Gardening | The 10 Best Low Light Houseplants

Not all plants require bright light to flourish; in fact, some plants do best in low to medium light exposure, making them a perfect fit for north-facing and small indoor rooms with little to no natural light. Learn about 10 great low light houseplants that can enhance dimmer living environments and add beauty and life to rooms that were once thought to be too dark for plants.

Brenda DarrochSpider plants are one of the houseplants that don’t require a lot of light to thrive.

10 Low Light Houseplants

Ferns: Ferns thrive in shady areas in the wild and will actually burn and die if left in direct sun or high light sources. Airy and woodsy, these plants are a low light classic.

Snake Plant: Sometimes called “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this low light houseplant can grow to be a few feet high and add height and balance when placed in rooms without direct sunlight.

Spider Plant: Spider plants prefer low light and can go for long periods of time without hydration only to spring back into great shape when watered.

Anthurium: The anthurium plant requires low light and infrequent watering.  This plant produces beautiful red blooms that sprout at the tip of a stem punctuating the green foliage back drop. They also serve as great focal points.

Baby Tears: A carpet of tiny trailing green leaves, this houseplant thrives in low light environments but does require a moist medium.

Begonia: With its crinkled, wavy textured leaves that may or may not have a fuzzy outer layer, begonias can be transplanted outside in the spring.

Orchids: These delicate plants are surprisingly easy to grow and prefer a steady climate of low light and the occasional misting.

Bonsai: A great Feng Shui plant, certain bonsais are the perfect fit for a room that lacks direct sunlight. There are several types of bonsais to choose from, and  it’s worth the time spent researching them to find a low light bonsai that will make a statement in an otherwise plant-free room.

Bamboo: This water plant looks lovely grouped in a tall cylindrical vase in any room. Anchor the vase with smooth river stones for a Zen flair.

African Violet: A great terrarium plant with tiny, delicate, pink, white or purple flowers, the African violet is right at home in a room temperature climate with adequate light conditions. Keep soil moist.