10 Low Light Houseplants That Thrive In Dark Homes

Get the best low-light houseplants to brighten up your interior design right here!

Do you have a dark bathroom, bedroom, or living room that could use houseplants for added color and texture?

zz plant in a pot

You might be surprised to learn that growing indoor plants in a low-light space is possible, thanks to a handful of houseplants that thrive in dim lighting!

These plants thrive in shaded canopies of other trees and shrubs in the wild, making them versatile and adaptable to lower-light situations.

Let’s dive into the best indoor plants that thrive with less light. I’ll give you a few tips on how to grow each of these versatile plants!

1. Snake Plants

snake plant in a small container

Known as one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly houseplants, snake plants are practically indestructible.

They can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, even low light. Rich in vibrant green colors, snake plants have sword-shaped leaves that add texture to the home.

Don’t overwater these low-maintenance plants, and use succulent soil with drainage and aeration.

2. Spider Plants

snake plant in a pot

Spider plants are incredibly versatile and can thrive in low light.

While these lush plants tend to grow faster when given bright indirect light, they are still wonderfully adaptive to many lighting conditions.

Water spider plants deeply when the soil is dry. Watch for baby spider plants (called siderites) to emerge, then propagate them in water.

3. Pothos

Pothos are commonly spotted in dimly lit office spaces living their best lives.

These tough and resilient vines can hang in the dimmest rooms of your home. And as a bonus, these shade lovers are relatively drought-tolerant.

There are many varieties to choose from: unique Cebu Blue Pothos, Neon pothos, and variegated Marble Queen, to name a few of my favorites.

4. English Ivy

With its cascading heart-shaped leaves, English Ivy adds a touch of cottage charm to the home. This gorgeous houseplant tolerates low light and can thrive in dimly lit bathrooms and kitchens.

English Ivy loves high humidity and should be misted frequently. Keep humidity levels around 65 and water when the top layer of soil is dry.

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5. Peace Lily

Tolerant of low light and neglect, peace lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants for good reason! These lush houseplants boast beautiful green foliage, producing vibrant white blooms on long stalks.

Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but can also survive in rooms where lighting conditions are less than ideal.

Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and give them loose, fertile potting soil.

6. ZZ Plants


ZZ plants are a fun and funky addition to home decor and can tolerate low light. They are tough plants that can survive in artificial lighting.

This plant features vibrant oval-shaped leaves that add beauty to any dimly lit room.

Overwatering is a common problem with ZZ plants. These drought-tolerant houseplants should only be watered when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. They are a low-maintenance plant that adds charm to the home!

7. Corn Plant

Corn plants are unique houseplants that are tolerant of low light. These popular houseplants originated from Africa and feature long, thick stems and thin leaves that resemble corn husks.

Give these easy indoor plants a loose but fertile soil and water consistently.

8. Peperomia

Peperomia, or Rubber plants, are unique indoor plants with thick, waxy leaves.
While these houseplants grow faster in bright, indirect light, they can also thrive in low or artificial light.

Peperomia need consistent watering, so water well as soon as the top inch of soil is dry.

These distinctive houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. One of my personal favorites is String Of Turtles.

9. Ponytail Palm

If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can handle low light but gives off tons of style, look no further than the Ponytail Palm.

Also known as Elephant Foot’s palm, ponytail palm is a unique houseplant that can thrive in various lighting conditions. As an added bonus, this plant is drought-tolerant.

Give ponytail palms a fast-draining soil and let the soil dry out completely in between watering.

10. Boston Fern

Lush and overflowing with beautiful green tendrils, Boston Ferns will do the happy dance in your dimly lit room.

Ferns naturally thrive in cool, shaded areas, so if your home mimics a shady swamp, it’s the perfect environment for these luxuriant plants.

Boston Ferns must have soil that is kept moist at all times. To increase humidity, give them a mist several times a week.

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