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29 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants That Will Thrive in Any Room

No natural light, no problem.

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low light indoor plants
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There's no denying that plants can make any home feel instantly cozier. Even those who weren't blessed with a green thumb can usually find some low-maintenance plants that add a nice vibe to any room with little work required. After all, plants basically only need two things: water and light. You might assume you need a huge south-facing window to be a successful plant parent, but there are actually a ton of indoor plants that grow and thrive in low-light conditions. And we've rounded up all the best to add to your place now, from tall statement-making trees to gorgeous hanging plants.

Dark rooms don't mean you have to commit to faux plants. Plenty of trailing plants can thrive in an office environment, a dimly lit living room, a bedroom that always has the curtains shut, or even a bathroom. Also, many of these plants are air purifiers, so they not only look good, but they're doing good for the air quality in your home. Several of these low-light indoor plants are safe for pets, but if you've got a cat or dog, make sure to do your research and ensure your new plant is pet-safe.

However, if your plant is crying out for more light, there are some quick fixes to try. You can move it around your place to see if there's a spot where it'll get a little more natural light. And if that's not an option, you can invest in a grow light to keep your plant happy and healthy. Here are the best low-light indoor plants for 2023.

Best Low-Light Indoor Plant for Beginners

Costa Farms Easy Care Devil's Ivy Golden Pothos

Costa Farms Easy Care Devil's Ivy Golden Pothos
Now 35% Off

Pros

  • Comes in a container with drainage holes
  • Easy to maintain and propagate

Cons

  • Some customers received their plant in poor condition

These plants are often recommended for beginners because they're pretty easy to take care of. Several Amazon reviewers shared that they had success keeping this plant alive in a low-light environment, and they also aren't too finicky when it comes to watering.

Water Needs1 cup a week
Low-Light Indoor Plant That's Safe for Cats

The Sill Parlor Palm

The Sill Parlor Palm

Pros

  • Air-purifying
  • The Sill will replace your plant for free if it arrives in poor condition
  • Variety of planter sizes, colors, and materials to choose from

Cons

  • Pricey

This gorgeous plant will tolerate low-light environments, AND it's pet-friendly. It also comes in a pretty ceramic planter!

Water NeedsEvery 1 to 2 weeks, allowing soil to dry in between
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Best Low-Light Indoor Plant for Dark Room

American Plant Exchange Cast Iron Plant

American Plant Exchange Cast Iron Plant
Credit: Amazon/American Plant Exchange

Pros

  • Practically indestructible
  • Good for frequent travelers

Cons

  • Slow to grow

These low-maintenance plants can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. One happy reviewer shared, "I choose a cast iron plant for my bedroom which gets very little light as we have darkening curtains that are most often closed. She's doing great!"

Water NeedsAbout 1 cup every 1 to 2 weeks; let the soil completely dry out between waterings
This Large Indoor Plant for Low Light

The Sill Large Monstera Deliciosa

The Sill Large Monstera Deliciosa
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Can grow quite big
  • Trendy

Cons

  • Won't grow as large in low light

These show-stopping plants are nicknamed the "Swiss cheese plant," thanks to the pattern of the leaves. Like many plants, it prefers bright light, but can still survive in low-light rooms.

Water NeedsOnce every 1 to 2 weeks, allow soil to dry out between waterings
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A Tall Low-Light Indoor Plant

Costa Farms White Bird of Paradise

Costa Farms White Bird of Paradise
$50AmazonAlso Consider
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Adds visual interest to any room
  • Several reviews say it arrived in great condition

Cons

  • Slow to grow
  • May need to be repotted since shipping pot has no drainage

Looking for a tall plant to add some striking greenery to your room? I got you! This bird of paradise plant is 2 to 3 feet tall when it arrives. Though these plants thrive with bright, direct sunlight, they can still tolerate low-light environments as well.

Water Needs2 to 3 cups per week
Best Low-Light Indoor Plant With Flowers

Costa Farms Spathiphyllum Peace Lily

Costa Farms Spathiphyllum Peace Lily
Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Many customers received it with blooms already sprouting
  • Affordable

Cons

  • A few customers say soil was frozen when they opened the package

This flowering plant would make a great gift for your mom, just saying! But I don't blame you if you'd rather gift it to yourself.

Water Needs1 cup once a week
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Indoor Bamboo Plant for Low-Light Environments

Costa Farms Lucky Bamboo

Costa Farms Lucky Bamboo
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Said to bring luck into your home
  • Makes a thoughtful gift

Cons

  • Leaves won't grow well in low light

These hardy plants are not only gorgeous, they can handle low light environments, like a bathroom or kitchen. One reviewer shared, "It arrived in cold weather and suffered no damage or issues. Nice looking, great directions and nicely planted."

Water NeedsWater 2 to 3 times per week
This Hanging Low-Light Indoor Plant

The Sill Preserved Fern Kokedama

The Sill Preserved Fern Kokedama
Now 67% Off
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Could not be easier to maintain
  • Unique

Cons

  • May have slight smell upon arrival

Kokedama — which translates to "moss ball" — is a Japanese art form. This preserved hanging plant requires no upkeep at all, so you'll never have to water it or move it around to make sure it gets enough light.

