Houseplants for low light are the solution for that corner in your home where it never gets truly sunny: the hallway, a north-facing room, the bedroom with small windows, or the spot behind the sofa, far from the window. Not every plant feels at home there, but there are plenty of species that naturally grow in the shade of the rainforest. These plants get by on indirect daylight and stay beautiful for years.
In this guide, you'll learn what "low light" actually means in your home, which 14 houseplants perform best in dark spots, how to care for them, and which species are safe if you have a cat or dog. This way, you can choose a plant that not only survives but also truly grows.
What does low light mean for a houseplant?
Our eyes adapt so well that we barely notice how large the differences in indoor light are. Directly on a sunny windowsill, it can be over 10,000 lux during the day, while two to three meters from the window it is often still only a few hundred lux. Plants known to be suitable for low light manage roughly from 500 to 1,000 lux; below that, almost no plant grows properly anymore.
A handy rule of thumb: if you can comfortably read a book in the spot during the day without a lamp, there is enough light for the shade plants on this list. If it is so dark that you have to turn on the light to do so, a spot closer to the window is better, or you can choose an artificial plant that needs no light at all. Read more about assessing light on our page about the right location for plants.
14 houseplants that can handle low light
The species below have been selected for how well they perform in a spot with only indirect light. For each plant, we explain what to pay attention to, so you know what to expect.
1. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant)
The Zamioculcas is perhaps the toughest houseplant there is. It stores water in its thick rhizomes and can therefore go weeks without water. In a dark spot, it grows slowly, but its glossy leaves stay beautiful. You can find it in our Zamioculcas collection.
2. Sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue)
The mother-in-law's tongue is known for its stiff, upright leaves. It tolerates both sun and shade and needs very little water. The biggest risk is overwatering: let the soil dry out completely between two waterings.
3. Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant)
Its Dutch name says it all: this plant is almost indestructible. In Victorian times, it stood in dark, cool halls where no other plant could survive. It grows slowly and needs little care.
4. Epipremnum aureum (scindapsus)
An easy hanging plant with heart-shaped leaves that also grows well in partial shade. In low light, the variegated pattern of the leaf becomes less pronounced. Beautiful in a hanging pot or on a cabinet, just like the other hanging plants.
5. Philodendron scandens
This climbing philodendron looks like the scindapsus and is just as forgiving. It grows quickly when it has what it needs and is easy to propagate.
6. Spathiphyllum (peace lily)
One of the few houseplants that also flowers in a shady spot, with white, spoon-shaped flowers. If you leave it too dry, the leaves droop; after a good watering, it stands upright again within a few hours.
7. Chamaedorea elegans (mountain palm)
The mountain palm grows in nature under the canopy of the rainforest in Central America and is therefore accustomed to filtered light. A compact, elegant palm that is also suitable for offices. View our indoor palms.
8. Howea forsteriana (kentia palm)
The kentia is the stately older brother of the mountain palm: large, elegant, and surprisingly tolerant of less light. It grows slowly, so you can enjoy its shape for a long time.
9. Aglaonema
Aglaonemas have broad, often silver-green patterned leaves. The green varieties do particularly well in dark spots; the red- and pink-patterned variants need slightly more light to keep their color.
10. Dracaena fragrans
With its long leaves on a sturdy stem, the Dracaena adds height to a room without taking up much space. It tolerates partial shade well, but grows a bit more slowly then.
11. Calathea
Calatheas have beautifully patterned leaves that fold up in the evening. They do not like direct sunlight and feel right at home in a bright spot without sun. Do pay attention to high humidity. Discover the Calathea collection.
12. Nephrolepis exaltata (sword fern)
Ferns grow on the forest floor in nature and are accustomed to shade. The sword fern does need a moist environment, which makes it an excellent plant for a bright bathroom. View our ferns.
13. Peperomia
Peperomias stay compact and have firm, somewhat fleshy leaves. They do well in partial shade, for example on a desk or bookcase, and need little water.
14. Maranta leuconeura (prayer plant)
From the Calathea family and just as decorative, with leaves that stand upright in the evening like praying hands. It does not want bright sun and appreciates slightly moist potting soil.
