Several people love plants that are easy to maintain. Well! You can trust some plants with that. For instance, most indoor plants that don't need light are among the lowest-maintenance plants you'll ever see.
So, are you a beginner gardener or plant enthusiast that wants to add some greenery to your space? Look no further than low-light indoor plants.
Not only will these plants occupy your window sill or are complete for sunlight, but they also offer the easiest care route for any gardener with a busy schedule.
It will also help you beautify the nooks and corners you didn't think would be possible, such as darker parts of your room or a windowless bathroom.
Read on to see some of the best plants that don't need light!
Jump to:
- Most Popular Indoor Plants that Don’t Need Light
- 1. Dracaena (Dracaena)
- 2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- 3. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
- 4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
- 5. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
- 6. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
- 7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- 8. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
- 9. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- 10. Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla)
- 11. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- 12. Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina)
- 13. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- 14. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- 15. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne)
- 16. Calathea Zebra Plant (Calathea zebrina)
- 17. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
- 18. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 19. Lucky Bamboo (Dracena sanderiana)
- 20. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- 21. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- 22. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- 23. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 24. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- 25. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Conclusion
Most Popular Indoor Plants that Don’t Need Light
1. Dracaena (Dracaena)
The first plant on our top list of 25 indoor plants that don't need light is Dracaena. It is a gorgeous and popular houseplant of about 50 species and is easy to care for.
These plants can tolerate many different growing conditions and are most famous for their upright, strap-like foliage of green or variegated color.
It is a unique plant that forms clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers but hardly does that indoors. Its bushy appearance makes it perfect for mantels, tabletops, and desks.
Dracaena can grow up to 5 to 6 feet with the right conditions, like occasional pruning, regular watering, and infrequent watering.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as mother-in-law's tongue, the snake plant is among the most popular and hardiest indoor plants. This plant features attractive stiff, sword-like, multi-hued green leaves and a yellow border. It shares several standard features of dracaena species, making many gardeners mistake it for a dracaena variety.
Snake plants can grow to about 6 to 8 feet tall. Not only is it a low-light houseplant, but it also helps to boost health, as it absorbs carbon dioxide and emits oxygen at night. Also, this beautiful plant is easy to grow and, in most cases, is hardly destructible. They can survive dark corners of your home.
3. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
Another low-light indoor plant on our top list is the aluminum plant. It is a trendy plant with gorgeous green leaves with silvery accents, which you can use to display metallic and reflective aspects of your entertaining corners.
In other words, it is perfect for spaces like chrome table legs and art frames, glass surfaces, and vases.
Pilea cadierei, as scientifically called, can reach more than 12 inches tall. Its ideal room temperature is around 60 to 75°Ftand occasionally, prune off the first pair or two of leaves to maintain a compact shape and excellent appearance.
It requires a soil-based potting mixture and high humidity levels (70%); hence, you must mist occasionally or set the pot on a wet pebble bed.
4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese evergreen is among the most popular indoor plants featuring a wide variety of colors ranging from dark green and silver to red.
This unique plant is a slow-growing specie, yet it is a perfect foliage houseplant for which you can pot and care throughout the year. It adds beauty and personality to every home or office décor.
Scientifically called Aglaonema commutatum, the Chinese evergreen can grow up to 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. For optimal display, you must water it every seven to 10 days, and since it is among the most durable indoor plants, it is perfect in low-light environments. Fertilize once or twice yearly, and keep away from your pets since it can be poisonous to them.
5. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
One attractive feature of the arrowhead plant is that the more its leaves mature, the longer they grow and become more arrowhead-shaped.
Also known as White Butterfly, this plant has several varieties ranging from the shorter 12 inches type for tight spaces to full-sized behemoths that reach up to 6 feet tall.
It is a stubborn plant that can survive dark corners of your home. It is perfect as coffee table beauties or on either side of your front doors in the foyer where you train two up moss poles in stylish urns.
For optimal results, the Arrowhead plant requires a porous potting mixture and high humidity, which you can mist to enhance.
6. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are among the most popular and perfect plants for indoor space, thanks to their ability to thrive under low light conditions. It can do well in luminescent light and requires humidity to thrive.
Most species can survive easily as potted plants in the shade. Even though it is a tropical plant, you can grow it as a houseplant.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you are looking for a plant with a bit of shine and sheen, look no further than the ZZ plant. It can survive under low-light conditions, making it an ideal indoor plant.
If exposed to extended periods of light, its leaves will curl away from the light. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires occasional watering.
8. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Ever since its discovery, the dumb cane is often scientifically called Dieffenbachia. It is a stunning houseplant featuring brightly colored, two-toned leaves that can grow about 1 foot long.
Even though it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can also do well in low light. Ensure you give it regular watering, and avoid wet soil. It is toxic for pets and kids.
9. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
There are several varieties of fern out there. But among them all, the maidenhair fern is the most popular that you can grow as an indoor plant, thanks to its ability to survive low light conditions.
It features dark and glossy leafstalk, which looks human-like. Water occasionally when the topsoil feels dry, and avoid excessive bright light conditions.
10. Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla)
Given its mighty name, you'll expect the artillery plant to be imposing; however, it still features beautiful, slender green leaves and unimposing nature.
