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If you live in a home that doesn’t get a ton of natural light, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful houseplants. There are lots of low light indoor plants that you can choose from. I live in a house that has lots of big windows, but is under a canopy of giant pine trees, so we get minimal light throughout the house. I’ve learned that my time as a Serial Plant Murderer probably had a lot to do with the fact that I picked the wrong plants for the amount of light in my home.
What Does Low Light Mean for Indoor Plants?
Here we go with my list of the best low light indoor plants. There are other low light plants that you might like, but I had some criteria to follow. I included plants that I think are aesthetically pleasing and you will notice that the Spider plant is not on here because, spiders. You also won’t see the snake plant on here. Because snakes. But if you love those plants, they are also good low light indoor plants.
The 9 Best Low Light Indoor Plants
Nerve Plant
What I Love About It:
I love the pretty leaves of the Nerve Plant. It’s really lovely to look at and has nice texture.
It’s a great plant for a terrarium, so if you’re into try a terrarium, maybe try a nerve plant.
How to Water It:
The Nerve plant likes to be kept moist. This is great if you’re a chronic over-waterer. Just make sure the soil drains well.
Special Considerations:
The Nerve plant can be a bit of a diva. If it dries out, it will droop and it if dries out too many times you may lose it forever.
So keep it moist and keep it out direct sunlight.
ZZ Plant
What I Love About It:
The ZZ Plant is a unique looking plant. It grows tall and the dark shiny leaves are lovely.
It’s also very easy to find at the Garden Center or even Ikea. It’s pretty un-fussy and won’t be a challenge for a beginner indoor gardener.
How to Water It:
The ZZ Plant likes to dry out a little between waterings. Touch the soil with your fingertip before watering. If it’s dry, you can water it. If it’s still moist, hold off. You’re better off letting it get too dry than it getting too wet.
Special Considerations:
This plant can grow pretty tall! As high as 3 feet, so keep that in mind when you pick out a spot for it.
Lucky Bamboo
What I Love About It:
It’s lucky! Who can’t use a little luck, right?
I also that you can grow it right in water if you want to. I’ve always wanted to try that.
How to Water It:
If you’re growing your Lucky Bamboo in soil, you want to keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Remember that depending on the environment in your home and the season, the soil can dry out quicker or slower, so keep an eye on it.
Or, technically, keep a finger on it. Test the soil every few days to see if it’s drying out.
If you’re growing the Lucky Bamboo directly in water, you will need to change the water if it starts to get murky or “slimy”. You’ll also need to support the bamboo with rocks or something else that will hold them upright and those will need to be cleaned occasionally, too.
Special Considerations
If you notice one of your bamboo stalks beginning to rot, make sure to remove it immediately. It can cause the ones next to it to rot, too.
Corn Plant
What I Love About It:
A corn plant is perfect for a spot in your home that needs a little height. They can go from 5-7 ft tall. So if you’ve got a corner that needs a little drama, this is a great choice.
How to Water It:
The corn plant likes to be kept moist, but you’re better off letting it dry out a little than you are over watering it, so if you’re not sure whether to water it or not, wait another day.
And if your tap water has fluoride in it, you’re going to need to water this bottled or distilled water. The fluoride can actually kill this plant.
Special Considerations:
Corn plants like to be kept in a warm and moist environment. Keep this in mind if you’re in a colder climate. You can mist it if it gets dry in your home in the winter.
Monstera
What I Love About It:
The leaves of the Monstera plant are show stoppers. They are huge and they have a beautiful shape. They are the type of plant that can take a boring corner of your home and make it the most interesting spot in the house.
How to Water It:
You’re going to have to get your fingers dirty with this one. Test the soil and when it’s dry 1-2 inches down, then water it.
This guy will also love a misting early in the morning.
Special Considerations:
Your Monstera is going to need some space. If you live in a tiny apartment, this might not be the right plant for you. If you have a room that needs something big to bring it to life, then this is the right plant for you!
Weeping Fig
What I Love About It:
Besides that it’s pretty to look at, the weeping fig is a great air purifying. That’s always a good thing in your home.
How to Water It:
A weeping fig will want to be moist, so water it consistently. Just make sure you have well draining soil so that the roots aren’t standing in water.
Special Considerations:
Weeping figs can be tempermental. You have to be consistent with watering and the type of light it gets.
Kentia Palm
What I Love About It:
Kentia Palms are sturdy and can tolerate all kinds of different conditions. That makes it great for a beginner who doesn’t have a ton of light in her home.
How to Water It:
Another one where you’ll have to get dirty. Test the soil and when the top inch is dry, give the Kentia Palm a watering. Make sure you’ve got good drainage.
Special Considerations:
You probably want to use fertilizer with the Kentia Palm. It will help prevent the leaves from yellowing.
Chinese Evergreen
What I Love About It:
This is the prettiest of the list, if you ask me. The leaves are lovely and have some color to them. This is one I could stare at all day.
How to Water It:
The Chinese Evergreen likes to be moist so water it frequently before it starts to dry out.
Special Considerations:
Keep your Chinese Evergreen warm. At least 60 degrees and the warmer the better.
Dumb Cane Houseplant
What I Love About It:
The Dumb Cane is a bit of a show off and I like that. It’s got big leaves and likes to stand out.
How to Water It:
You’ll be fine with the Dumb Cane plant if you DO NOT over water it. Keep an eye on it, don’t let it dry out completely, but if you’re not sure if it’s ready for more water,wait one more day.
Special Considerations:
The Dumb Cane is a lowlight plant, but if you’ve got it near a window, it will love “filtered” light. Leave a thin curtain between it and the window to prevent sunburn.
Indoor Hosta
What I Love About It:
The shock and awe when I tell my mother I’m buying a hosta plant for inside the house.
How to Water:
Keep your indoor hosta consistently moist, not completely drying out between waterings.
Special Considerations:
Just like your outside Hostas, the indoor hosta may go dormant and drop it’s leaves in the winter. You should still expect it to come back in the spring.