Plant BuddhaLight
The best houseplants for low-light rooms
Almost every room has a darker corner. Some plants cope with those spots much better than others. Keep in mind that “low light” means a room with some daylight, such as a spot a few feet from a window. It doesn't mean no light at all.
Plants that tolerate lower light
- ZZ plant. Glossy, tough and happy to be ignored.
- Snake plant. Upright and very forgiving. It will grow faster with more light.
- Cast iron plant. Lives up to its name, with broad dark leaves that handle dim corners.
- Pothos. Trails nicely. Variegated types may fade to plain green in lower light.
- Peace lily. Tolerates low light but usually blooms better with a little more.
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema). Patterned leaves in many colors, and tolerant of lower light.
- Parlor palm. Soft, graceful and relatively compact.
Tips for low-light plants
- Water less. Plants in dim rooms use water slowly, so soil stays wet longer. Check before every watering.
- Wipe the leaves. Dust blocks light, so a gentle wipe helps them make the most of what they get.
- Rotate the pot. A quarter turn every couple of weeks keeps growth even.
- Be realistic about growth. Plants in lower light grow slowly. That's normal.
- Consider a grow light. A simple full-spectrum bulb can make a dark corner workable.
If a plant stretches toward the window, drops lots of leaves or loses its color, it may be telling you it needs more light.
Pets at home? Several plants on this list, including ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, peace lily and Chinese evergreen, are considered toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. The cast iron plant and parlor palm are generally listed as non-toxic. Check the ASPCA list for your exact plant.