money 14 Indoor Plants That Thrive Happily in Low Light
- 1/15
14 Indoor Plants That Thrive Happily in Low Light
Even if your home isn't blessed with big, bright windows where the sunlight streams in, you still can grow indoor plants! In fact, many types of plants will tolerate low light levels! Low light rooms are those that have only north-facing windows, fluorescent lights, spots that are far away from windows, or rooms with windows that are blocked by shade trees or buildings.
However, it's important to realize that low light doesn't mean no light; most houseplants and indoor trees—think the ZZ plant, monstera, and pothos—need some light to thrive and look their best. You can provide supplemental light with grow lights during the darkest days of winter or in very dark rooms. Many of them will even do just fine with occasional light from a table lamp. Another thing to remember is that plants in low light typically will not need to be watered as often as those in high light settings. Always stick your finger in the soil first to check the moisture level; if soil sticks, wait a few more days before watering for plants that tend to like it on the dry side (which is many low light plants). You also should add fertilizer at half-strength only during the active growing season from spring to fall. Ahead, learn more about our favorite low-light indoor plants that offer a splash of green for every room.
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ZZ Plant
Unlike most tropical plants that prefer bright, indirect light, ZZ plant is quite forgiving and will push new growth even if it’s only getting the light from your desk lamp. Its glossy leaves and upright form make it a great plant for an office or poorly-lit bedroom.
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Snake Plant
Snake plants have a dramatic, upright architectural shape, and they'll survive in even the darkest rooms. New types also have interesting spear-like shaped foliage instead of the more common flat leaves.
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Aglaonema
This plant not only tolerates low light levels, it also tolerates neglect! Aglaonema has pretty spotted leaves with silver or pink markings. It tolerates low light much better than many other houseplants.
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Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and it's surprisingly tolerant of low light levels. The one thing it won't like is staying wet, so water sparingly.
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Cast Iron Plant
Cast iron plant has earned its name because it stands up to a lot of abuse. The long, dark green leaves look good in any room of the house. It handles low light levels and typically will survive if you occasionally forget to water.
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Heartleaf Philodendron
This handsome trailing plant has shiny, dark green heart-shaped leaves. It's beautiful draping over the edges of a bookshelf or climbing up a trellis. It's a tough little plant and a good choice for new plant parents.
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Spider Plant
Spider plants prefer bright light, but they will tolerate low light levels. The strapping arching leaves look great in hanging baskets. In moderate to high light levels, they'll produce "babies," which you can snip off to make more plants.
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Monstera
Several different species go by the name Monstera, but mostly it's Monstera deliciosa that can adapt to lower light levels. It's not going to grow fast, but generally it will do just fine in low to moderate light levels.
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Dracaena
There are many different types of dracaena plants, but most have long, strappy leaves and are tolerant of lower light levels. They also prefer slightly moist soil so check them every few days or so.
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Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo, which is actually a type of dracaena, may grow in water or soil, and it may be braided or twined into interesting forms. It's generally not super-picky about light levels. If submerged in water, change it every week. If in soil, keep it slightly moist.
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Peace Lily
The strappy, shiny leaves of peace lily make it a nice addition to rooms with lower light levels. It will need bright indirect light, however, if you're hoping for the unusual white spoon-shaped flowers. It tends to prefer staying slightly moist.
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Peperomia
The cute puckered heart-shaped leaves will handle low light levels, though it prefers moderate light. Different varieties may have smooth, green or wrinkly striped foliage. Make extra-sure to let it dry out between waterings.
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Prayer Plant
Prayer plants have beautiful, bold markings on their foliage. Their leaves fold up at night, as if in prayer. It's also easy to take cuttings to root in water to make more plants!
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Trandescantia
With eye-catching green or bright purple striped leaves, this trailing plant will handle low light levels. Trandescantia plants look smashing in a hanging basket or draped over the edges of a shelf.
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