Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Areas with Little Sunshine

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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People with busy schedules and patterned lifestyles can have a hard time adopting a pet for companionship. In such scenarios, an ideal option is to get the best low-light indoor plants that can survive for long, even in dark rooms.

This post explores the best low-light indoor plants and the factors to keep in mind when choosing one for yourself.

Enjoy!

1. Costa Farms Live Snake Plant, Sansevieria

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The Costa Farms Live Snake Plant Sansevieria can reach lengths of 10-12 inches in its performance as a low-light indoor plant. People commonly refer to these plants as snake plants, yet they also carry the name Mother-In-Law's Tongue because of their pointed upright leaves.

The indoor plant requires minimal care because it thrives in dim lighting and needs watering only when the dry soil completely dries out. The Costa Farms Live Snake Plant Sansevieria is ideal for those seeking a trouble-free air-purifying houseplant that beautifies living spaces.

2. Golden Pothos Plant Live House Plant Live Plants

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Next is the Golden Pothos Plant, a popular live houseplant that thrives in low-light conditions. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and golden variegation, this plant brings a vibrant touch to any room.

The Golden Pothos is incredibly easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Though it thrives in indirect or low light, it can tolerate various light levels. Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts, the Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance beauty that adds a bit of nature to your home with minimal effort.

3. KOL 4ft Artificial Faux Monstera Deliciosa Tree

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The KOL 4ft Artificial Faux Monstera Deliciosa Tree is our next low-light indoor plant alternative. While it’s not a live plant, this faux Monstera captures the lush, tropical look of real greenery without the upkeep.

Standing at 4 feet tall, this artificial Monstera features realistic split leaves and a sturdy base, making it a great decorative piece for any indoor space. Unlike real plants, it doesn’t require watering, sunlight, or maintenance, making it ideal for those who want greenery without the hassle. If you love the look of indoor plants but don’t have the time for care, this KOL Faux Monstera is a perfect choice.

4. Costa Farms ZZ Plant

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Next, we have the ZZ Plant, which grows 12 inches tall and has dark green leaves. It's a great pick among low-light plants, thanks to its waxy appearance and adaptability. This indoor plant can add color and life to any room, patio, porch, or office without hassle.

It can grow in artificial or natural medium light and only requires water when the soil becomes dry. The pot it comes with has a saucer to prevent water spillage, which is pretty convenient.

5. Costa Farms Peace Lily, Live Indoor Plant with Flowers

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The other low-light indoor plant on our list is the Costa Farms Peace Lily, a live indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and deep green foliage. Peace lilies are a favorite among plant lovers due to their air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in dimly lit spaces.

This indoor plant prefers indirect light and should be watered when the soil feels dry. It also gives a visual cue when thirsty—its leaves slightly droop, letting you know it’s time to water. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful plant that adds a touch of sophistication to your space, the Costa Farms Peace Lily is an excellent choice.

6. American Plant Exchange Spider Plant

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If you haven't found your match yet, don't fret. Spider plants are among the most common indoor plants in American homes. They have a long history with people since they became a favorite for many during the Victorian era.

This low-light indoor plant is a great option if you are a forgetful owner or picking out your first plant. You can set it up almost anywhere in the house since its small size is suitable for shelves, mantles, sills, and counters. Alternatively, you could place it inside a hanging basket for portability.

7. Cast Iron Plant

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As far as names go, the Cast Iron Plant is one of the few true to its name. This adaptive house plant can grow in a wide variety of environments, including heat, aridity, and dry shade. Even if you place this plant in a dark corner, it'll still thrive.

This plant can grow along with foundations or under the deck stairs without assistance. Even when you want to place it in the sun, it's best to use indirect light since direct sunlight easily bleaches the leaves. Don't overwater since this can make the roots of the Cast Iron plant rot.

8. American Plant Exchange Bird’s Nest Fern

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Another plant that can tolerate low light while thriving indoors is the Birds Nest Fern. This good-looking easy to care for houseplant has bright green leaves which look wavy. The center of the plant resembles a bird's nest, which is where it gets its name.

These plants grow in medium to low light areas, and their small size makes them a great choice for your office desk, table, countertop, or window sill. As one of the best air-purifying plants, the Bird's Nest Fern is the perfect plant for maintaining fresh air at home.

9. Money Tree Pachira

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Next up, we have the Money Tree, a 16-inch tall indoor plant that is thought to attract good fortune and prosperity to its owners. While it won't grow well in direct sun, you can place it near a window for ideal development.

It's suitable for multiple locations inside the home and is quite sturdy. You don't have to water regularly since it can survive on weekly watering.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Low-Light Indoor Plants

1. Lighting Requirements

Typical plants thrive under direct light and can grow well when placed in direct sunlight. Unfortunately, low-light plants can't withstand too much sun and tend to wilt when exposed for long in bright sunlight.

These plants should be placed in indirect sunlight or places with very little light. Some of them can grow under a fluorescent light, while most will do with natural light.

2. Water Requirements

Low light plants have different watering needs. For most, you won't have to water them more than once a week. The ones that have low water requirements are most suitable for people who tend to forget to water their plants or those starting to adopt indoor plants.

Some plants will need more water than others. Those from humid areas might need the soil consistently moist, while those from arid locations will only need water when the soil turns dry. You should go for a plant that you can easily water without giving it all your attention to ensure you can focus on other tasks without compromising its growth.

3. Size

Low light house plants greatly vary in size. There are those that are small enough to fit on the desk, shelves, or hanging baskets, while others are large enough to demand significant space. You should consider the size of the plant because you don't want a situation where the growing plants are taking up more space than you have.

To ensure that the plants can fit in the location you allocate, you should go for those that will grow to an ideal height and width. Your new plants might seem short at the moment, but they could end up growing to several feet tall.

If they exceed your set limits, it'll become necessary to prune them or cut them short. So, it's crucial that you know the size the plant will have once it's fully grown rather than its current size. The width of the plant is also a crucial consideration. If the plant develops long branches, you might end up removing some items from your room to accommodate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best indoor plant on the market?

A Snake Plant stands as the ideal indoor plant purchase due to its ability to handle minimal light and water needs while enhancing your indoor environment.

2. Can Spider plants live in low light?

Spider plants belong to the group of low-light indoor plants because they thrive in areas with minimal or no sunlight exposure.

3. What plants can grow indoors without sunlight?

Snake plants, peace lilies, money trees, prayer plants, and ZZ plants form a list of plants capable of thriving indoors without strong lighting conditions.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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