Top 5 Indoor Plants for Low Light Conditions

pureplants
Aug 9
3 min read

Indoor plants can significantly enhance the atmosphere of your home. They bring colour, life, and fresh air into our spaces. But what do you do if you lack abundant sunlight? Fortunately, there are some plants that can adapt to low light environments, making it easier than ever to enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery. In this post, we will explore the best indoor plants that not only survive but flourish in low light, proving that anyone can create a vibrant indoor garden.

Understanding Low Light Conditions

Low light does not mean no light. It generally refers to areas of your home that receive indirect sunlight most of the day or limited direct sunlight. Rooms like basements or those facing north often fall into this category. Knowing how much light your plants need is crucial for keeping them healthy.

Plants in low light usually adapt by slowing their growth, producing larger leaves to capture more light, or using energy stored in their roots. Choosing the right plants for these conditions can significantly improve your chances of success.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant, often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is ideal for low light conditions. With tall, upright leaves, it tolerates neglect and infrequent watering remarkably well. In fact, it's one of the toughest houseplants around.

Key Care Tips:

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Position it in a spot with indirect sunlight.
Feed sparingly during the growing season.

Sansevieria snake plant with tall, green and yellow leaves — The hardy snake plant is a great addition to low-light areas.

In addition to being low-maintenance, Snake Plants can improve air quality by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. A NASA study confirmed that Snake Plants can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, making them particularly suitable for bedrooms.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is a favourite among indoor plant enthusiasts due to its ability to thrive with minimal care. The glossy, dark green leaves help to reflect light, brightening up dark corners.

Key Care Tips:

Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Not fussy at all with light. Can put it almost anywhere as long as it's not in a cupboard or strong direct sun.
Use a well-draining potting mix.

Close-up view of a ZZ plant highlighting its glossy leaves — ZZ Plants are great for beginners.

ZZ Plants are particularly forgiving and can tolerate humidity levels that may not always be ideal for other plants. In fact, studies show they can survive with as little as 20% of the light that many other houseplants require.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are versatile and forgiving plants that can adapt to a wide range of lighting conditions, including low light. Their evergreen vines can be left to hang or trained to climb, making them a flexible choice for any room.

Key Care Tips:

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
Trim back long vines to encourage bushier growth.
Prefers indirect light but can thrive in low light too.

High angle view of a cascading pothos plant with vibrant leaves — Cascading vines of the Pothos plant create a lovely indoor display.

Pothos are also known for its impressive air-purifying abilities. Studies show that it can remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, contributing to a healthier living environment.

4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name by being nearly indestructible. Known for its resilience, it can survive neglect, low light, and temperature swings.

Key Care Tips:

Water when the top half of soil feels dry.
Place in low to moderate indirect light.
Can tolerate temperatures as low as 7-10C degrees.

High angle view of a cast iron plant with rugged green foliage — The hardy cast iron plant withstands neglect and thrives in limited light.

This plant is perfect for those seeking low-maintenance greenery that can withstand a little rough handling, making it suitable for even the busiest households.

4. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia Japonica)

A very successful shade-tolerant garden plant that makes an excellent glossy, green foliage houseplant perfect for cool, shady rooms.

Key Care Tips:

Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering.
Sensitive to the salts in tap water which can cause brown edges, use rainwater or distilled.
To prevent plant getting too tall and leggy cut back at the end of winter and it will regrow.

View of Fatsia 'Japanese Aralia' showcasing its large glossy green leaves — The robust Japanese Aralia requires little effort to brighten up a low-light space.

Ideal for cooler areas, prone to draughts. Its broad glossy leaves brighten up any room.

Final Thoughts

Bringing plants into your home has many proven benefits, from improved air quality to reducing stress and aiding sleep. Just because your home doesn't have abundant light doesn't mean you can't have houseplants. From the resilient Snake Plant to the attractive heart-shaped Pothos Plant, there are plenty of options that require minimal light while enhancing your living space.

By understanding their care needs and selecting appropriate plants, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brightens up the darker corners of your home.