Here's a list of indoor plants for low light that will bring natural beauty and happiness into your home. They are also so easy that even the brownest of thumbs can grow them.
Many people want to grow plants indoors as they offer natural beauty and there is some speculation that they are good for your health. I have loved growing houseplants since I was a child and continue to grow many to this day.
However, many people also get discouraged because some plants require a lot of light that most homes cannot offer. So today I'm sharing a group of plants that grow well in low lighting situations. Of course, all plants need some light but you'd be surprised that many can live well with just a small amount of light.
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Very Tolerant Low Light Plants
This first group thrives or seems happy with very little light. They cannot grow in the dark but they are some of the easiest plants I've ever grown.
Sansevieria trifasciata aka Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is super easy to grow. It was recently reclassified as a Draecena so you may see that on the label instead of Sansevieria. It also doesn't need much water. In fact, the one way to kill this plant is by overwatering it. It comes in many varieties, however, the basic green is the easiest and most tolerant of low lighting.
Philodendron
The lovely vining plant is often one of the first plants people try to grow and it's a good one. It has pretty heart-shaped leaves that grow just about anywhere. Yes, more light will make it grow faster but if you don't have a lot of light it will still be happy.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia aka ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant doesn't need a lot of light or water. It grows from rhizomes that can store water and the leaves are thick and glossy. Such a pretty unique plant.
Pothos 'Pearls and Jade'
Pothos plants aka Devil's Ivy are also very popular beginner plants and it's no wonder. They come in a ton of different varieties and are very easy to grow. The one shown above is a cultivar called 'Pearls and Jade.' It sits on a shelf in our guest bathroom. There is a window in the bathroom but the plant is over in the corner and it looks great.
Hoya
This pretty vining plant has thick waxy leaves and is sometimes referred to as the Wax Plant. It doesn't need to be watered often in fact, it's pretty sensitive to overwatering so wait until it's dried out a bit before watering.
Partially Tolerant Low Light Plants
This list gives you more plants that can survive low lighting situations. However, they are slightly more particular and though they will likely not die, they may grow slower. Also, in the case of variegated or multi-colored foliage, the leaves may tend to lose some of the variegation and return to mostly green.
Monstera deliciosa
A monstrous beauty. Mine is in the corner of our living room. There is a window nearby but it's obstructed by trees and doesn't get much light.
Monstera adansonii
The cousin of deliciosa, commonly called Monkey Mask, the leaves tend to stay smaller in low light but that's ok with me. They are still very pretty.
Schlumbergera truncata aka Christmas Cactus
This one is typically labeled as Christmas Cactus and blooms around Thanksgiving in the US. It does grow pretty well in lower lighting and like many succulents needs less water than most houseplants.
Spathiphyllum aka Peace Lily
Outside of the common name "Peace", I'm not sure why this plant is often purchased for funerals. Still, it's a great plant for offices and other places where there is not much light. It may not bloom in very low light but it will continue to grow well.
Davallia fejeensis aka Rabbit's Foot Fern
As you may know, many ferns prefer shade. Perhaps that's why the next few plants grow well indoors with little light. Rabbit's Foot Fern is a good grower for me in my office. It sits near a window but depending on the time of day there is not much light coming in.
Platycerium bifurcatum aka Staghorn Fern
This mounted Staghorn Fern is near the Rabbit's Foot Fern on a wall. It is reaching a little towards the window but overall it looks great.
Adiantum capillus-veneris aka Maidenhair Fern
Many people complain that Maidenhair ferns are hard to grow. I think it has more to do with watering and humidity than light. I've seen mine grow well in low light as well as bright shade outdoors. This is one plant that seems to love water more than most. And it has the amazing habit of growing back. If you notice dead or brown fronds just cut them back to the base and watch for new growth.
Rex Begonia
The last plant on the list is Rex Begonia. This is a very showy plant and can grow pretty large. There are also tons of different varieties with fancy leaves in different colors and patterns. I'd say it likes at least a thorough weekly watering but the attractive foliage is well worth the effort.
Are you already growing one or more of these indoor plants for low light? Or have I convinced you to try some of them? I think you will find that growing houseplants is not difficult.
Just remember every gardener, including me, has killed their fair share of plants. Don't give up based on just one experience. Experiment and you will find the right plants for your space.
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