Not every home is blessed with bright, sunny windows — and that's perfectly okay. Some of the most beautiful, lush houseplants actually prefer lower light conditions. Whether you're decorating a north-facing apartment, a dim office, or a cozy corner far from the windows, these 15 plants will thrive and bring life to any space.
What Is "Low Light"?
Low light doesn't mean no light — it means indirect, ambient light with no direct sun exposure. Think: a room with windows but the plant is placed away from them, or a space that gets light filtered through curtains or blinds. If you can comfortably read a book in the space without turning on a lamp, most of these plants will do just fine.
The 15 Best Low Light Houseplants
1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is practically indestructible. Its waxy, dark green leaves stay glossy even in very low light, and it stores water in its thick rhizomes — meaning it tolerates neglect and infrequent watering like a champ. Perfect for beginners or frequent travelers. Shop ZZ Plant →
2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
One of the most popular houseplants for good reason — Golden Pothos trails beautifully from shelves and hanging baskets, tolerates low light, and grows fast. The golden-green variegated leaves brighten up any dim corner. Shop Golden Pothos →
3. Lemon Lime Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
A vibrant, neon-yellow twist on the classic heartleaf philodendron. It cascades beautifully in hanging baskets and adapts well to lower light — though its color is most vivid in bright indirect light. A showstopper that's surprisingly easy to care for. Shop Lemon Lime Philodendron →
4. Aglaonema 'Siam Aurora Red' (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonemas are among the most forgiving houseplants available. The Siam Aurora Red variety features striking red and green foliage that adds a pop of color even in low-light rooms. Tolerates irregular watering and low humidity. Shop Aglaonema Siam Aurora →
5. Peperomia Obtusifolia 'Green' (Baby Rubber Plant)
Compact, glossy, and nearly indestructible — the Baby Rubber Plant is ideal for desks, shelves, and small spaces. It thrives in low to medium indirect light and only needs watering when the soil is dry. Non-toxic to pets, too. Shop Baby Rubber Plant →
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)
The ultimate low-maintenance plant. Snake plants tolerate neglect, low light, and irregular watering better than almost any other houseplant. Their upright, architectural form makes them a favorite for modern interiors.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
One of the few flowering plants that thrives in low light. Peace Lilies produce elegant white blooms and lush dark green foliage, and they'll actually droop slightly when thirsty — making them great communicators for new plant parents.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly impossible to kill. It tolerates deep shade, temperature fluctuations, and irregular watering. Slow-growing but extremely long-lived — a plant you'll have for decades.
9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The classic trailing philodendron with heart-shaped, deep green leaves. One of the easiest plants to grow indoors, it adapts to a wide range of light conditions and grows quickly with minimal care.
10. Dracaena
Dracaenas come in dozens of varieties — from the compact 'Janet Craig' to the tall, dramatic 'Marginata' — and most tolerate low light well. They're excellent air-purifying plants and add a tropical, architectural feel to any room.
11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Available in green, silver, red, and pink varieties, Aglaonemas are one of the most adaptable houseplants around. The darker green varieties handle the lowest light conditions best, while the colorful varieties prefer a bit more brightness.
12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
If you want a tropical palm vibe without the need for full sun, the Parlor Palm is your answer. It grows slowly, tolerates low light, and adds an elegant, lush feel to living rooms and offices alike.
13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A classic for a reason — Spider Plants are nearly impossible to kill, produce cascading "babies" that can be propagated easily, and tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Great for hanging baskets in low-light spaces.
14. Pothos 'Marble Queen' (Epipremnum aureum)
A variegated cousin of the Golden Pothos, Marble Queen features creamy white and green marbled leaves. It grows slightly slower than Golden Pothos but is equally forgiving of low light and irregular watering.
15. Peperomia Ruby Cascade
A stunning trailing peperomia with ruby-red undersides and deep green tops. It tolerates lower light conditions and is non-toxic to pets — making it a beautiful and practical choice for any home. Shop Peperomia Ruby Cascade →
Care Tips for Low Light Plants
- Water less frequently — plants in low light photosynthesize more slowly and use less water. Overwatering is the #1 killer of low light plants.
- Dust the leaves — dusty leaves block light absorption. Wipe them down with a damp cloth every few weeks.
- Rotate occasionally — even in low light, rotating your plant every few weeks ensures even growth.
- Skip the fertilizer in winter — low light plants grow slowly and don't need heavy feeding, especially in the darker months.
Ready to Bring Some Green Into Your Home?
All of the plants above are available at Ed's Plant Shop, shipped carefully to your door anywhere in the US. Browse our full Low Light Plant Collection to find the perfect plant for your space.
