The Best House Plants That Don't Need a Lot of Sunlight

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Couple lying in bed at night using gadgets, low light and relaxed mood.
Credit: pexels.com, Couple lying in bed at night using gadgets, low light and relaxed mood.

If you're new to the world of house plants, you might think that all plants need a ton of sunlight to thrive. But that's not the case! Some plants are perfectly happy with low light conditions, and they're perfect for rooms with limited natural light.

The Chinese Evergreen is one such plant that can tolerate low light conditions. In fact, it can even survive in rooms with as little as 50-75 foot-candles of light. This makes it a great option for basements or rooms with north-facing windows.

The Pothos plant is another low-maintenance option that can handle low light. It's also a great air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Plus, it's easy to propagate and can be trained to climb up walls or trellises.

Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, are known for their ability to purify the air and thrive in low light conditions. They can survive with as little as 50-100 foot-candles of light, making them perfect for rooms with limited natural light.

Low Light House Plants

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Plants that Grow Without Sunlight | Best Indoor Plants | Houseplants

There are 20 new low light indoor plants that can thrive in even the darkest corners of your home, regardless of the number of windows.

You can choose from a variety of plants, including the Snake Plant, which is happy to be placed in a dim corner or under a bright window, and requires virtually no maintenance.

Snake plants are sensitive to being over-watered, so it's essential to water them sparingly.

If you're looking for plants that will tolerate low light, you might consider options like Dracaena, but keep in mind that they will only survive for so long and may require extra attention.

A plant that thrives in low light, on the other hand, will grow and look happy with minimal effort.

Here are four fail-proof plants that are well-suited for low light, indoor conditions:

Low Light Plant Care

Low-light plants do well in an east or west-facing room with at least one window, even if the incoming light isn't direct. If you don't have a room with a window or only a north-facing window, you can use UV lights for a few hours daily to help your shade-tolerant plant thrive.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 houseplants that THRIVE in low light 🌿 I purposely grow these in darker areas!

It's essential to know all care guidelines, including preferred environment temperature, humidity level, watering cadence, type of soil, etc. Caring for low-light plants isn't dissimilar from caring for other houseplants.

Snake plants, for example, are sensitive to being over-watered. If you don’t give them too much love and attention, it’s okay. They’ll be happy to dry out in between waterings.

Plants that tolerate low light will only survive for so long and may require supplementation to keep them alive. If you want plants that will truly thrive in low light, consider the following options:

  • Dracaena (including Snake Plants)
  • Zamioculcas (Zz Plant)
  • Aspidistra
  • Philodendron

Care Tips

To care for your low-light houseplants, you'll want to pay attention to their preferred environment temperature, which is usually between 65-75°F (18-24°C). This is a general guideline, but it's essential to research the specific temperature range for your plant species.

Choose a room with an east or west-facing window, as these orientations provide the right amount of indirect light for low-light plants. If you don't have a room with a window, you can use UV lights for a few hours daily to help your shade-tolerant plant thrive.

Credit: youtube.com, Best Low Light Easy Houseplants

Watering is another crucial aspect of low-light plant care. Since these plants don't require direct sunlight, they tend to need less water. However, it's still essential to check the soil moisture regularly and water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.

For low-light plants, a well-draining potting mix is a must. This type of soil helps prevent waterlogged soil and root rot, which can be detrimental to your plant.

Here are some low-light plant species that can thrive in indoor conditions:

  • Dracaena (including Snake Plants)
  • Zamioculcas (Zz Plant)
  • Aspidistra
  • Philodendron

Tolerate vs Thrive

There's a crucial distinction to make when it comes to low light plants: tolerating vs thriving. A plant that tolerates low light will only survive for so long, and supplementation is necessary to keep it alive.

In my experience, I've tried to keep plants like ficus varieties, money trees, and rubber trees in low light conditions, but they continually failed. This is because they don't thrive in such environments.

Expand your knowledge: House Plants Indoor Palm Trees

Credit: youtube.com, 8 Indoor Plants that ACTUALLY GROW in Low Light

A plant that is better suited for low light, indoor conditions will thrive, growing and looking happy without requiring extra effort. This is what you want for your low light space.

The key is to choose plants that are specifically adapted to low light conditions. Unfortunately, there aren't many plants that fit this bill.

If you're looking for fail-proof options, consider the following plants that are known to thrive in low light indoor conditions:

These plants are worth investing in if you want to easily keep your low light plants alive and thriving.

Best Plants for Low Light

If you're looking to brighten up your space without breaking the bank or sacrificing your social life, you need to get your hands on some low light houseplants.

There are 20 new low light indoor plants that'll thrive in even the darkest corners of your home, no matter how many windows you have.

The Dracaena is a great option for adding height and a touch of greenery to your space. It's air-purifying benefits are just a bonus.

Credit: youtube.com, 20 Best Plants For Windowless Room

Snake plants are perfect for busy people or those new to plant parenthood, as they require virtually no maintenance and can survive in low light conditions.

Parlor palms are another low-maintenance option that can tolerate medium to low light and look super cute.

Here are some plants that thrive in low light indoor conditions:

  • Dracaena
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
  • Parlor Palm
  • English Ivy
  • Pothos
  • Zamioculcas (Zz Plant)
  • Aspidistra
  • Philodendron

These plants are all relatively easy to care for and can add a touch of greenery to even the darkest areas of your home. Just remember to water them sparingly, as overwatering can be detrimental to their health.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is a great choice for those who don't have a lot of sunlight in their homes. This compact plant has glossy green and silver variegated leaves, growing from the stalks of shallow roots at a central base. It can reach 14 to 20 inches with a spread of 16-22 inches.

It prefers to be kept out of direct sunlight since its foliage can burn. The slow-growing Chinese Evergreen thrives in nutrient-rich moist soil in a temperate environment with some humidity.

Credit: youtube.com, 20 Best LOW LIGHT Houseplants | Best Indoor plants Need Zero Sunlight to Bright @PlantandPlanting

To keep your Chinese Evergreen happy, make sure to water it regularly, but avoid overwatering. It's also a good idea to repot it every 2-3 years to give the roots some room to grow.

Here are some tips for caring for your Chinese Evergreen:

  • Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  • Light: Prefers low to medium light, but some variegated varieties need bright, indirect light to produce vibrant color.
  • Humidity: Prefers a temperate environment with some humidity.
  • Temperature: Average room temperature is fine.
  • Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of the Chinese Evergreen in your home, even if it's not the brightest spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plant is best for a bedroom for oxygen?

For a bedroom, the Snake Plant and Peace Lily are excellent choices for purifying the air and promoting a restful sleep, as they are both low-maintenance and effective at removing toxins.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

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