Do you live in a home that doesn’t get much sunlight, but you’d really like to have some plants around? We understand completely. Some apartments face the wrong way and don’t have enough window space for most plants to grow. Thankfully, you don’t have to go entirely without plants. There are some types that actually thrive in low light! Come see some of the best houseplants for low light that we found that can work in your home.
English ivy
English ivy thrives in low to moderate light, requiring only intermittent watering. Between waterings, the soil can be allowed to become quite dry. Also known as European ivy, California ivy, and several other names, this popular plant is known to purify the air as well. Use caution with these plants if you have pets, however. They are known to be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
ZZ plant
One plant that is exceedingly tolerant of low light is the ZZ plant, also called the Zanzibar gem. This uniquely attractive and hardy gem can survive in or near natural or artificial light and only requires watering when soil is dry. Its leaves are uniquely shaped like diamonds, and it’s said to boost mood and level of creativity. Native to East Africa, it’s also known to be an air purifier. Once again, use caution, as this one is toxic to pets if ingested.
Monstera deliciosa
This intriguing beauty has become quite popular lately. Known as the Swiss cheese plant due to the slits in its leaves, the Monstera deliciosa plant can grow leaves up to 2 feet wide in its native environments in the Panamanian, Indian, and Mexican jungles. Also called a split-leaf philodendron, this plant is a breeze to care for and doesn’t need direct sunlight. You can water it once every two weeks and let it dry out in between. If it’s exposed to more light, give it more water.
Money tree
Known for their braided trunks, money trees are believed to bring harmony, good fortune, and prosperity to any home they adorn. A lovely gift (especially for housewarming presents or to celebrate a new job), the money tree thrives in medium indirect light. Also called a Pachira, this plant is low-maintenance and pet-friendly, and it can grow as tall as 60 feet with the right amount of TLC.
Bird’s nest fern
This unusual plant is resilient, enjoys humidity, prefers medium to low indirect light, and can grow up to 2 or 3 feet per year with the proper care. In its native environment, you can find it growing on the ground or on the trunks of other trees. Oddly, it doesn’t produce its own seeds, nor does it blossom or flower. What it does do, however, is sporulate. It generates spores from its leaf tissue and sporulates to reproduce.
Snake plant
Known for its yellow-edged leaves, the snake plant is easy to care for and grows well in low light as well as moderate- and bright-light areas. Make sure you don’t overwater them and the roots don’t get rotten and they’ll otherwise appear indestructible! A native of southern and central Africa, it’s also said to release oxygen during the overnight hours; this is done so that it can preserve water due to its modified form of photosynthesis (it only opens its pores at night).
Fiddle-leaf fig tree
The fiddle-leaf fig tree is a beloved plant for first-time gardeners who lack a green thumb or for the trendy designer looking for a larger plant to adorn their space. This plant is hardy and does well in filtered light, particularly near windows with early morning light. While it may not be the easiest plant to care for, fiddle-leaf figs can hold up in a range of conditions, making it a great choice for any climate.
It’s important to note that the fiddle-leaf fig is toxic to pets, and it will require some TLC. Plant it in quality soil and place it near a window. You’ll need to repot the plant annually and may need to dust the leaves with a damp cloth now and again. Additionally, you’ll want to turn your plant once a week or so to prevent leaning and encourage new leaf growth from all sides.
Red anthurium
Rarely without its stunning trademark blooms (they actually aren’t bonafide flowers, but rather a form of modified leaves), the red anthurium enjoys bright indirect light and flowers nearly year-round. They bloom in red, white, or pink, and each one can last up to eight full weeks. Water yours once or twice weekly, and wipe insects off the leaves with a damp washcloth. Native to the Americas, these plants require occasional pruning. Place them far from heaters and air conditioners or any other thermostat-regulating devices.
Spider plant
Finally, we finish up with another popular plant that loves indirect light. The spider plant is a cinch to grow, very hardy, and highly adaptable to many different environments. A native to South Africa, this plant likes to have well-drained soil and grows well in a hanging basket or planter, on the ground, on a table, or on a bookshelf.
If properly cared for, it should grow like crazy, and every once in a while, you’ll notice tiny white blossoms showing themselves out through the leaves of the plant. Choose from a plain green variety or a green and white striped type — both are gorgeous.
