Are you looking for houseplants that will do well in low-light conditions? It can be challenging to grow houseplants especially if you are working in an indoor space with low light. Fortunately, there are some plants that can grow in low light conditions. Here are the best houseplants for low light conditions.
How Much Light is Low Light?
Low light does not mean no light. Low light means there is a window with indirect sunlight coming into the room. A room with a north-facing window will have low light all day long. A room with an east-facing window will have low light in the afternoon. A room with a skylight might have low light if that is the only window in the room.
How to Increase Low Light
Most houseplants grow best with more light. Here are 4 things you can do to increase your low light situation.
Keep the Blinds Open
If you have a north-facing window or an east-facing window, you can try to maximize the light by keeping the blinds open.
Move the Houseplant Closer to the Window
You can move the plants closer to the window so it gets more light, especially during the winter months.
Use Artificial Light
You can use artificial light as supplemental light. I like this stylish frame with LED light.
Recharge Your Houseplant
You can occasionally move your plant to a room with more light so it can recharge and get some sunlight.
16 Best Houseplants for Low Light
1. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii) is one of the best houseplants for low light. It is almost indestructible and can tolerate very low light conditions. Lucky Bamboo is a very popular houseplant for feng shui and it is known to bring good luck and prosperity.
Lucky Bamboo can be grown in potting soil but it is typically grown in a vase with water. It will happily grow in a north-facing window or a room with a skylight. Lucky Bamboo is a tough houseplant that can even grow in a windowless room (although this is not recommended).
| Name | Lucky Bamboo |
| Scientific Name | Dracaena braunii |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
2. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a good houseplant for low light. It is a very popular houseplant with beautifully patterned leaves. Prayer Plants are a lot of fun because when it gets dark the leaves of your Prayer plant will roll-up. When you turn on the lights, the leaves will unroll and resume their regular flat position. It’s a lot of fun to trick your prayer plant into rolling and unrolling its leaves by turning on and off the light. Kids love prayer plants!
Prayer Plant is happiest in filtered light locations. Place your Prayer Plant in an east-facing window. It also tolerates low light locations. You can place it in a north-facing window or a location that receives artificial light.
| Name | Prayer Plant |
| Scientific Name | Maranta leuconeura |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Filtered Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
3. Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plant or Mother-In-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a great houseplant for low light conditions because it is almost indestructible. It is a very popular houseplant that is hardy and easy to grow. Snake Plants are known for their pointy, sword-like leaves (hence the name Mother-in-Law’s Tongue). Snake Plant is happiest in bright, filtered light but can tolerate low light. Avoid direct sunlight. It is known to bring good luck and prosperity to the home and office.
| Name | Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue |
| Scientific Name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, filtered light but can tolerate low light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Tolerates dry air well |
4.ZZ Plant or Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant or Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a great plant for low light conditions. It is a very popular houseplant because it is a tough, easy-to-grow, and low-maintenance houseplant. Your ZZ Plant is known for its beautiful foliage with glossy, thick, fern-like leaves.
ZZ Plant is happiest in bright, filtered light. Although it grows better in brighter light, it can tolerate low light from a north-facing window. It does not like direct sunlight though, the leaves will burn.
| Name | ZZ Plant or Zanzibar Gem |
| Scientific Name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, filtered Light but can tolerate low light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Tolerates dry air well |
5. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa)
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa) is a popular houseplant since it is one of the few indoor trees that can tolerate medium light conditions. It has graceful, ribbon-like leaves that are attractive and can make a statement. It is also known to bring luck. Dragon Trees are easy-to-grow large houseplants.
Dragon Tree will be happy in bright, filtered light. However, it can tolerate medium light conditions which is rare for indoor trees. It does well in an east-facing window with half-day of morning sun. Avoid direct sunlight, it will burn the leaves of your Dragon Tree.
| Name | Dragon Tree |
| Scientific Name | Dracaena marginata previously known as Dracaena reflexa |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Medium Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a good houseplant for low light conditions. It’s a low-maintenance houseplant that is impossible to kill, which is great for beginners. Plus it has beautiful, shiny heart-shaped leaves that look great dangling from a hanging basket or perched on a high bookshelf.
