What Are Some Good Houseplants for Low-Light Rooms in My House?

If you’ve ever looked at the photos in home decor blogs and magazines, it’s easy to get the impression that you need a ton of sunlight and a natural green thumb for houseplants to thrive in your home. And if that’s true, you’re missing out on all of the great benefits of indoor plants, like lower stress and better air quality.

Fortunately, that’s far from the case! You may be surprised to know that there are many good houseplants for low light, including species that thrive in the darkness under thick tree canopies.

If you’re curious about low-light indoor plants that are easy to care for, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best houseplants for your darkest corners.

1. Peace Lilies

One of the most enduring houseplants, peace lilies offer glossy leaves that thrive in both high- and low-light conditions. While their white “flowers” are really spathes, they’re an understated and attractive decor option for a quiet bathroom or bedroom.

What’s more, their simple elegance makes them one of the best holiday gifts for aspiring indoor gardeners, especially given their easy care. Peace lilies wilt when they need water, but they perk right up once they’ve been tended.

2. Pothos

Also known as “devil’s ivy,” pothos is a surprisingly hardy plant that vines even in dark conditions. Though it may grow more slowly in the darkest conditions, it tends to vine across anything within reach, making it a good choice for windows and areas that need a bit more drama. You’ll find many variations in terms of leaf color, size, and variegation, including beautiful and glossy gold and silver patches in some species.

3. Bromeliads

These tropical plants are a rare specimen that loves the humid conditions of dark bathrooms. What’s more, they can survive on fluorescent light alone! This makes them the perfect choice for college students looking for plants to care for in the stark conditions of their dorm room.

4. Nerve Plants

Also called “fittonia,” nerve plants have charming, bushy little leaves and come in many colorful varieties, offering stripes and variegations in hues from pink to yellow. These patterns may dim a little once the plant has been in low light for a while, but the plant itself will be no less hardy for it.

5. Spider Plants

These adaptable plants can grow in a range of light conditions, including dark rooms. Even those with black thumbs will appreciate the stubborn tenacity of these plants, which can stand up to a great deal of neglect and bounce back from underwatering with little trouble.

For aspiring indoor gardeners, spider plants may be a good choice to fill up the home. These plants propagate with ease, making it easy to grow additional plants to place around the home or to share with friends.

6. Calathea

The dark and dramatic plant boasts bold purple or red hues under its large leaves, as well as the occasional pink or red flecks across their striped and glossy surfaces. They thrive in medium to low light, and they’re a great non-toxic plant option for any pet owners who worry that Fido may chomp on their greenery.

7. ZZ Plants

ZZ plants are a great low-maintenance option that needs little in the way of watering. It has reams of thick and waxy green leaves that extend in lovely shoots as the plant grows.

8. Snake Plant

This plant is technically a succulent, but don’t let that worry you! While they’ll grow a little faster with better light conditions, they can tolerate darkness as well. Their long, grassy leaves come in a range of green hues, and they can grow quite large if you let them.

Be careful of overwatering here, however, as snake plants are prone to root rot.

9. Monsteras

The tropical monstera, also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” can tolerate low light and grows fast, though it won’t grow quite as quickly in darker conditions.

However, bringing home a large monstera can add drama to dull spaces, and their attractive leaves and intimidating size may even help you sell an ugly house thanks to the gorgeous vibe these plants lend to a room!

10. Kimberly Queen Ferns

Ferns are both easygoing and flexible, and there are many varieties to choose from if you’re looking for some simple, easy-to-take-care-of houseplants.

However, this particular type of firm is compact enough to survive in smaller spaces, thrives in low light, and can be a little neater than other varieties.

11. English Ivy

As long as you’re consistent with your watering, an English ivy will survive in low-light conditions for years. You’ll find a wide range of varieties available, from simple greens to options for variegated yellows, silvers, and golds.

12. Lucky Bamboo

You can add a little luck and feng shui to your home, even if you struggle to find patches of natural sunlight! With straight stalks and soft green leaves, lucky bamboo grows slowly and needs very little maintenance. The roots must be covered in water that you should change every two to four weeks.

13. Marimo Moss Balls

Yes, these are actually plants! If you’re convinced you have a black thumb and hesitate to try any of the options above, a moss ball can add a pleasant touch of green to a room without much maintenance at all.

You can place your moss ball in a glass vase or an aquarium, and as long as you change its water every two weeks, it will continue to survive even in darker conditions.

Bring Home Good Houseplants for Low Light

If you’re looking for low-light plants that will thrive even in the dark corners of your home, these are some of the best houseplants to consider. Plus, with their easy care and maintenance, they can keep your home looking fresh and stylish for longer. Consider your options, and bring home some good houseplants for low light today!

Want more great tips to help you make the most of your home? Check out our other guides for more insights.