What Indoor Plants Can Survive with No Sunlight – A Guide to Low Light Houseplants

Indoor Plants for Low-Light Areas: 10 Top Picks

If you live in an apartment or home with little natural light, you may think you can’t have indoor plants. However, there are several excellent options for low-light areas. From my experience living in apartments over the years, I’ve discovered these 10 indoor plants that thrive with minimal sunlight.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

1. One of the very best choices for low-light conditions. Snake plants can tolerate extremely dark conditions and go for weeks without water.
2. They have tall, upright leaves that add vertical interest to a space. Different cultivars come in shades of green, yellow, and white variegation.
3. Snake plants release oxygen and remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air. I keep several in my home office that gets little sunlight.

2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

1. Chinese evergreens come in a stunning variety of leaf shapes, colors, and patterns like dark emerald green, cream, and pink variegation.
2. While they prefer medium to bright light, they tolerate low light fairly well as long as you don’t overwater in dark conditions. I keep mine about 6 feet from a north-facing window.
3. These tropical-looking plants add gorgeous foliage to any interior space. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings in low light to avoid root rot.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

1. Probably one of the toughest and most forgiving houseplants for beginners. Pothos are nearly indestructible and tolerater very low light.
2. They come in several cultivars like ‘Marble Queen’ with its white and green variegation. Pothos grow as vines that you can train up a pole or trellis for visual interest.
3. Their heart-shaped leaves release oxygen and help purify indoor air. I have a massive pothos in the kitchen that basically survives on fluorescent light.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

1. Peace lilies aren’t true lilies but make great low-light plants with their white blooms and dark green leaves.
2. They indicate when they need water by drooping their leaves. I water mine when the soil is dry and the leaves start to droop. They perk right back up.
3. While they prefer bright filtered light, peace lilies also adapt to low-light offices and homes. Their dramatic blooming adds instant beauty.

5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

1. ZZ plants may be one of the lowest-maintenance indoor plants out there! They can go weeks or months without water when potted in well-draining soil.
2. Ideal for neglectful plant owners like myself! Their waxy green leaves hold up well in low light. I’ve seen them thrive in north-facing windows.
3. These tuberous rooted plants store water; they develop cool bamboo-like growths out of their soil over time that add unique texture.

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

1. Originally from China, cast iron plants tolerate very low light and thrive in dim conditions due to their ability to photosynthesize with less light input.
2. They have tough, strappy evergreen leaves in dark green or variegated forms. I’ve seen 100-year-old specimens!
3. This old-fashioned plant tolerates neglect, humidity, and pests. It’s one of the toughest indoor plants for shade.

7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

1. Perhaps best known for their little plantlets that grow atop long, slender stems. These “spiderettes” can be clipped off and rooted in water to produce new plants.
2. Spider plants do well in low-medium light with coarse, well-draining potting mix. I keep them at my office desk next to the fluorescents.
3. Their architectural green leaves add lush texture to shaded spots and help cleanse indoor air. Propagating them is as easy as grabbing a “spiderette.”

8. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

1. Surging in popularity due to its interesting coin-shaped leaves and ease of care. Chinese money plants tolerate shade fairly well.
2. I find its circular leaves add a fun geometric element to decor. They grow as groundcovers or can be trained upright. Water only when the soil is dry 1-2 inches deep.
3. Money plants are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings for making more plants down the road.

9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

1. This classic vine grows as a groundcover or can be trained vertically up a moss pole or rattan stake in low-light locations. It thrives with little sun.
2. English ivy releases moisture and is great for adding soft texture in darker spots. I have it trained up a north-facing wall.
3. Many cultivated varieties offer heart or variegated leaves in cream, yellow, or pink. Ivy may trigger allergies for some so be aware.

10. Janet Craig Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’)

1. A more compact dracaena variety with narrow green and white-striped leaves that arch gracefully. It tolerates very low light.
2. I find this bushy dracaena’s striped foliage adds a retro aesthetic to any interior space. It thrives in offices and homes getting sparse natural light.
3. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. These endure neglect and thrive well long-term with adaptable care needs.

So in summary, while snake plants, pothos, peace lilies, ZZ plants, cast iron plants, spider plants, and dracaenas require minimal care, they help brighten low-light homes and offices naturally. Try placing them near east-, west-, or south-facing windows to utilize every bit of sunlight possible. Remember – plants do still need some sun, even these tough selections. Perhaps consider using desk lamps or grow lights on a timer if conditions are severely shaded. Proper drainage is key to avoid root rot in lower light conditions too. Happy growing Friends! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Indoor Plants That Thrive Without Direct Sunlight

FAQ

1. What plants can basically survive without any sunlight?

   Most plants that don’t need sunlight are tropical plants like ferns, philodendrons, spider plants, pothos, and Chinese evergreens. These plants use a process called “crassulacean acid metabolism” that makes them able to go for long periods without direct sun. Sort of amazing!

2. Is it okay if indoor plants get a tiny bit of sunlight?

   While plants like pothos and spider plants can live without any light, they’ll grow more robust and beautiful if they get a tiny amount each day. Perhaps a little direct sunlight on a windowsill for an hour or so won’t hurt. On the other hand, too much hot sun could scorch their leaves.

   

3. What if a plant is placed in a windowless bathroom?

   Bathroom plants can thrive as long as the room gets some light, even if indirect. Snake plants, peace lilies, and zz plants are tough varieties that kind of shine in low-light bathrooms. The steam and humidity is also beneficial. But don’t expect speedy growth without any sunshine whatsoever.

4. How long can plants survive in the dark?

   Most low-light plants can go several months virtually in the dark. However, after a while they may stop growing and their leaves could yellow or brown. Amazingly, some ferns have been known to live in pitch black for over a year! But is it worth it to see them struggle for so long without light?

   

5. Would artificial grow lights work instead of sunlight?

   Absolutely! Grow lights can substitute for natural light and keep indoor plants photosynthesizing. Just be sure to position lights close enough to provide the equivalent of maybe 500-1000 lumens. The color should also resemble daylight- around 5000-6500K. Grow lamps make it surprisingly easy to nurture all sorts of low-light tolerant greenery.

6. What about a plant under a patio overhang with no direct sun?

   Some greenery like English ivy, pothos, or sweet potato vine can do okay on a patio that gets mostly dappled or indirect light. They may grow a bit more leggy reaching for sunshine. But as long as it’s not total darkness, plants can sometimes adapt. On the other hand, it’s more fun to position potted plants where you can fully admire them!

   

7. Can plants survive in a basement with no windows?

   Plants will struggle to survive long-term in a sunless basement. Maybe spider plants or philodendrons could hang on for a while but would not be getting necessarily what they’d need. Artificial grow lights would have to be very strong to substitute for natural sunlight that far underground. Ask an expert for advice on suitable low-light varieties and lighting requirements.