Pothos will do best in a bright filtered light location. However, it will do well in medium light conditions which makes it suitable for indoor plants. It will also grow well under artificial light. Avoid direct sun exposure since sunlight can burn the leaves.
| Name | Pothos |
| Scientific Name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light or Artificial Light. Tolerates Medium Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
7. Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) is a great houseplant for low light conditions. It has beautiful heart-shaped leaves with colors that are greenish to purplish. It’s a fairly easy-to-grow houseplant that does well in artificial light. A great houseplant for office desks and on bookshelves.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia is happiest in bright, filtered light. It does well in an east-facing window or even a north-facing window with low light. Emerald Ripple Peperomia does well under artificial light.
| Name | Emerald Ripple Peperomia |
| Scientific Name | Peperomia caperata |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Filtered Light. Tolerates Low Light. |
| Water | Abundant Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
8. Pepper Face (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Pepper Face (Peperomia obtusifolia) does well in low light conditions. It is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow. Its graceful, waxy leaves make a great addition to plant groupings in your indoor space. Compared to other Peperomia species, Peperomisa obtusifolia is the easiest to grow. It is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions.
Pepper Face will be happy in bright, filtered light. It does well in an east-facing window or even a north-facing window with low light. Pepper Face also does well in artificial light. Pepper Face is humid-loving and will grow well in bathrooms.
| Name | Pepper Face |
| Scientific Name | Peperomia obtusifolia |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Filtered Light. Tolerates Low Light. |
| Water | Abundant Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
9. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a popular houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow houseplant with beautiful silvery, green leaves. It is a hanging houseplant and will look beautiful in a hanging basket or on a bookshelf.
Satin Pothos is happiest in a bright, indirect light location. It can also tolerate medium to low light conditions.
| Name | Satin Pothos |
| Scientific Name | Scindapsus pictus |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Tolerates Medium Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
10. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a great plant to grow in low light conditions. It is one of the most popular houseplants in America because it is a low-maintenance, fast-growing, easy houseplant. Heartleaf Philodendron can tolerate a wide range of conditions and will thrive almost anywhere indoors. It will look great in a hanging basket or on a bookshelf with beautiful cascading heart-shaped leaves. Keep your Heartleaf Philodendron away from children and pets, it is toxic when ingested.
Heartleaf Philodendron is happiest in a bright filtered light location. However, it is very flexible and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. It will thrive in artificial light and low light as well.
| Name | Heartleaf Philodendron |
| Scientific Name | Philodendron hederaceum |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
You May Also Be Interested In: 7 Best Houseplants for Bathrooms ( Pictures)
11. Hoya Carnosa (Hoya carnosa)
Hoya Carnosa (Hoya carnosa) or Wax Plants is a houseplant that can tolerate low light. It is an easy-to-grow, hard-to-kill houseplant which makes it perfect for beginners. Hoya Carnosa is a semi-succulent plant with thick, waxy leaves (hence the name Wax Plants!) If it’s happy in its environment, it will reward you with fragrant flowers year after year.
| Name | Hoya Carnosa |
| Botanical Name | Hoya carnosa |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Medium Light |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Low Humidity |
12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a beautiful palm that can tolerate low light conditions. It is a very popular indoor palm- popular since the Victoria era. Parlor Palm is an air purifying indoor plant that is effective in removing benzene, and formaldehyde from the air.
| Name | Parlor Palm |
| Botanical Name | Chamaedorea seifrizii |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Non-Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
13. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”)
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana”) is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It is an air purifying houseplant that effectively removes trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde from the air. Corn Plant is a very popular houseplant with attractive glossy leaves reminiscence of corn leaves.
| Name | Corn Plant |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
14. Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”)
Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei”) is an easy to grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It an air purifying houseplant that is effective in removing air toxins such as trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde. Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ It is an attractive houseplant with glossy, graceful leaves.
| Name | Dracaena ‘Warneckei’ |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena deremensis “Warneckei” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
15. Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”)
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ (Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig”) is is an easy to grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions. It is an air purifying houseplant that can remove toxins that cause sick building syndromes. It can effectively remove trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde.
| Name | Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig” |
| Daytime Temperature | 65 to 75F (18-24C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 55-65F (13-18C) |
| Light | Bright Indirect Light. Can Tolerate Low Light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Moderate Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes trichloroethylene (TCE), Formaldehyde, and Benzene. |
16. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species) is an easy to grow houseplant that is tolerant of low light conditions and can take some neglect. It is an air purifying houseplant that effectively cleans the air by removing benzene, and formaldehyde. Do know that Chinese Evergreen is toxic to pets and humans so you need to keep it out of reach.
| Name | Chinese Evergreen |
| Botanical Name | Aglaonema species |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Light | Medium Light. Can tolerate low light. |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | Medium Humidity |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes benzene, and formaldehyde |
You May Also Be Interested In:
Popular Houseplants that are Toxic to Pets and Humans (Pictures)
Best Houseplants for Low Light Conditions (Infographic)
Best Houseplants for Bathrooms ( Pictures)
Best Houseplants for Beginners (Easy to Grow, Impossible to Kill Houseplants)
11 Best Air Purifying Houseplants
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