It is a no-brainer that plants, big or small, need some degree of sunlight to survive and develop properly. However, the non-availability of bright light in your home should not discourage you.
There are so many plants that naturally love the shade and can very well thrive under indirect light or, worse still, artificial light from fluorescent.
Knowledge is the key, they say. We are bringing to your doorstep the knowledge you need to give your home a touch of nature regardless of low light conditions.
In this article, we will be talking about some of the most beautiful small houseplants and succulents that thrive in low light!
Jump to:
- 25 Small Houseplants/Succulents That Thrive In Low Light
- 1. ZZ Plant ‘Zamioculcas Zamiifolia’
- 2. Chinese Evergreen Plant
- 3. Cast Iron Plant
- 4. Pinwheel Desert Rose ‘Aeonium arboreum’
- 5. Lucky Bamboo Plant
- 6. Monstera Plant
- 7. Chandelier Plant ‘Kalanchoe blossfeldiana’
- 8. Bear Paws ‘Cotyledon tomentosa.’
- 9. Christmas Cactus ‘Schlumbergera x buckleyi’
- 10. Snake Aloe ‘Aloe broomii’
- 11. Cylindrical Snake Plant ‘Sansevieria cylindrica’
- 12. Heart-Leaf Philodendron
- 13. Ice plant ‘Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp.
- 14. Mistletoe Cactus ‘Rhipsalis baccifera.’
- 15. Ox Tongue ‘Gasteria spp.’
- 16. Ponytail Palm ‘Beaucarnea recurvata.’
- 17. Calathea Peacock
- 18. Purple Wood Spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea.’
- 19. String of buttons ‘Crassula perforata.’
- 20. Windowpane Plant ‘Haworthia turgida suberecta.’
- 21. Bromeliad
- 22. Spider Plant
- 23. Schefflera Arboricola
- 24. Philodendron Brasil
- 25. Bird’s Nest Fern
- Conclusion
25 Small Houseplants/Succulents That Thrive In Low Light
1. ZZ Plant ‘Zamioculcas Zamiifolia’
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ZZ plant is precisely the opposite of what it looks like. It has shiny, waxy tender-looking leaves but, in reality, rugged and almost indestructible.
The plant is tolerant of low light conditions and can survive with a minimal supply of artificial light.
They also thrive in dry environments and require intense watering to grow well.
ZZ plants, also known as Zanzibar Gems, have a height range of 3 - 4ft.
2. Chinese Evergreen Plant
- LIVE INDOOR PLANT: Bring home a beautiful Chinese Evergreen for a tropical feel. These houseplants are lush and green, ready to liven up any space. They also improve room aesthetic, bringing a focal point to any living room, office, and bedroom decor
- These are evergreen perennial herbs with stems growing erect or decumbent and creeping.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Looking for a houseplant that can thrive under low light while requiring less attention? This plant is what you need.
The Chinese Evergreen detests the sun, and too much of it will make their leaves wilt. They can get by with light from just a bulb.
When mature, they spot bright white blooms that can almost be mistaken for callalilies.
Do note that the specie in question here is those with very dark leaves as variegated species that spot cream or silver markings require more light.
Water this plant once every 7 - 10 days and apply fertilizer at least twice a year.
3. Cast Iron Plant
- Commonly Known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine's Hoya
- Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Wekiva Foliage. This plant is as tough as its name! Excellent for those difficult-to-fill areas in deep shade, spreading gently by underground stems. A nearly fuss-free, lush, leafy evergreen that will tolerate a range of growing conditions including heat, aridity and dry shade.
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The name of this plant gives you a hint of what it is all about. Cast Irons are very sturdy plants that do not require too much attention. They can thrive with just a minimal supply of light.
Key points to note when growing this plant is to avoid overwatering or repotting unnecessarily, as that can damage or even kill the plant.
