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Houseplants That Thrive in Low Light

Writer's picture: Hannah O'ConnorHannah O'Connor

Not every home or office is blessed with bright, natural light—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy lush greenery. Many houseplants thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for apartments, windowless offices, or rooms with limited sunlight.

Here’s a guide to some of the best low-light houseplants that are both easy to care for and available at Round Rock Garden Center.


Dracaena Table at Round Rock Garden Center
Dracaenas
 

What is Low Light?


Before choosing a plant, it's important to understand what “low light” actually means. While some plants can survive in dim environments, no houseplant can truly thrive in complete darkness. Understanding light levels can help you pick the right plant for your space.


  • Low light: No direct sunlight, typically found in rooms with north-facing windows, hallways, bathrooms, or offices with only artificial lighting. While some plants adapt to these conditions, their growth may be slower.

  • Medium light: Indirect sunlight from an east- or west-facing window but no direct exposure to sunbeams. This is ideal for many houseplants, as it provides sufficient light without the risk of leaf scorching.

  • Bright indirect light: Close to a south- or west-facing window, but with curtains, blinds, or sheer drapes filtering the sunlight. Many tropical houseplants prefer this level of brightness.


If your space is very dark or has no natural light at all, consider using grow lights to supplement plant care. LED grow lights designed for houseplants mimic natural sunlight and can keep low-light plants healthy in rooms with minimal light exposure.


 

Top Low-Light Houseplants



1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Why It’s Great: Practically indestructible, snake plants can handle low light and infrequent watering.

  • Care: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely.

  • Bonus: Filters toxins from indoor air.


2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Why It’s Great: The ZZ plant thrives on neglect and prefers shade over direct sunlight.

  • Care: Water every 2-4 weeks, depending on humidity.

  • Bonus: Glossy leaves add a modern touch to any space.


3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why It’s Great: A trailing vine that can grow in low light and be placed on shelves or in hanging baskets.

  • Care: Water once the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

  • Bonus: Comes in many varieties, including golden pothos, neon pothos, and marble queen.


4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why It’s Great: A classic low-light plant that blooms elegant white flowers even in dim conditions.

  • Care: Keep soil evenly moist and mist for added humidity.

  • Bonus: Helps remove pollutants like ammonia and formaldehyde from the air.


5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Why It’s Great: This unique plant folds its leaves up at night, resembling hands in prayer.

  • Care: Prefers moist soil and higher humidity; let the topsoil dry slightly before watering.

  • Bonus: Features striking leaf patterns and thrives in indirect to low light.


6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Why It’s Great: A pet-safe, tropical plant that can thrive in dim rooms.

  • Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry and mist occasionally.

  • Bonus: Non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for homes with cats or dogs.


7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Why It’s Great: Gorgeous variegated foliage that tolerates low light and occasional neglect.

  • Care: Water when the soil is partially dry; prefers slightly humid environments.

  • Bonus: Comes in a variety of leaf colors, from silver and green to pink and red.


8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why It’s Great: A fast-growing plant that thrives in hanging baskets or pots in indirect light.

  • Care: Water when soil is dry to the touch.

  • Bonus: Produces baby spider plants (pups) that you can propagate easily.


9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Why It’s Great: A beautiful trailing vine that does well in low-light rooms.

  • Care: Keep soil lightly moist, watering once a week.

  • Bonus: One of the easiest plants to propagate—just snip a stem and place it in water!


10. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

Why It’s Great: Known for tall, striking foliage, this plant adapts well to low-light conditions.

  • Care: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, avoiding overwatering.

  • Bonus: Acts as a natural humidifier, improving indoor air quality.


 

Tips for Success with Low-Light Plants


  • Avoid Overwatering – The biggest killer of low-light plants is too much water. Let the soil dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.

  • Rotate Occasionally – Even low-light plants need some exposure to light. Rotate your plants every few weeks to encourage even growth.

  • Increase Humidity – Many houseplants thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, use a pebble tray, misting, or a small humidifier to maintain moisture levels.

  • Clean the Leaves – Dust can block light absorption, reducing a plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and healthy.


 

Find Your Perfect Low-Light Plant at Round Rock Garden Center!


Looking to add some greenery to your low-light space? Stop by Round Rock Garden Center to shop our selection of houseplants, pots, and care essentials. Our team can help you choose the right plant for your home and provide expert care tips.


Happy Gardening!

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