant ( Zanzibar Gem Zami folia) or parlor palm (Camaiore elegans). With the right care, they don’t just stay alive—they get lush and full.
Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Small Spaces
Living in a small apartment or dorm? You still have space for beauty. Compact plants love shelves, desks, and side tables. Many low maintenance indoor plants don’t need much room or light. They grow slowly and don’t mind being moved around a bit.
Some top picks for tight spaces are the spider plant (Chlorophytum Como sum), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), and golden pathos (EpiPen aurum). These are true plants for minimal light. They need very little care and brighten up any corner. Try placing them where they catch some indirect rays and watch them grow.
Best Tall Indoor Plants for Low Light Corners
Large empty corners can feel lifeless. That’s where tall, upright plants can help. The good news is that some tall beauties are house plants for dark corners too. These are not only space-fillers but also improve air and mood.
Look into the snake plant (Sansevieria), Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), and corn plant (Dracaena fragrans). They need minimal light and add structure to a room. Their slim shape makes them ideal for offices and narrow spaces. Many of them even tolerate indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
Top 10 Low Light Indoor Plants to Buy in 2025
Here are the top trending plants to buy this year if you’re decorating a shady space:
| Plant Name | Light Need | Max Height | Features |
| ZZ plant ( Zanzibar Gem Zami folia) | Low light | 3 ft | Glossy, upright leaves |
| Snake plant (Sansevieria) | Indirect | 4 ft | Sharp leaves, easy care |
| Golden pathos (EpiPen aurum) | Low light | 6 ft trail | Trailing, fast-growing |
| Spider plant (Chlorophytum Como sum) | Low light | 1.5 ft | Great in pots or hanging |
| Parlor palm (Camaiore elegans) | Low light | 6 ft | Soft tropical leaves |
| Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) | Indirect | 8 ft | Large holey leaves |
| Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) | Shade | 2 ft | Very hardy and slow-growing |
| Ivy (Hedera helix) | Very low light | 6 ft trail | Classic and evergreen |
| Prayer plant (Maranta leucon Eura) | Indirect | 1 ft | Folds up at night |
| Philodendron varieties | Low light | Varies | Many leaf shapes |
Best Indoor Hanging Plants for Low Light
If you’re short on floor space, hang your greenery. Hanging plants are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or small rooms. Many low light tropical plants are climbers or trailers that look great in baskets.
The golden pithos (EpiPen aurum), heart-leaf philodendron varieties, and mistletoe cactus (Rhopalism backfire) are top choices. They don’t mind dim areas and bring a jungle vibe to any home. Just make sure to trim them once in a while to keep them tidy.
Very Low Light Plants: For Dark Rooms and Windowless Spaces
Some spaces barely see the sun—like basements or hallways. That doesn’t mean you can’t add plants. Some species have adapted to extremely dark zones. These are the best no sunlight plants for indoors.
Great picks are the ivy (Hedera helix), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), and even some philodendron varieties. These are ideal plants for minimal light. Pair them with a grow light if the space is very dark. A basic LED lamp can help keep them strong and green.
Large Indoor Plants That Tolerate Low Light
Want a big, leafy statement piece? Some low light tropical plants grow big and still handle shade. These are perfect for open living rooms or office lounges.
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) and philodendron Xanadu are stunning options. They grow wide, with bold leaves. You can place them near plants for north-facing windows or use them to fill awkward spaces. Remember to dust their leaves now and then so they can breathe properly.
Low Light Indoor Plants That Flower
Yes, even in shade, you can enjoy blossoms. A few indoor shade plants can produce stunning flowers even without direct sunlight. While they may not bloom as often, they still provide the beauty and color.
The top flowering picks include the prayer plant (Maranta leucon Eura), peace lily, and anthurium. These plants add softness and surprise to shaded spaces. Just keep the soil slightly moist and offer some indirect light during the day.
Where to Buy & What to Know: Pots, Planters & Offers
In the U.S., you’re spoiled for choice. You can shop low maintenance indoor plants at places like The Sill, Blooms cape, Amazon, or your local Home Depot. Online stores often offer special deals, like bundles or discounts for first-time buyers.
When it comes to pots, use containers with drainage holes. Choose ceramic, terra cotta, or self-watering planters. For smaller apartments, consider hanging pots or vertical planters. These make it easier to fit more greenery in a small footprint.
Expert Tips to Help Your Low Light Plants Thrive
Caring for indirect light plants is easy once you understand a few basics. Don’t overwater. Most of these plants hate sitting in soggy soil. Let the top layer dry before watering again. If your leaves turn yellow or drop, that may be a sign of too much or too little light.
Try rotating your plants every week to help them grow evenly. If the room is very dark, add a simple grow light for 6–8 hours a day. Keep them away from drafts, and remember: less is more when it comes to fertilizer in the winter.
Conclusion: Which Low Light Plant is Right for You?
Every space is different. Whether you live in a sunny city loft or a shady ground-floor flat, there’s a plant out there for you. Choose tall ones for corners, trailing ones for shelves, and compact ones for desks. Think about your care style—do you want daily tasks or something super chill?
Whatever you decide, adding the best plants for apartments with limited natural light will change the feel of your space. They clean the air, boost your mood, and make every day a little greener. So go on—bring the outside in.
FAQs
Q1.What indoor plants need the least light?
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) and ZZ plant ( Zami folia) are top picks for thriving in the lowest light conditions.
Q2. What indoor plants are good for low light rooms?
Snake plant (Sansevieria), golden pithos (EpiPen aurum), and parlor palm (Camaiore elegans) grow well in low light rooms.
Q3. What is a good tall indoor plant for low light?
The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) and Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) are tall, upright, and ideal for shady corners.
Q4. What plant does well in very low light?
Ivy (Hedera helix) and the hardy cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) can handle very dim spaces with minimal sunlight.
Q5. What are the best indoor plants for low light hanging?
The golden pathos (EpiPen aurum), mistletoe cactus (Rhopalism backfire), and philodendron varieties are perfect for hanging in low light.