4. Pinwheel Desert Rose ‘Aeonium arboreum’
- You will receive a plant similar as seen in photos.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a perennial succulent with a compact size of 4ft. It has got a fleshy rosette in different variegated colors.
Pinwheel Desert Rose is tolerant of diverse lighting conditions and can thrive well in low light.
5. Lucky Bamboo Plant
- LIVE INDOOR PLANT: Bring home a beautiful grower’s choice Lucky Bamboo for a zen look. These houseplants add a sense of calm to any space. Bamboo improve room aesthetic, bringing a focal point to any feng shui, living room, office, or bedroom decor
- LOW MAINTENANCE: The roots are growing in water, not soil, so simple care requirements are about light and water
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These plants are low-maintenance ones that are very well-content, grown in a container or vase filled with water and under very low light.
It would be best to carefully water the plant only with distilled water, as they are sensitive and react adversely to chemicals like chlorine usually found in tap water.
Fun Fact: the lucky Bamboo plant is said to bring good fortune to its owners.
6. Monstera Plant
- The Trending Tropicals Collection: Elevate your home decor with exceptional new varieties representing some of the hottest houseplant varieties on social media.Product Dimensions 6 x 10 x 15 inches
- Monstera Deliciosa Plant Pot: Monstera Deliciosa is a beautiful plant with vibrant, waxy, large, dark green leaves. These plants are also referred to as Swiss Cheese Plants because of their naturally occurring leaf holes that resemble Swiss cheese
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This plant has big, bold, and bright leaves that surprisingly get stunning holes as they develop. This plant gives your space an exquisite touch.
Monsteras are natural climbers but can be controlled with a moss-coated stick or trellis.
They will fare well with any level of light, including low light.
7. Chandelier Plant ‘Kalanchoe blossfeldiana’
- 『𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗦』 (1) Beautiful live, easy to grow Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva Red' houseplant.
- 『𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗦』 (1) Beautiful live, easy to grow Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Calandiva Yellow' houseplant.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This perennial succulent is closely related to the Jade plant.
Chandeliers are small. They grow no taller and broader than 18 inches, but they give you quite a show with their lovely scallop-shaped leaves and unique foliage.
Chandeliers are low-maintenance plants that bloom for quite a long time.
They do very well in partial shade and are available in different colors.
8. Bear Paws ‘Cotyledon tomentosa.’
- Easy to grow succulent
- You will receive a plant similar as seen in photos.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This perennial succulent grows just about 1 foot only. Their size and low-light tolerant features make them perfect houseplants.
The name ‘Bear paws’ was inspired by its thick leaves with dark red colored edges that look just like Bear Paws.
Avoid overwatering with this plant by watering only when the top two inches of soil feels dry.
9. Christmas Cactus ‘Schlumbergera x buckleyi’
- Seasonal Plants bloom during Christmas time
- Easy to grow house plant
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With a compact size range of 6-12 inches in height and 12-24 inches spread, the low-light tolerant Christmas Cactus deserves a spot on this list.
Christmas Cactus can thrive indoors all season long. They detest sunlight as it makes their colors fade.
Water this perennial succulent only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
10. Snake Aloe ‘Aloe broomii’
This is a perennial succulent with a height and width size range of 2-4ft. They have got beautiful spiky leaves that come in a rosette shape.
Snake Aloe is a highly shade-tolerant succulent, and on no account should they be moved to sunny spots in the home as that may hurt them.
11. Cylindrical Snake Plant ‘Sansevieria cylindrica’
- Common names include: Braided African Spear Plant, cylindrical snake plant| Scientific name: Dracaena angolensis, Sansevieria Cylindrica|Shipped well-rooted & potted in a 2.5 inch plastic pot with soil and ready for a size up!
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This plant has cylindrical, grayish-green striped leaves, hence its name.
The perennial succulent has a height range of 4-6ft tall and 1-2ft wide.
The Cylindrical Snake Plant requires very minimal light and, as such, is perfect for those without much sunlight in their homes.
