Great Plants for Low Light Conditions – Which Plants Tolerate Low Sunlight

Houseplants That Thrive Without Direct Sunlight

If you want to add some greenery to your home but don’t have a spot with abundant natural light, don’t despair. There are plenty of beautiful houseplants that will flourish even in low-light conditions. In this article, I’ll cover some of the best options for plants that don’t require a lot of sunlight, along with care tips to help them thrive.

Snake Plants

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are notorious for being extremely tolerant of low light. From my experience keeping plants, snake plants can survive with as little as one hour of indirect sunlight per day. Their long, stiff leaves come in various variegated colors like white and yellow. Snake plants release oxygen at night, so they’re great for bedrooms. I water mine about once every two weeks. They’re practically impossible to kill unless you drown them!

Pothos

Pothos vines are stunning plants that don’t demand much light. I have a golden pothos hanging in a northeast-facing window, and it grows vigorously despite hardly any direct sun exposure. Pothos are very forgiving if you forget to water them too. Their heart-shaped leaves come in various color patterns like marble queen, neon, and jade. Propagating additional plants from cuttings is a breeze. Whenever the vines get long, you can trim and root sections in water. Pothos make beautiful hanging baskets for low-light areas like stairwells.

Philodendrons

Like pothos, philodendrons thrive on neglect. I’ve seen Brazilian philodendrons grow for years in dim offices with fluorescent lights. Their leaves come in luscious shades of dark green with stripes, splits, and holes. Heartleaf philodendrons have lovely deeply-lobed leaves resembling a heart shape. Philodendrons will tolerate very infrequent waterings. Only water when the top inch of soil dries out. They release oxygen and clean the air naturally. Try placing a philodendron in your bathroom to liven up the space without direct sun exposure.

Chinese Evergreens

Chinese evergreens or aglaonemas have colorful foliage in shades like bright green with dark burgundy edges. They do well in low to medium light conditions about four to six feet from a sunny window. I find aglaonemas prefer a bit more moisture than philodendrons or pothos, so I water mine around once a week. Their leaves have an almost painted quality that stands out beautifully even in the artificial light of a living room. Chinese evergreens come in small to large sizes depending on the variety, so you can find one perfect for any space. They add vibrant color all year round.

Peace Lilies

Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are legendary for tolerating low light and poor air quality. I once nursed a peace lily back to health that had been left for dead in a dust-covered office for months with barely any light. Their white blooms and glossy deep green leaves brighten up any room. Peace lilies indicate when they need water by drooping their leaves. I give mine a good soak when this happens and their leaves perk back up within hours. They filter toxins from the air and create a fresh, clean vibe wherever placed.

Cast Iron Plants

If you’re looking for a plant that can survive extreme neglect, go for a cast iron plant. As their name implies, they can withstand tons of abuse. I’ve seen these plants thriving in cement stairwells with only a sliver of sunlight each day. Their dark green leaves have a lovely filigreed texture. Cast iron plants prefer drier soil conditions, so watering every couple weeks should suffice. They grow well in low humidity areas too. These guys are basically indestructible, so they’re a great option if you have trouble remembering to water plants regularly.

ZZ Plants

ZZ plants AKA Zanzibar gems are like the Rolls Royces of houseplants – stately, elegant, and extremely durable. Despite their lush, thick leaves, ZZ plants demand very little care. I keep one in my kitchen that receives only indirect light from a small window above the sink. These beauties can go months without watering due to their thick, waxy leaves that store water. They reduce indoor toxins and are pet-friendly too. ZZ plants come recommended by plant experts as one of the best for low-maintenance homes. Their dark emerald foliage adds sophistication wherever placed.

So in summary, some top picks for low-light houseplants include snake plants, pothos, philodendrons, Chinese evergreens, peace lilies, cast iron plants, and ZZ plants. All thrive with minimal sunlight and infrequent watering. With some TLC, any of these beauties can brighten your home without demanding a perfect windowsill. But in the end, it comes down to personal preference. Why not try a variety to see which ones fit your style and light conditions best? Having some greenery under any lighting is sure to lift your mood.

Plants that Thrive in Low Light Conditions

FAQ

1. What plants don’t need a lot of sunlight?

   Some plants that don’t require much direct sun include english ivy, ferns, moss, spider plants, and pothos. They can tolerate quite a bit of shade.

2. Do shade plants still need some sunlight?

   While they are known as shade plants, most of them actually do need at least partial sun. They may thrive in dappled light or a few hours of morning/afternoon filtered rays. Fully shaded areas underneath trees are too dark even for many shade lovers. So a little sunlight is basically still important.

3. Which plants are best for very low light conditions?

   If light levels are extremely low, good choices include philodendron, Chinese evergreen, pygmy date palm, and bamboo palm. They can grow nicely in very dim indoor rooms without direct rays. However, growth may be slower and leggy without a little sunlight. So it’s best to put them in the brightest spot possible.

   

4. How do I know if a plant needs more sun?

   Signs that a plant may be getting insufficient light include elongated stems, sparse foliage, and pale or yellowed leaves. You may also notice it’s simply not growing much. Moving it to a sunnier spot and giving it some direct or partly sunny exposure can often bring it back to health. But some truly deep shade plants may just always look somewhat leggy.

5. Can shade plants be placed outside in summer?

   Many indoor shade plants can handle brief periods outside in partial shade during warmer seasons. This may perk them up with a change of scenery. Be sure to harden them off first by starting with just a few hours a day in dappled light to prevent sunburn. Gradually increase their time as they adjust. Watch that they don’t dry out fast in the sunlight. Bring in if rain or full sun is forecasted to avoid damage.

6. What if a plant starts to look unhealthy despite low light?

   If a plant claimed to need little light begins fading even in a dim spot, it’s possible it has other needs not being met like moisture, nutrients or temperature. Check the soil and drain holes. It may have root or pest problems too. Realistic expectations matter – not every plant thrives in very low light at all times. Changing conditions may require a heartier variety better suited to those surroundings.

On the other hand, there are also many lovely non-traditional options for pots indoors that don’t demand a lot of direct sunbeams. Succulents, air plants, and shade-loving foliage bring beauty without bright windows. With the right selection process and care tailored to each type, you can keep a pleasant plantscape thriving on whatever light levels you have available. Thanks to advances in indoor garden methods, there’s no need for green thumbs in every room nowadays – just diligence and letting Mother Nature be your guide!