Discover the top 10 best lowlight indoor plants for a thriving, green haven. Elevate your indoor spaces with these resilient and beautiful plant options.
Table of Contents
1. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are tropical plants typically characterized by their vibrant coloration. Their distinctive appearance and tropical ambiance make them a popular choice for houseplants. Depending on the species, Bromeliads can be displayed on shelves, tabletops, or even placed on the floor to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
The majority of bromeliad species favor bright, indirect sunlight over direct light. Indirect light implies that the plant isn’t directly exposed to the sun. For instance, direct light would occur if your plant were outdoors under the sun, or if it were positioned next to an open window with the sun shining directly onto it. Prolonged exposure to full sun can harm a bromeliad’s leaves. It’s advisable to place it near a window, but not directly in front of it. If natural light isn’t available, bromeliads can also flourish under fluorescent lighting.
2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen plants are simple to cultivate and are among the numerous indoor plants that don’t require sunlight. They are often recommended as an excellent starting point for those new to houseplant care. Mature Chinese evergreens produce flowers resembling calla lilies and are ideally placed on the floor alongside furniture or in open spaces within the home. Younger Chinese evergreens, due to their compact size, are suitable for desk, tabletop, and shelf decor. These plants have also been recognized on NASA’s list of air-purifying houseplants, making Chinese evergreens not only easy to maintain but also a health-conscious choice for your home!
The sunlight requirements of a Chinese evergreen plant are determined by the color of its leaves. Generally, plants with darker leaves tend to prefer low-light conditions. On the other hand, varieties with lighter-colored leaves, such as pink or orange, favor medium light. Similar to many other plants, Chinese evergreens should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.
3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Often known as the iron plant due to its robust nature, the cast iron plant is capable of withstanding a broad range of conditions. This resilience makes it an ideal choice for those with less gardening experience or those with a busy schedule. Its lush green leaves serve as an excellent natural accent, perfect for enhancing any corner of a room.
Cast iron plants are low-light plants that can thrive in almost any part of your home. Their growth rate is slow, but they are incredibly resilient and difficult to kill. The primary requirement is to shield them from direct sunlight to prevent their leaves from scorching or turning brown. For additional care, you can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth weekly to remove dust. Clean leaves enable the plant to absorb sunlight and nutrients more efficiently.
4. Dracaena (Dracaena)
The dracaena, a prevalent houseplant, is easy to maintain within your home. This plant, available in numerous varieties, enhances the aesthetics of shelves, tabletops, and even serves as floor decor. Larger varieties, such as the dracaena massangeana, exhibit a tree-like appearance and are particularly effective as floor decor.
Dracaenas thrive optimally in bright, indirect light, but they can also adapt to low and medium light conditions if necessary. They are recognized as one of the top air-purifying plants, capable of filtering toxins from your home. For more comprehensive information on caring for your dracaena, consider referring to our detailed dracaena care guide.
5. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb canes are attractive plants frequently seen enhancing both residential and office environments. They derive their name, ‘dumb canes’, from the fact that all parts of the plant are toxic. As such, it’s crucial to keep this plant out of reach from pets and children. Ingestion can lead to swelling and other complications, while contact with its sap can result in skin irritation. However, when handled appropriately with limited contact, the risks associated with this plant can be significantly reduced.
Dumb canes can flourish under a range of light conditions from low to high, depending on the specific species. Filtered light is sunlight that is diffused through an intermediary like a sheer curtain or a window. While most species can survive in low filtered light, their growth may be stunted depending on the variety. It’s advisable to verify the species of your dumb cane to determine its preferred light conditions.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy plants are attractive climbers that can transform a dull wall into a vibrant piece of art. They are also excellent for trellises, fences, and other structures that support vine growth. However, it’s important to note that if you’re cultivating from seed, the vines may take a few years to fully develop.
English ivy plants favor bright, indirect light, although they can withstand low light conditions. The more light the ivy receives, the more vibrant the coloration of its leaves. However, exposure to direct light can be detrimental. Many other ivy varieties, such as the previously mentioned pothos, also thrive in indirect light and shaded areas.
7. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Maidenhair ferns are graceful plants that enhance any room, although they can be quite delicate and easy to damage. However, the exquisite leaves and overall aesthetic appeal of this plant make the additional care worthwhile. Numerous fern varieties, such as the Boston fern and bird’s nest fern, flourish in indirect sunlight.
Maidenhair ferns prefer bright, indirect light and are sensitive to direct sunlight. They have a preference for high humidity and dislike dry soil, necessitating a moist but not overly saturated environment to prevent root rot. These plants also favor distilled water over hard water, typically sourced from the sink.
8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are verdant plants that beautifully enhance your dining or living room. Possessing a parlor palm during the Victorian era was a symbol of a family’s wealth. While they may not hold the same exclusivity in the modern world, the parlor palm continues to impart an air of sophistication to any space it adorns.
Parlor palms have the capacity to grow in low light conditions, but they flourish best in medium light. They have a preference for more shaded spaces as opposed to brightly lit areas, so there’s no need for concern about positioning them too close to a window. Parlor palms are even capable of thriving under artificial light if necessary.
9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Contrary to common perception, a peace lily isn’t actually a genuine lily. The white “petal” is in fact a leaf bract that envelops the yellow flower. Be sure to observe closely the next time you encounter one! Typical peace lilies can attain a height of 24 to 40 inches, making them a popular choice for floor decoration.
Peace lilies are adaptable to low to medium light conditions and can even prosper under fluorescent lighting. The likelihood of them producing white flowers increases with the amount of light they receive. While they can survive in less illuminated areas, their chances of flowering diminish. Peace lilies are also renowned for their air-purifying qualities. For more comprehensive information on caring for your peace lily, consider referring to our detailed peace lily care guide.
10. Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
The peacock plant, also referred to as cathedral windows, rattlesnake plant, or zebra plant, derives its various names from its stunning foliage, which some liken to the splendor of a peacock’s feathers. Known for their striking appearance and specific care requirements, peacock plants favor humid climates, distilled or rainwater, and soil that is moist but not overly damp.
Peacock plants thrive in low to medium light conditions and their leaves can wilt if exposed to excessive direct sunlight. The presence of pale markings on the leaves indicates overexposure to the sun. When selecting a peacock plant, it’s advisable to choose a healthier specimen and steer clear of smaller plants with brown leaves. Starting with a healthy plant increases your chances of successfully nurturing a thriving peacock plant.