Overview: light, water, and pets
Are you torn between a few species? In this table you can see at a glance what each plant needs and whether it is safe for cats and dogs.
| Plant | Minimum light | Water | Safe for cat/dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamioculcas | Low light | Very little | No |
| Sansevieria | Low light | Very little | No |
| Aspidistra | Low light | Little | Yes |
| Epipremnum | Partial shade | Moderate | No |
| Philodendron scandens | Partial shade | Moderate | No |
| Spathiphyllum | Partial shade | Moderate to much | No |
| Mountain palm | Partial shade | Moderate | Yes |
| Kentia palm | Partial shade | Moderate | Yes |
| Aglaonema (green) | Low light | Moderate | No |
| Dracaena fragrans | Partial shade | Little | No |
| Calathea | Light without sun | Moderate, humid air | Yes |
| Sword fern | Partial shade | Much, humid air | Yes |
| Peperomia | Partial shade | Little | Yes |
| Maranta | Light without sun | Moderate | Yes |
If you have pets, also take a look at our collection of pet-friendly plants. "No" means that the plant contains substances that can cause irritation or stomach problems if eaten; keep those species out of reach.
How to care for houseplants in a dark spot
A plant in a shady spot lives at a slower pace. This requires different care than a plant on a sunny windowsill. Most problems with shade plants are not caused by too little light, but by them receiving just as much water and nutrients as plants in the sun.
Water less
With little light, a plant evaporates less and the potting soil dries out more slowly. Therefore, always feel with your finger a few centimeters deep first: if the soil is still moist, wait a few more days. Wet feet are the biggest enemy; a pot with a drainage hole helps, just like with the Mediterranean plants in our blog about why drainage is so important.
Fertilize sparingly
A plant that grows slowly also uses less nutrients. During the growing season (spring and summer), give at most half the dose stated on the packaging, and nothing at all in winter.
Keep the leaves clean
Dust on the leaves blocks some of the already scarce light. Therefore, wipe large leaves every month with a damp cloth or occasionally place the plant under a lukewarm shower.
Rotate the pot regularly
Plants grow towards the light. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every few weeks, so that the plant stays nice and straight and full and does not lean crookedly towards the window.
You can find more general tips in our guide to plant care.
Which plants should you better not place in a dark spot?
Some popular houseplants actually need a lot of light and gradually decline in a dark spot: they lose leaves, become limp, or grow long and thin. Think of succulents and cacti, the Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig), the Strelitzia, and the Yucca. Especially the Yucca is often placed in a corner, while it is one of the most light-loving houseplants; in our blog about caring for Yucca, you can read what kind of spot it needs.
Large houseplants for a dark corner
Are you looking for a real eye-catcher for a corner where little light reaches? Then choose a kentia palm, a tall Dracaena, or a large Zamioculcas. These species grow to a considerable height without needing much light. You can find more inspiration in our overview of the most beautiful large houseplants. Place a large plant in a stable decorative pot that is slightly wider than the nursery pot, so that it does not fall over.
Buy houseplants at Olivera Garden
In our collection of houseplants, you will find plants that come directly from specialized Dutch growers. For each plant, it states what kind of location it needs, so you can immediately see whether it suits the spot you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions about houseplants for low light
1. Which houseplant needs the least light?
The Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, and Aspidistra need the least light. They survive in spots far from the window, although they do grow more slowly there. No plant can stay healthy permanently without any daylight at all.
2. Can a houseplant stand in a room without a window?
Only with artificial light. A room without a window has no daylight, so a plant needs a grow light there that burns for at least 10 to 12 hours a day. Without a lamp, an artificial plant is the best choice.
3. How do I know if my plant is getting too little light?
Signs are long, thin stems with a lot of space between the leaves, small new leaves, leaves that lose their variegated pattern, and a plant that grows crookedly towards the window. Then place the plant a good deal closer to the light.
4. Should I water a plant on a dark spot less?
Yes. A plant with little light evaporates less water, which means the soil stays wet longer. Only water when the top few centimeters of potting soil feel dry, otherwise you run the risk of root rot.
5. Which houseplants for low light are safe for cats?
The Aspidistra, Calathea, Maranta, mountain palm, kentia palm, Peperomia, and sword fern are not toxic to cats and dogs. It is better to keep Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, Epipremnum, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum, Aglaonema, and Dracaena out of reach.
6. Does a grow light help in a dark spot?
Yes, an LED grow light can effectively supplement the lack of daylight. Hang the lamp 30 to 60 centimeters above the plant and let it burn for 10 to 12 hours a day, for example with a timer.
