We all know that feeling: stepping into a nursery or browsing online plant shops, and suddenly wanting to adopt every charming plant in sight. However, once you bring these green companions home, figuring out how to care for them can be overwhelming. Don’t fret! With some helpful insights, you can cultivate the indoor jungle of your dreams. We consulted experts in the plant care field to gather their top recommendations for low-light indoor plants and essential care tips.
We spoke with Erin Marino, a former editorial lead at a popular plant retailer, and the knowledgeable team at a well-known plant delivery service to get their insights on the best low-light plants for any home. But before diving into our curated list, let’s establish some foundational knowledge.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
- Understanding Low Light
- Impact of Indoor Light vs. Outdoor Light
- Characteristics of Low-Light Plants
- Caring for Low-Light Indoor Plants
- Common Mistakes with Low-Light Plants
- Top Low-Light Indoor Plants for Everyone
Understanding Low Light
Defining “low light” can be tricky. When reading plant care instructions, many people aren't quite sure what it means. Erin Marino explains that “low light” refers to plants that thrive in lower natural light, typically found indoors. These plants can grow further from windows or under supplemental lighting without any issues. However, while they can survive in these conditions, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll flourish.
Impact of Indoor Light vs. Outdoor Light
While focusing on indoor plant care, it’s also useful to understand how low-light plants behave outdoors. Marino notes that these plants are often referred to as shade-tolerant outside, where they can thrive in less direct sunlight. Inside, however, the light is weaker due to how windows diffuse and reflect sunlight. Thus, while some plants prefer shade, others may only tolerate it.
Light intensity is reduced indoors because it typically enters rooms from one or two directions, unlike outdoors where it surrounds plants. Marino also cautions that even indoors, sunlight can be intense enough to harm plants if they're placed too close to a window.
Characteristics of Low-Light Plants
Plants require light for photosynthesis, the process by which they produce food. Most houseplants thrive in bright to medium light, making those that survive in low light a rarity. Marino explains that light tolerance is nuanced and can stem from two main factors: the plant's ability to adapt to its natural surroundings over time or adaptation through cultivation in controlled environments.
Caring for Low-Light Indoor Plants
Now, let’s break down the essentials for caring for low-light indoor plants:
- More sunlight means more water needs. Most plants, except succulents, require more water as they receive more sunlight. This is because they lose water through transpiration, which increases with light exposure.
- Consider seasonal changes. The light available in your space fluctuates with the seasons. During winter, your low-light plant might prefer a spot closer to the window to capture limited light, while in summer, it may need to be moved back.
Common Mistakes with Low-Light Plants
Surprisingly, overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering for houseplants. Marino advises waiting until the potting mix is completely dry before watering again. Also, remember that low-light plants may not need as frequent watering as those in brighter spaces. Look for signs like wilting or curled leaves to gauge their thirst.
Underestimating light needs is another frequent mistake. Marino reminds us that being low-light tolerant doesn't mean a plant can survive without light. Ensure your plants are in locations where they receive some natural light or are supplemented with grow lights.
Top Low-Light Indoor Plants for Everyone
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is a must-have for any plant beginner. This resilient succulent is featured in NASA's Clean Air Study and can thrive in low light.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 2-3 weeks, when the soil is dry.
ZZ Plant
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in low light thanks to its water-storing rhizomes. A resilient choice for any home.
Light Needs: Medium indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 2-3 weeks, when the soil is dry.
Monstera
Fast-growing and adored, Monsteras feature unique leaves with striking holes. They enjoy climbing or trailing.
Light Needs: Medium to bright indirect light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks.
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Bamboo Palm
A tropical indoor plant that purifies air, making it ideal for various spaces.
Light Needs: Medium to low light
Watering Schedule: When the soil is dry, keeping it evenly moist.
Pothos Marble Queen
Versatile and forgiving, the Pothos thrives in various environments.
Light Needs: Medium indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, when the soil is dry.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This fern adds vibrant greenery and is safe around pets.
Light Needs: Medium indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, prefers humidity.
Red Prayer Plant
With its stunning colors, this plant looks great on shelves or window sills.
Light Needs: Bright indirect light
Watering Schedule: Water when the top 25% of soil is dry.
Philodendron
Known for its heart-shaped leaves, this popular plant is easy to care for.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, when dry.
Money Tree
Pet-friendly and air-purifying, this tree is a feng-shui favorite.
Light Needs: Medium to bright indirect light
Watering Schedule: Water when the top 50-75% of soil is dry.
Peperomia Watermelon
A lovely hostess gift, this plant adds charm with its colorful leaves.
Light Needs: Medium to bright indirect light
Watering Schedule: Water when top 50-75% of soil is dry.
Aglaonema
With its appealing leaves, this plant is a favorite for many.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, when the soil is dry.
Schefflera Arboricola
This low-maintenance plant is perfect for adding color to your home.
Light Needs: Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light
Watering Schedule: When the top 75% of the soil is dry.
Hoya
Known as wax plants, Hoyas have shiny leaves, perfect for gifting.
Light Needs: Medium to bright indirect light; brighter light promotes flowering.
Watering Schedule: Water when the pot is dry.
Dracaena Marginata
With over 100 species, these dragon trees feature slender leaves that capture sunlight effectively.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, when dry.
Tradescantia Zebrina
This unique plant features striking purple and green leaves, ideal for hanging baskets.
Light Needs: Bright indirect light
Watering Schedule: When the top 50-75% of soil is dry.
Calathea Rattlesnake
Calatheas, known as “prayer plants,” are famous for their leaf movements throughout the day.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks, prefers humidity.
Parlor Palm
This Victorian-era favorite thrives in indoor conditions.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks.
Peperomia Obtusifolia
Also called the Baby Rubber Plant, this houseplant has thick, succulent-like leaves.
Light Needs: Bright indirect to low light
Watering Schedule: Every 1-2 weeks.
