Top 10 Best Houseplants for Low Light

No sunlight, no problem! We recommend some of the best houseplants for low light growing conditions or rooms with indirect light.

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Best Low Light Houseplants

Running low on space near your sunny windows? Don’t panic. You can still add to your growing indoor plant collection. We found the best houseplants for low light that will survive and thrive even in dim, indoor spaces.

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English ivy is one of the best houseplants for low light
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English Ivy

Hedera helix

Most commonly known as an indoor hanging plant, English ivy is one of the best houseplants for low light. It can be trained to climb a trellis or moss stick. Stay consistent with watering; ivy prefers evenly moist soil. Mist the leaves to keep them from gathering dust and to prevent spider mites. Improve drainage by placing a gravel-filled saucer under the pot.

Why we love it: There’s an ivy for every room. About 30 varieties are available, from plain green to variegated with yellow or gold. English ivy is a perfect housewarming gift, too!

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Psst! Check out these best houseplants for beginners, too.

An air plant hanging in a glass terrarium.
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Air Plant

Tillandsia spp.

Air plants absorb moisture from the air through their leaves, which is why they typically grow best in humid environments. To promote the health of this low-light houseplant, submerge it in water for 30 minutes every week or two. In nature, air plants cling to branches, bark or bare rocks.

Why we love it: Air plants add decorative flair to any space. They are commonly seen mounted, growing in mini planters, placed in a terrarium or set inside seashells.

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A spider plant in a cheery blue pot.
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Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum

Don’t let the name keep you from growing this easy-to-grow, low-light-loving plant. It is known for reducing indoor air pollution. Keep it in well-draining soil and out of direct sunlight for best results. Repot in spring if roots start growing outside of the drainage holes.

Why we love it: Spider plants come in green or variegated varieties, and often form new plantlets at the end of their long stems.

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A colorful prayer plant sitting in a wicker basket.
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Prayer Plant

Maranta leauconeura

A prayer plant’s leaves close vertically in the evening, resembling praying hands, hence its common name. Avoid using hard water because this plant has a sensitivity to fluoride. Another watering tip: Use water that is room temperature for best results.

Why we love it: It is extremely tolerant of low-light conditions and actually prefers indirect sunlight.

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A cluster of lucky bamboo in a white pot.
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Lucky Bamboo

Dracaena sanderiana

Known for its straight stalks and lush green foliage, lucky bamboo needs low, indirect light to thrive. Try it in a bathroom or office. Be sure the roots are covered in water, changing the water every two to four weeks. Transplant into soil with good drainage, and water often—but be careful to avoid waterlog.

Why we love it: While it’s not the same as the bamboo used for feng shui, it still reduces stress.

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Check out the top 10 blooming houseplants to grow indoors

A close up of a peace lily bract.
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Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum spp.

A common mistake when growing peace lilies is under- or overwatering. Check the soil with your finger before watering to see if the plant is actually in need of a drink. Repot once the lilies outgrow their pots. Skip growing peace lilies if you have pets or small children.

Why we love it: Peace lilies are favorites because of the dark green leaves and white flowers. For more blooms, expose the plant to more light.

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Golden pothos trails down a pedestal.
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Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum 

Golden pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the best houseplants for low light conditions because it purifies air and actually grows best in indirect light. Beware: It’s poisonous—definitely skip this one if you have young children, cats or dogs, and wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid a possible rash. Try these pet-friendly houseplants instead.

Why we love it: It’s incredibly hardy, growing in dry soil or in a vase filled with water.

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Psst—pet owners should avoid these houseplants that aren’t safe for dogs.

A snake plant sitting on a white table.
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Snake Plant

Sansevieria spp.

Almost impossible to kill, snake plant is easily recognized by its long leaves with yellow or silvery white stripes. You may also know this hardy houseplant as mother-in-law’s tongue.

Why we love it: It does well with moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry completely, checking it once every two weeks.

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A person carries a large monstera plant.
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Monstera

Monstera spp.

Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, monstera is recognized by its large split leaves. Repot it once a year while it’s young to freshen soil and encourage growth.

Why we love it: For a houseplant, it grows fast, so it will quickly add life to an office space or large room. In its natural habitat, this tropical jungle plant reaches 10 feet tall or more.

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chinese evergreen
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Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema spp.

All a Chinese evergreen needs to thrive is regular watering—but also avoid cold temperatures and excessive sunlight. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when handling it.

Why we love it: This common plant is available in 22 varieties and is known for bringing good luck.

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Next, check out these easy-care holiday houseplants.

Rachel Maidl
Rachel Maidl is a former senior editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. She enjoys bird-watching in her urban backyard and local state parks, gardening for pollinators and researching new plants. Her favorite backyard visitors are the bumblebees that visit her sedums.