It can only reach about 6 to 12 inches and is a petite pleasure plant that can soften the appearance of a square-edged end table. Feed sparingly using liquid or granular fertilizer once in spring and again in summer.
11. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Many people have dreamed of owning a palm tree as part of their décor, but nobody expected sago palm to fit perfectly into indoor spaces with its incredible features.
It is an air-purifying plant that can grow more than 15 inches tall even though it's not as tall as those in Beverly Hills, yet more beautiful and easy to maintain. Water every two weeks with one cup of water for optimal results.
12. Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina)
Don't be too emotional with its sad name, as the weeping fig tree is one of the most popular and attractive houseplants for your indoor décor.
It arrives as a 3 feet tall plant, and if given frequent two to three times a week watering and other essential care, this rapid-growing tree will add vibrancy to any indoor space. Fortunately, it can survive low light conditions, making it perfect for homes and offices.
13. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Scientifically called Rhapis excelsa, the lady's palm is another gorgeous plant that can reach up to 6 feet tall. It features a tiny, woody stem with fan-like, spiky leaf fronds, gently rustling when you brush past them.
It will thrive in moderate humidity, organically-rich potting medium, occasional fertilizing, and average moisture. It is an ideal plant for sleek interiors furnished in leather.
14. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Most philodendron species, especially the heartleaf varieties, are among indoor plants that don't need light. In other words, even though they can be grown outdoors in gardens, you can also plant them indoors in pots, as they quickly adapt to low-light conditions.
The plant varies from vine and shrub forms and needs moist but not wet soil. It even thrives similarly to pothos.
15. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne)
Scientifically called Platycerium alcicorne, the staghorn fern is another popular indoor plant that doesn't need light, even though it can also be grown outdoors.
It has similar leaves to its namesake. However, they eventually turn brown and wither before new growth occurs. It requires moisture and typical potting soil and is epiphytic.
16. Calathea Zebra Plant (Calathea zebrina)
Calathea Zebra Plant is one of the most popular and attractive foliage plants. As long as you provide it with adequate growing conditions, it will give your home a vibrant feel.
This plant thrives in light shade areas and temperatures of 55°F (13°C). It does best under frequent watering (but you must reduce watering in low-light conditions and temperatures).
17. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreen is the perfect plant for your dark-lit entry hall and room, thanks to its glossy, elliptical leaves of variegated green. It has shallow roots that send up stalks from a central base for compact growth up to 18 inches.
This plant grows well in organically rich, moist potting with medium-high humidity levels, moderate watering, and low-light conditions.
18. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plant is a pet-friendly plant that is easy to care for and grow., and perfect for beginner gardeners. It is another ideal plant that requires low light and light watering.
It got its name from the unbeatable features it possesses. It is a plant that relieves dryness by adding humidity to the air while purifying it.
19. Lucky Bamboo (Dracena sanderiana)
If you are looking for a low-light plant that can brighten the dark areas of your room, you should look no further than Lucky Bamboo.
Most people believe this unique plant brings good luck and fortune, hence its name. It loves some light yet does best in shady spots and is perfect for an office desk or coffee table. It requires weekly watering and should be sufficient enough to cover its roots.
20. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Just as calatheas are tropical plants that are slightly tricky to grow in colder climates, so is prayer plant. However, it doesn't stop it from being the beauty that adds vibrancy to your home or office.
It thrives in moderate light in shady spots, as too much light can curl the plant's leaves. But you must be careful of pests, especially spider mites.
21. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston fern is a gorgeous houseplant that can beautify any home. It is an indoor plant that doesn't need light to thrive, just bright indirect light.
It does best in acidic soil and ensures the soil stays slightly moist but well-draining. It prefers a humid environment, requiring regular misting to maintain the humidity levels.
22. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
In the right outdoor conditions, you can use English ivy as a ground cover, as it can scale buildings and trees of about 98 feet (30 minutes) high. It prefers low-light areas.
As potted plants, the leaves drape below the plant, making it a popular prospect for hanging baskets or pots set up high to enable the leaves to cascade down a wall or bookshelf.
23. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant is another popular and one of the most exciting houseplants that don't need light to thrive. It is a beginner-friendly plant that doesn't require much stress and resembles a tiny spider at the end of its narrow, elongated leaves, which is how its name came about.
It is a rapid-growing plant that needs thorough watering and consistent moisture. It is an excellent air-purifying indoor plant and a healthy addition to any home.
24. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Most gardeners often confuse monstera for split-leaf philodendrons because they share similar characteristics. Swiss cheese plant features glossy tropical leaves with holes.
Again, it requires a vast space, thanks to its large and broad leaves. Monstera thrives in low light and moderate temperatures. However, it is poisonous to kids and pets.
25. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Another perfect low-light indoor plant is Fiddle-Leaf Fig, which resembles a tree, yet largely produces flowers and bears fruits. The most enticing feature is its rounded, glossy, rippled dark green or variegated leaves.
The plant can grow up to 6 to 10 feet and survives temperatures of 55° to 85°F. It does best in an organically-rich potting medium with drainage holes that retains water.
Conclusion
Only some plants require bright direct light conditions to thrive. Plants like those we have highlighted above are perfect indoor plants that don't need light yet will beautify and lighten up your dark indoor space. You only need to provide it with the right growing conditions it requires to thrive.
