Best plants
Low-Light Indoor Plants
Seven houseplants that cope with north-facing rooms, dim corners and offices — plus the honest truth about what “low light” means and how to help plants in darker spaces.
Updated
Quick answer
The best houseplants for low light are ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, heartleaf philodendron, parlor palm, peace lily and dracaena. They tolerate low light rather than love it, so expect slower growth — and water less, because soil dries slowly in dim rooms.
“Low light” doesn’t mean no light. These plants still need daylight from a window somewhere in the room, or a grow light. What they can do is keep going in spots that would make a monstera or fiddle leaf fig sulk, like a north-facing room, a hallway with some daylight, or a few metres back from a window.
Check your spot with the shadow test in our indoor light guide or estimate it with the Light Calculator.
Low-light plants compared
| Plant | Low-light tolerance | Water in low light | Pets (ASPCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZZ plant | Excellent | Every 3–5 weeks | Toxic |
| Snake plant | Excellent | Every 3–6 weeks | Toxic |
| Pothos | Very good (less variegation) | When top 2 in. dry | Toxic |
| Heartleaf philodendron | Very good | When top 2 in. dry | Toxic |
| Parlor palm | Good | When top inch dry | Non-toxic |
| Peace lily | Good (few flowers) | When top inch dry | Toxic |
| Dracaena | Moderate | When top 2 in. dry | Toxic |
7 plants that handle low light
1. ZZ plant
Probably the toughest low-light houseplant. Its water-storing rhizomes mean it needs very little watering — overwatering is its only real enemy.
2. Snake plant
Holds its shape for years in low light. Let the soil dry completely between waterings, especially in winter.
3. Pothos
Grows slower and leggier in dim spots, and patterned varieties may turn greener. Golden and jade pothos cope best.
4. Heartleaf philodendron
Solid green leaves handle low light well. Trim long vines to keep it full.
5. Parlor palm
One of the few palms that tolerates lower light. Keep soil lightly moist and avoid dry heat.
6. Peace lily
Stays green and full in lower light but rarely blooms there. Move it brighter if you want flowers.
7. Dracaena
Many dracaenas, like the popular ‘Janet Craig’ and corn plant types, handle moderate shade. They can be sensitive to tap water, which causes brown tips.
How to care for plants in low light
- Water less. Low light means slow growth and slow-drying soil. Always check before watering.
- Skip or reduce fertilizer. Plants that aren’t growing much don’t need much food.
- Use the brightest spot you have, even if it’s across the room from a window.
- Dust leaves regularly so they can use every bit of light.
- Rotate pots every couple of weeks so plants don’t lean.
- Consider a grow light on a timer — see our grow light guide.
Windowless rooms
No plant can live long-term without light. In a windowless bathroom or office, use a grow light for 10–14 hours a day, or rotate plants to a window every week or two.
Frequently asked questions
Can a plant survive on office lighting alone?
Some tough plants, like ZZ plants and pothos, can survive under bright overhead office lights that are on most of the day. Growth will be slow. A small desk grow light helps a lot.
How do I know if my plant isn’t getting enough light?
Look for leggy stems, small new leaves, leaning toward the window, fading variegation and soil that stays wet. Our light guide explains each sign.
More shortlists: bedroom plants, bathroom plants and office plants.
Shopping shortcuts
Shop low-light indoor plants and plant gear
Links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current prices, sizes and reviews yourself. We don’t list prices or star ratings here because they change constantly.
Helpful plant gear
| Product | Best for | Budget | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Plant Pots | Any room | Budget | View |
| Self-Watering Pot | Busy owners | Mid | View |
| Plant Grow Light | Low-light apartments | Mid | View |
| Moisture Meter For Plants | Beginners | Budget | View |
| Plant Stand Indoor | Floor plants | Mid | View |
| Watering Can Indoor Plants | Daily use | Budget | View |
Before you buy
- Match the product to your plant’s size, light and watering needs.
- Read recent reviews for build-quality problems and check the return window.
- Have pets? Check each plant on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.