So many people often assume that every color needs a lot of light. But that's not entirely true, as several other shade-loving indoor growing species exist.
Some of these plants are known for the splendor of their inflorescences and the beauty of their leaves, while others still produce exotic flowers.
Shade-loving plants are often referred to as sciophytes, while florists know them as heliophobes, meaning species that poorly tolerate the sun.
Many florists grow these flowers in brightly lit areas. However, these plants achieve their full potential in the shade. In a nutshell, let's briefly highlight 25 common indoor plants that like shade.
Jump to:
- Most Common Indoor Plants That Like Shade
- 1. Lace-Leaf Plant (Anthurium spp.)
- 2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- 3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 4. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
- 5. Peace Lily Plant (Spathiphyllum)
- 6. Ficus Tree (Ficus Benjamina)
- 7. Corn Plant (Dracaena)
- 8. Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)
- 9. Bamboo Palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- 10. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- 11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 12. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- 13. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- 14. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 15. Boat Lily (Oyster spp.)
- 16. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne)
- 17. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)
- 18. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
- 19. Lucky Bamboo (Dracena sanderiana)
- 20. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
- 21. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- 22. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
- 23. Aralia Ming (Polyscias fruticose)
- 24. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis orchid)
- 25. Hoya (Hoya)
- Conclusion
Most Common Indoor Plants That Like Shade
1. Lace-Leaf Plant (Anthurium spp.)
Also known as Tail-flower, this anthurium specie is an evergreen perennial originating from the Aroid family. It is called male happiness and is among the numerous species in its family.
The lace-leaf plant is sometimes referred to as the flamingo flower thanks to its unique tropical shape and bright red, green, and white colors.
Its flowering types are unique for their beautiful, heart-shaped waxy spathes and red or yellow tail-like flower spikes, hence the name.
Again, this anthurium tends to bloom for long periods, which makes it an excellent indoor plant that likes shade. It can live up to 5 years indoors with the best care, but if you propagate, you should expect a healthy anthurium.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Native to Asia and Africa, the snake plant is popularly known for its evergreen sword-shaped leaves growing upright and almost resembling artificial foliage.
It is a stubborn succulent growing anywhere around 6 inches to several feet. It is perfect as a home décor, thanks to its attractive looks, easy to care for, and can survive with little water.
Sometimes referred to as mother-in-law's tongue, the Sansevieria trifasciata are relatively safe, but they contain mildly toxic poison if consumed. Again, the leaves are poisonous since they can result in swelling and numbness on the tongue if you eat a large portion.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is an herbaceous perennial among the many different species of the chlorophytum family.
It is one of the most common and popular indoor plants, especially shade-loving ones. It is a beginner plant, as it is effortless to grow and propagate. It can survive a bit of neglect and can stay in almost any condition.
Native to coastal regions of South Africa, the spider plant features narrow, strap-shaped leaves growing from a central point.
It produces a solid green or variegated with long stripes of white or yellow. It can grow up to 12 to 15 inches tall and features thick, fleshy roots and rhizomes evolved to preserve the water that allows it to survive infrequent watering.
4. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
Maidenhair fern is another indoor shade-loving plant with delicate textured foliage. It features gently arching fronds looking to float suspended above the ground in a graceful fan-like shape, so unique among ferns. If grown outdoors, its fine-textured foliage offers a perfect foil for other plants in the shade garden.
Adiantum pedatum is perfect for home landscaping, is easy to grow and maintain, and is a deer-resistant plant.
Maidenhair fern is native to the rich wooded slopes and damp shady woodlands East of the Mississippi and does best in moist soil in full shade conditions. It can survive drought as long as you don't expose them to direct sun.
5. Peace Lily Plant (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily Plant is an evergreen perennial houseplant from the Aroid family and produces flowers that are sometimes called feminine happiness.
The spathiphyllum is a favorite of many plant enthusiasts and is the perfect plant for beginner gardeners since it is easy to care for with easy care guidelines.
Peace lily plant is also great for filtering the surrounding air of different toxins. It features beautiful dark green foliage and creamy white flowers contrasting itself firmly on sturdy stems and looks perfect in every home and design scheme.
Even though it requires little light, this plant will thrive in dark spots in your home.
6. Ficus Tree (Ficus Benjamina)
The Ficus tree is a perennial plant that comes from the Mulberry family. Even though it resembles a basic plant with narrow and droopy glossy green leaves, it is a tropical specimen with specific growing needs. Many ficuses are evergreen plants, but you can also find deciduous species.
As houseplants or landscape plants, the ficus benjamina will typically develop into a small shrub or tree. It is a fast-growing tree, and new growth typically surfaces in a few weeks.
Spring is the best time to grow its root ball directly in the ground. The sap of this plant is poisonous to humans and pets.
7. Corn Plant (Dracaena)
Home gardeners often grow corn plants as big potted plants indoors because they are tropical plants that need climate-controlled conditions. They thrive in bright indoor areas secured from direct sunlight, drafts, air conditioning and heating vents, and high-humidity environments.
However, if you plant them indoors in a sheltered or shady spot, you can bring them out in the summer. But it would be best if you protected them against strong winds. Remember to bring them back inside once temperatures fall around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)
Monstera deliciosa is a big, bold plant native to the rainforests of Central America. This houseplant requires a part to full shade spot in well-draining soil. As indoor plants, use a deep pot with enough drainage holes. If your region's soil becomes too salty, relocate it to a patio or indoors.
