Which are the top low-light houseplants you should have to add a burst of tropical beauty to your home? Find out now in our blog post.
Poor condition of light may lead to several physical and psychological problems. It is recommended to have some greens for soothing effects, but can plants live without a full amount of sun? Our editors have picked out 15 tropical plants that prefer a low-light environment and are perfect for any space in your house.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, known as Mother-in-law’s Tounge or Sansevieria, is a popular houseplant that can tolerate most lighting conditions. They feature tall, skinny leaves with attractive foliage, making them a striking addition to the space. This plant is native to West Africa and thrives in hot, dry climates, which might be ideal for the busy who tend to forget to water regularly.
Despite the little requirements in watering, the Snake plant can grow between 6 and 36 inches. There are over 70 species of Snake Palnt, with various leaf patterns and sizes.
Snake Plant
ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a low-maintenance houseplant known for its glossy dark green foliage and low-light tolerance. This slow-growing plant, reaching up to 3-5 feet tall, thrives in bright indirect light but can survive in even lower conditions.
Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and fertilize occasionally. You should be cautious that this attractive plant is toxic to pets so be sure to place it out of reach.
ZZ Plant
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a beautiful houseplant known for its dark green foliage and white blooms. Thriving in high humidity, this stunning plant tolerates lower light conditions (though growth may slow) but prefers bright, indirect light.
Easy to care for, this low-maintenance plant needs watering once a week (keeping the soil moist, not soggy) and monthly fertilization during growth. Be noted that Peace Lilies are toxic to pets and should be placed out of reach.
Pothos
Pothos, a popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and easy care, thrives in warm, humid environments with low to bright indirect light. Native to the Solomon Islands, this versatile plant features lush green or variegated foliage and can reach up to 20 feet long indoors, making it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.
Despite its impressive size, Pothos is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Water it once a week during summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. To promote healthy growth, fertilize monthly during its growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Pothos is even easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings in water.
Peace Lily
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a slow-growing houseplant native to Central America, perfect for beginners. Reaching up to 6 feet tall, it thrives in low to bright indirect light and well-drained soil.
Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and fertilize monthly during growing season. With minimal care, this low-maintenance palm can be your leafy companion for years.
Parlor Palm
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular indoor plant prized for its beautiful foliage and easy care. This tropical native comes in various colors and patterns, reaching heights of 1-4 feet, and thrives in low to bright indirect light.
While it tolerates lower light, growth may slow. To keep it happy, provide well-drained soil, high humidity (achieved through misting or a water tray), and minimal watering (once a week in summer, every 2-3 weeks in winter, letting the soil dry out in between).
For optimal growth, fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Chinese Evergreen
Lady Palm
The Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is a slow-growing palm that brings a touch of tropics indoors. Native to Southern China and Taiwan, it’s been a popular houseplant since the 17th century. Thriving in low to moderate light, it can tolerate shady spots though growth might slow.
This low-maintenance plant prefers well-drained soil and high humidity (achieved by misting or a water tray). Watering needs are minimal – once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter, allowing the soil to dry out in between. Feed it monthly with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season.
While it can reach up to 14 feet, its manageable width (2-3 feet) makes it suitable for various indoor spaces.
Lady Palm
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular hanging plant with long, spiky leaves that thrive in warm, humid climates. Reaching 2 feet long, it prefers moderate light and well-drained soil.
While it tolerates lower light (with slower growth), it enjoys high humidity. To care for this low-maintenance plant, water it once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter, letting the soil dry out in between.
During its growing season, fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Spider Plant
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a popular houseplant prized for its beautiful patterned foliage and easy care. This low-light dweller thrives in warm, humid environments, making it ideal for shelves or tabletops.
While it tolerates lower light, growth may slow. To keep your Prayer Plant happy, provide well-drained soil, water it once a week during summer (every 2-3 weeks in winter), and mist regularly or use a humidity tray. Feed it monthly with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season.
Prayer Plant
Aragus Fern
The Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) is a feathery houseplant with cascading foliage that brings elegance indoors. Despite its name, it’s not a fern but thrives in warm, humid climates like its native South Africa. Reaching 2 feet long, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or tall stands.
While it prefers bright indirect light and well-drained soil, it tolerates lower light with slower growth. To keep it happy, provide regular misting or a nearby water tray for humidity, water it weekly in summer and less frequently in winter (letting the soil dry out between waterings), and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Argus Fern
Inch Plant
The Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina) is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its vibrant purple and green striped leaves. Thriving in warm, humid climates, this native of Mexico and Central America reaches up to 2 feet long, trailing beautifully from hanging baskets or shelves.
While it prefers bright indirect light and well-drained soil, it tolerates lower light conditions (though colors may fade) and appreciates high humidity (achieved through misting or a water tray).
To keep this low-maintenance plant healthy, water it once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter, which allows the soil to dry out between waterings, and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Inch Plant
Silver Pothos
The Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is an elegant houseplant with trailing, silver-speckled vines that thrive in warm, humid climates. Reaching 6 feet long, it’s ideal for hanging baskets or tall stands.
This low-maintenance plant prefers moderate light and well-drained soil, tolerating lower light with slower growth. To keep it happy, water it weekly in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
During the growing season, provide a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer and mist the leaves regularly or use a humidity tray.
Silver Pothos
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a tough and forgiving houseplant, perfect for beginners or busy schedules. Native to Asia, this popular houseplant from the Victorian era thrives in low light and neglect.
Reaching up to 2 feet tall, it’s ideal for tabletops or shelves. Water it every 2-3 weeks, letting the soil dry out completely, and fertilize monthly during growth with a balanced solution. With its well-drained soil needs, it can even tolerate some drought conditions.
Cast Iron Plant
Low-light houseplants are the perfect way to add greenery and tropical beauty to spaces with limited natural light. With their unique characteristics, these top low-light plants might be taken into consideration if you are planning to decorate your place.