Feel the top 2 inches of the soil and water only if dry.
12. Heart-Leaf Philodendron
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This plant spots beautiful heart-shaped, glossy leaves that add a spark to your space. However, regular pruning must be carried out for them to grow uniformly and not in long single stems.
Water sparingly about once every one or two weeks. This is because overwatering can turn its vibrant leaves yellow and stems black.
13. Ice plant ‘Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp.
- Name: Hardy Ice Plant, Pink
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ice plants are perennial succulents that grow no higher than 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
This plant has foliage with little hairs on them, looking just like ice crystals under the reflection of light.
The lush leaves of this plant add a unique touch to your indoor space.
The full sun, no doubt, helps in fostering the speedy growth of this plant, but they are sturdy enough to thrive still under low light.
Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
14. Mistletoe Cactus ‘Rhipsalis baccifera.’
- 🌵 {Amazing Exotic Plant}: This shrubby Coral cactus is perfect for indoor-growers!
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We love how the stems of this plant trail arch down the sides of hanging baskets. This plant thrives effortlessly in low-light areas and detests harsh sunlight.
It has a height size of 6ft, and a 2ft spread when planted indoors.
15. Ox Tongue ‘Gasteria spp.’
- Easy to grow, great for beginners!
- Gasteria Ox Tongue Succulent
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This perennial succulent feature leaves as long as an Ox’s tongue with rough textures. Variants of this plant abound in stunning colors and patterns that add beauty to your home.
This native South African plant tolerates shade comfortably and can quickly grow in low-light areas.
They have a height range of 4-24 inches and 12 inches spread.
16. Ponytail Palm ‘Beaucarnea recurvata.’
- BRIGHT LIGHT - Perfers to Live in a Bright Indoor or Outdoor Enviroment
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ponytail palms are perennial succulents with strappy leaves that introduce a tropical feel to your indoor space.
Even though the plant can get as big as 6ft, they are slow-growing and doubtful to grow that big when planted indoors.
Ponytail palms are low-maintenance succulents that prefer bright light but can comfortably thrive in medium and low-light areas.
17. Calathea Peacock
- Commonly Known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine's Hoya
- All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you will receive.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many benefits are attached to growing this medium/low light-loving houseplant.
They purify the air, are non-toxic to humans and pets, and provide stunning aesthetics with red and pink dots that make a difference in your home.
Have the Calathea Peacock plant watered at most every three days.
18. Purple Wood Spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea.’
This adorable perennial succulent offers fascinating visual delight. They are compact plants with a 3ft height and 1ft spread.
Its leaves are dark green with a brilliant dash of purple. When they bloom, they feature sunny yellow flowers that combine beautifully with their strappy purple foliage.
Purple Wood Spurge are shade-loving succulents and would have no problem thriving in low-light areas.
Avoid overwatering the plant, as that may lead to root rot.
19. String of buttons ‘Crassula perforata.’
- 『𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗦』 (1) Beautiful live String of buttons Crassula perforata. It has a very distinctive look with thick, triangular leaves stacked snugly around the stems. The leaves are pale green with reddish edges that change to a deeper red shade when exposed to bright sunlight. String of Buttons is a relatively fast-growing shrubby succulent that is perfect for terrariums and hanging baskets.
- 『𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗦』 (1) Beautiful live String of buttons Crassula perforata. It has a very distinctive look with thick, triangular leaves stacked snugly around the stems. The leaves are pale green with reddish edges that change to a deeper red shade when exposed to bright sunlight. String of Buttons is a relatively fast-growing shrubby succulent that is perfect for terrariums and hanging baskets.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a perennial succulent that is low-maintenance in every sense of the word. They are tolerant of most lighting, temperature, and water conditions—a typical example of an easy-care plant that anyone, including novices, can grow.
The string of buttons requires some light but can make do with the artificial ones provided.
They have a mature height size of about 18 inches.