Split-leaf philodendron is an evergreen plant that loves bright, indirect sunlight in consistent temperatures of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, it only requires a little light to avoid burning its foliage.
However, you can still bring them outdoors for sunlight to enhance lush growth once a year. Outdoors thrives in full shade or part shade.
9. Bamboo Palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Indoor potted bamboo palms enhance color and warmth in any room. You can choose from wide varieties, but most are shade-loving plants that require bright indirect light to grow well.
However, the bamboo palm is unique as it prefers a low-light condition. Its established height ranges from 4 to 12 feet and 3 to 5 feet spread.
You can also plant bamboo plants outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11. Chamaedorea seifrizii requires thorough watering till the soil is evenly moist. But avoid overwatering the plant so it won't sit in water and cause root rot.
10. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Another perfect indoor plant that like shade is ZZ Plant. In fact!!! It is among the most popular shade-loving houseplant you'll ever see and could even thrive in no-light conditions.
In other words, it will do just fine in shady areas if you minimize watering, increase humidity, and moderate temperature.
11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
You can only mention popular indoor plants that like shade if you include golden pothos. It is a trailing plant that can reach up to 10 feet long and thrive in low light conditions.
However, this plant requires weekly watering; as a native of Southeast Asia, it can do well in various humidity levels.
12. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
If you are looking for a perfect low-light plant for your indoor décor, you shouldn't look further than the prayer plant.
Maranta leuconeura, scientifically called, is a gorgeous plant that prefers shade but not so many cold temperatures. It requires temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
One of the most common shade-loving houseplants is the bird's nest fern. It features lovely-looking crinkly leaves, making it look uniquely quirky. The plant is best grown in pots or mounted to planks, just like how you grow staghorn fern.
14. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Fill the shady spots of your home and room with the cast iron plant's slow-growing, lush-leaved, low-light features. It is a pet-friendly plant that is easy to care for and grow and is perfect for beginner gardeners.
It requires light watering and got its name from its unbeatable features. It relieves dryness by adding humidity to the air while purifying it.
15. Boat Lily (Oyster spp.)
Also known as Moses in the Cradle, the oyster plant is a trendy plant that is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It is a perfect indoor shade-loving plant that requires weekly watering to keep the soil's moisture level. You can prune any leaves that have started fading with maturity.
16. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium alcicorne)
Scientifically called Platycerium alcicorne, the staghorn fern is an indoor plant that thrives in low light and requires humidity, making it an ideal plant for bathrooms.
Growing a plant in your bathroom brings extra warmth and fresh oxygen to sometimes sterile spaces. You can pot staghorn ferns or hang them on the wall to add color to your home.
17. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)
Begonia rex is an indoor plant with swirling leaves in odd shapes and bright colors. It is most notable for producing beautiful leaves.
Present species of rex begonias are usually hybrids that you can grow for a specific leaf shape or color. It is a shade-loving plant that needs thorough watering, but you should let the soil feel dry.
18. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
The creeping fig is a beautiful indoor plant famous for its easy maintenance. It is a rapid-growing specie that can cover short walls and fences.
Even though it can tolerate almost any light, it does best in low-light conditions and will brighten the dark corners of your living room. The creeping fig features attractive leaves and will maintain a healthy look with regular pruning.
19. Lucky Bamboo (Dracena sanderiana)
The lucky bamboo is a low-maintenance plant often used within feng shui to draw wealth, health, and abundance; hence, its name.
It is a low-light plant that can brighten the dark spots in your room. Even though it can tolerate some light, it will do best in shady locations and is ideal for an office desk or coffee table.
20. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Another popular indoor plant that like shade is the aglaonema specie. It is a shade-loving evergreen plant that is easy to grow and maintain.
The most exciting part is that it can survive almost three weeks without water and doesn't require fertilizer. It can also tolerate fluorescent light. In other words, it is one of the most tolerating plants you'll ever grow.
21. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
If you are looking for a plant that will thrive under little or no maintenance, you can trust ponytail palm to give your indoor space the beauty you desire. It is a shade-loving plant that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but grows well in low-light conditions.
But when you water, ensure it is well-drained. A lack of watering for a while won't cause the plant too much harm.
22. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The dragon tree is an indoor plant that offers heft and height to an indoor space. It is a shade-loving plant that features red-edged leaves and is very easy to grow, making it an excellent prospect for beginners.
Dracaena marginata requires a dark corner with some space. As houseplants, they grow up to 6 feet high and can survive prolonged periods of drought.
23. Aralia Ming (Polyscias fruticose)
Are you looking for an indoor shrub to add to your space? Look no further than Aralia Ming. It is a tropical species that prefers a warm climate but thrives in medium, indirect light with enough space.
It can reach up to 6 to 7 feet tall with proper care. You can prune its lower stems to keep it in shape while growing.
24. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis orchid)
The moth orchid consists of several orchid species of the phalaenopsis family. They feature small beautiful blooms that come in different colors and patterns.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can do well in dim light like a champ. It will bloom in spring and summer, even in dark spaces.
25. Hoya (Hoya)
The Hoya is a houseplant that will add beauty to any room, whether small or large. The plant is a shade-loving species; hence will do well in rooms with indirect light.
The best place to grow them is on shelves where their leaves tend to dangle down beautifully from the pot.
Conclusion
Indoor shade-loving plants are ideal for any corner of your home but will do best in dim corners.
They will light up these dark spaces thanks to their beautiful colors. You can expect the best from your babies with proper care and growing conditions.
