Low Light Houseplants that Thrive in Dim Light

“I am half sick of shadows,” laments the Lady of Shalott in Tennyson’s melancholic poem. These days, it seems that all living things abhor darkness, where foul creatures scurry and root in the miasma. If you keep murdering your expensive, sun-loving plants, then maybe it’s time to opt for low-light houseplants. 

Houseplants who prefer low light are less showy but more dependable. Keep in mind “low light” does not mean darkness – a constant immersion in dingy conditions will slowly kill them. If your apartment is very dark, it is recommended that you purchase grow lights, which offer the optimal indoor growing environment. 

Here’s a list of houseplants that will thrive in dim light and won’t deflate your ego. 

1. Snake Plant 

Snake plants are commended for their ability to survive years in dark areas with little to no water. A fail-proof plant, they are nearly indestructible and can survive in a wide range of lighting conditions, including low light. Water sparingly every 6 to 8 weeks – these plants prefer to dry out between watering.

2. Bromeliad  

Bromeliads feature lustrous foliage and bright colors. They prefer bright, indirect light but will tolerate low light – dark green, drooping leaves may be signs that light is too low. Eventually, the bromeliad will turn into a tragic, brown husk, but don’t be alarmed. After blooming, the mother plant declines, leaving “pups” at the base that can be propagated. 

3. ZZ Plant 

ZZ plants do best in bright indirect light, but they can tolerate dimly lit rooms. Known for surviving neglect, its waxy, dark green leaves retain water well, making it extremely drought-tolerant. Under low light, its growth will stagnate. All parts are poisonous and should be kept away from children and pets. 

4. Lucky Bamboo Plants 

The collective awareness is that, while lucky bamboo plants lack the visual appeal of more impressive specimens, they are considered staples that are said to bring good luck. They’re also living air purifiers, removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. It can be kept on a regime of neglect, as long as the water is filtered. 

 

5.  Pothos  

Pothos can survive even if you live in the darkest place on earth, and although this seems like hyperbole, they are indeed incredibly resistant. In the wild, they clamber over tree trunks, covering the bark in a sea of green. Dubbed the devil’s ivy for its resilience, it is practically unkillable, with offshoots growing from broken roots when placed in water. 

6. Polka Dot Begonia   

Begonias are one of those plants that many gardeners never tire of, deviating from those tired houseplants seen in corporate offices. Polka dot begonia (Begonia maculata), popular for its distinctive dots and antiquated green leaves, thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions. Do not keep the plant in a room where the temperature may fall below 60°F.

7. Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' 

Unusual variants of houseplants will catapult your indoor environment from plain to magical. Even common varieties of houseplants will yield rare cultivars, including the fabulously unusual Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' – one of the rare few that can wear the color orange fashionably. The foliage begins with a bright orange shade that will fade to a rich bronze before settling to a glossy green. 

8. 'Black Cardinal' Philodendron

The melancholic beauty of dark-hued plants, perfect for goth gardens, is bound to overtake the saccharine pastel colors of lighter plants. Many outdoor plants come in smoky, inky hues, but few houseplants do, which makes this philodendron more special. It’s also not prohibitively expensive like other unusual varieties. 

9. Cast Iron Plant  

As its name suggests, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It tolerates neglect, low humidity, and very low light conditions. Its broad, dark green leaves bring a touch of elegance to any indoor space, and it’s a great choice for areas like hallways or bathrooms where sunlight is minimal.

10. Red Chinese Evergreen

Although it doesn’t always appear on lists of easy-maintenance houseplants, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) thrives without much fuss. Some, like the 'Diamond Bay' Aglaonema, have silver slashes and speckles; others like 'Red Siam' or 'Lemon Mint' display colorful borders. The 'Red Star' variety is among the most striking, with its leaves almost entirely splashed in red. 

11. Calathea Peacock 

This houseplant has simple desires, which is to ruin your life, but many find that its aesthetic appearance outweigh the negatives. Like real peacocks, it can be overly dramatic, with care protocol varying from plant to plant. It can tolerate low to medium light, though its markings will begin to fade. They thrive in humidity and should be given distilled water. 

12. Ponytail Palm

Originating from the rocky, semi-arid parts of Mexico, the ponytail palm usually fits on a tabletop but can grow to the size of a tree. Lightly whimsical yet unassuming at times, it’s one of those plants you almost forget exists. As the soil should be kept fairly dry, it won’t die if you miss a watering.