Water NeedsNone
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Indoor Palm Tree for Low Light

Delray Plants Sago Palm

Delray Plants Sago Palm
Credit: Walmart/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Reviewers say they were impressed at how well-packaged it was
  • Surprisingly tolerant of different watering schedules

Cons

  • Not safe for pets

You might assume that a palm tree would need tons of direct sunlight, but actually, direct sunlight can burn the leaves of these pretty plants. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can manage in low-light environments as well.

Water Needs1 cup of water every two weeks
Prettiest Low-Light Indoor Plant

American Plant Exchange Rattlesnake Calathea

American Plant Exchange Rattlesnake Calathea
Credit: Amazon/American Plant Exchange

Pros

  • Pet-friendly
  • Unique pattern

Cons

  • Sensitive to hard tap water

How pretty is this?? The pattern on this plant adds some life to any space. Pro tip: these plants can be a little picky about their water, so if you're having issues, try watering it with distilled water.

Water NeedsOnce every 1 to 2 weeks; sensitive to hard water
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A Low-Light Indoor Aloe Vera Plant

Costa Farms Aloe Vera

Costa Farms Aloe Vera
Now 16% Off
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Comes in a ceramic planter
  • Grows moderately fast

Cons

  • Grows best in bright light

This striking succulent adds some style to any room. These guys prefer bright, direct sunlight, but many plant owners have managed to keep these alive even in low-light environments, since they're pretty hardy.

Water NeedsAbout 1/2 cup every 2 weeks
This Low-Light Indoor Tree Plant

American Plant Exchange Ponytail Palm

American Plant Exchange Ponytail Palm
Credit: Amazon/American Plant Exchange

Pros

  • Whimsical appearance
  • Super easy to maintain

Cons

  • Some reviewers had issues with packaging

I have one of these in my home and it's incredibly easy to maintain. Like, you can pretty much forget about it for weeks and it'll be just fine. I'm confident it could survive a low-light corner of your home.

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A Cute Lil Low-Light Indoor Plant

Costa Farms ZZ Indoor Plant

Costa Farms ZZ Indoor Plant
Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Comes in 12-inch or 22-inch sizes
  • Air-purifying

Cons

  • A few customers received a soaked, wilted plant

This sturdy indoor plant can withstand almost any condition, even a windowless office (per Amazon reviewers). Bonus: it's also air-purifying.

Water Needs1 cup every 2 weeks
A Low-Light Indoor Plant for Your Desk

Grounded Haworthia

Grounded Haworthia
Credit: Grounded

Pros

  • Resilient
  • Safe for pets

Cons

  • Variegation may not be as pretty in low light conditions

This adorable lil plant is best adapted to environments where it'll get some direct sun or light, but it can tolerate medium-to-low light environments as well.

Water NeedsWeekly in summer, less often in cool months
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A Low-Light-Friendly Snake Plant

Costa Farms Snake Plant

Costa Farms Snake Plant
Credit: Amazon/Costa Farms

Pros

  • Can grow in low-light conditions
  • Drought-tolerant
  • Several reviews say it was well-packaged

Cons

  • A few reviews say it arrived in poor condition

Snake plants are also often recommended as beginner plants since they're both striking and easy to maintain. This one will thrive in your office, bedroom, living room, or basically anywhere else.

Water Needs1 cup once a week
An Air Purifying Low-Light Indoor Plant

Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil
Credit: Grounded Plants

Pros

  • Air-purifying
  • Adaptable to different environments

Cons

  • Toxic to pets

This leafy plant symbolizes health and abundance, making it a happy addition to any home. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but will tolerate low light environments as well. You might see less bright colors in a low light environment, but it's still gorgeous.

Water NeedsAbout once a week, allow the top 2-3 inches to dry out between waterings
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The Cutest Low-Light Indoor Succulents

Bouqs Desert Love

Bouqs Desert Love
Credit: Bouqs

Pros

  • Safe for pets
  • Comes with two hearts

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

How! cute! are! these! Just saying, these would make an adorable gift. They'll tolerate low light, but if you want them to flourish and grow, you'll want to find a spot with more natural light.

Water NeedsOnce every 2 to 3 weeks
A Festive Low-Light Indoor Cactus

JM BAMBOO Red Christmas Cactus

JM BAMBOO Red Christmas Cactus

Pros

  • Pretty blooms
  • Several reviewers were surprised at how good it looked post-shipping

Cons

  • Some customers say the blooms fell off quickly

We may have a long way to go until Christmas, but there's no bad time of year to add this cute, colorful little cactus to your lineup.

Water NeedsEvery 2 to 3 weeks
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An Extra-Tall Low-Light Indoor Plant

The Sill Large Dracaena Warneckii Cane

The Sill Large Dracaena Warneckii Cane
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Variety of planter options available
  • Arrives with room to grow as it adapts to your home’s conditions

Cons

  • Expensive

If you're looking to splash out on a plant this year, make it this one. It's tolerant of low-light conditions and is sure to garner tons of compliments when you post it on IG.

Water NeedsEvery 1 to 2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out in between waterings
This Lemon-Lime Low-Light Plant

Grounded Lemon Lime Maranta

Grounded Lemon Lime Maranta
Credit: Grounded

Pros

  • Air purifying
  • Safe for cats and dogs

Cons

  • Specific moisture needs

According to Grounded, this plant can tolerate low-light conditions, but it may change the appearance of the leaves. Also, fun fact: these plants open and close their leaves throughout the day!

Water NeedsThrives when soil is "moist but not wet" and prefers room-temperature non-tap water
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