20. Windowpane Plant ‘Haworthia turgida suberecta.’
- Haworthia turgida var. suberecta
- INCLUDES: (1) Beautiful live Window Haworthia Succulent fully rooted, is a drought-tolerant evergreen succulent with rosette shaped, easy to care and requires low maintenance. The growing conditions for this plant are the same whether it is grown indoors or outdoors.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These perennial succulents form an attractive rosette of triangular-shaped translucent leaves.
Their triangle-shaped delicate leaves stand as the feature that distinguishes them from other variants.
Windowpane Plants are shade-loving plants, perfect for low-light areas.
They have a height and width size range of 3-5 inches.
21. Bromeliad
- Commonly Known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine's Hoya
- All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you would receive.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This houseplant turns your home into the tropics!
Bromeliads are low-maintenance plants; they are only to be watered about once a week when the soil is likely to be dry, thrive in humid conditions, and so, can very well be placed in bathrooms, and they can survive comfortably with artificial lighting too.
For best results, plant in rich soil in pots with suitable drainage holes. You should touch the first 2 inches of soil to confirm if it is dry before you water it.
22. Spider Plant
Spider plants are non-problematic houseplants that can be left unattended sometimes and still manage quite well.
They are super sturdy plants that are easy to grow and maintain. They adjust well to most conditions and thrive well in low-light conditions.
For best results, plant in evenly moist soil and water sparingly, like once weekly.
23. Schefflera Arboricola
- All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you will receive.
- 『𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗦』 (1) Beautiful live, easy to grow Schefflera Arboricola houseplant. Its leaves grow in clusters of 7-9 leaflets and they form a round shape resembling an umbrella. The leaves are green with white to yellow variegation.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a tremendous low-light plant. They are slow-growing plants which makes them perfect for houseplant lovers with small spaces.
Schefflera Arboricola is nicknamed ‘dwarf umbrella plant,’ they detest bright light and does not crave to be watered so often.
At least watering once every ten days is ideal. They have a mature height size of 4ft.
24. Philodendron Brasil
- Philodendron Brasil Plant Pot: Philodendron Brasil is a beautiful house plant featuring dark green leaves. The leaves have cream and lime-colored neon splotches on them, giving the plant a look akin to that of a fussy magazine-cover plant
- PLANT DESCRIPTION: This common epyphytic houseplant is native to coastal Brazil and grows in a vinelike or climbing fashion. It wields heartshaped leaves and is a great addition to any office or household as it is very easy to care for, requiring minimal
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Philodendron Brasils naturally thrive in bright indirect sunlight, but they can very well succeed in medium and low indirect light.
This plant can be found available in different colors and require watering at least once a week.
They grow from the soil line to the tip of the foliage and have a mature size range of 3 - 6 inches.
Philodendron Brasil has been proven toxic to pets, so keep them away from ingesting it.
25. Bird’s Nest Fern
- Bird’s Nest Fern Plant Pot: Bird’s Nest Fern is a beautiful, lush, leathery-leaved fern plant featuring erect, spoon-shaped, bright green fronds that rise from a central rosette. This plant can grow on both tree trunks and buildings.
- Sunlight: Low to bright indirect light. Direct light will bleach the leaves.
Last update on 2023-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The distinct shape of this plant's leaves and unusual rippled edges is one striking feature of this plant. Not to mention its crispy, sturdy foliage.
Bird’s Nest Fern are small houseplants that prefer medium indirect light but thrive under low light conditions.
Have them watered every one to two weeks. As an added advantage, the plant is non-toxic to pets.
Conclusion
The popularity of houseplants and succulents among gardeners increases by the day. They are mostly known to be drought-tolerant, but the knowledge that many shade-loving ones exist too is unknown to many.
Well, say goodbye to your days of ignorance, as you must have read up on our list of small houseplants and succulents that comfortably thrive in low light.
Go ahead and light up dark areas of your space with the fantastic plants above.
