Garden

17 Houseplants to Grow Where Sun Doesn’t Shine

Written by Emily Belkoff

I’ve always loved filling my home with plants, but not every room gets those beautiful beams of sunlight we all crave. 

If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with finding plants that can survive (and even thrive) in the darker corners of your home. 

Over the years, I’ve learned that plenty of houseplants are perfectly happy in low light. 

Let me share some of my favorites that will bring life and greenery to even the gloomiest spots in your home!

Top 17 Houseplants for Low Light Conditions

1. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

I love recommending this beauty to my newbie plant parent friends. It’s a trooper that doesn’t need much sunlight to show off its lush foliage.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This trailing beauty is my go-to for brightening up dark corners. It’s one of the best low-light plants I’ve ever grown.

3. Calathea

The bold patterns on these leaves never fail to catch my eye. I’ve got a few varieties, and they all seem to thrive regardless of where I place them.

4. Heartleaf Philodendron

Want a tropical vibe without the fuss? This little gem keeps its glossy green leaves looking perky even in my dimly lit hallway.

5. ZZ Plant

I call this my “superhero plant.” It’s practically indestructible and adapts to both bright and dark spots in my home.

6. Parlor Palm

This elegant palm brings a touch of the tropics to my living room. It’s drought-tolerant too, which is a bonus for forgetful waterers like me!

7. Dracaena

I love how forgiving this plant is. It’s weathered my occasional neglect and less-than-ideal lighting conditions like a champ.

8. Croton

The star-shaped leaves with their beautiful colors are a showstopper. I was surprised how well it adapted to my north-facing window.

9. Cast Iron Plant

True to its name, this plant is tough as nails. It’s thriving in a spot that barely sees any natural light.

10. Maidenhair Fern

The delicate fronds of this fern add a soft touch to my bathroom. It loves the humidity and the indirect light from the small window.

11. Peace Lily

This low-maintenance beauty graces my bedroom with its elegant white flowers. It seems to enjoy the shady atmosphere.

12. Aloe Vera

Not just for sunny windowsills! My aloe has adapted well to a lower light spot, and I still use its soothing gel for minor skin irritations.

13. Watermelon Peperomia

This quirky plant with its watermelon-like leaves is a conversation starter. It’s happy with the bright indirect light in my home office.

14. Pothos (Again!)

I can’t emphasize enough how much I love pothos. It’s a shade-loving plant by nature, perfect for those dim corners.

15. Staghorn Fern

This unique fern adds a touch of the exotic to my dining room. It appreciates the indirect light away from harsh sun.

16. Spider Plant

As a sometimes forgetful plant mom, I appreciate how adaptable spider plants are. They’re thriving in various spots around my house.

17. Snake Plant

This air-purifying wonder is my bedroom companion. It tolerates full shade and doesn’t mind if I forget to water it occasionally.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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