16 HOUSE PLANTS THAT CRAVE DARK CORNERS - Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Sun.

Although all houseplants need direct sunlight, these low light indoor plants require significantly less than others.

If your home or office lacks bright sunlight, don't fret! You can still add life with an array of flourishing greenery. Many indoor plants don't need sun (most plants need some sunlight, but this lineup can survive with less than most). Here are the best low light indoor plants for those shady spots.

(1) BROMELIADS

If you're looking for a tropical vibe or to add subtle color to your home, bathroom, or living room, look no further than the Bromeliad! Fluorescent light? No problem. Humid environment? Bring it on. Channeling the tropical plants' good looks with their stunning colors, distinct shapes, and varying sizes, bromeliads always steal the show when in bloom.

Right at home in low light rooms with very little light, this durable plant does best when kept out of the afternoon sun to avoid scorching the leaves. To water your bromeliad, simply fill the center "cup" formed by the leaves and let the plant soak up the moisture it needs.

(2) SNAKE PLANTS (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Also known as mother in law's tongue, one of the hardiest plants low light houseplants we know, and they don't need much care to look great. Right at home in modern interiors, snake plants can grow up to three feet long and one foot wide, providing a dramatic statement in any room. They tolerate neglectful watering schedules and can even survive in artificial light. If you're looking for a plant that will thrive on being forgotten about, the snake plant is your perfect match!

Never water your snake plant until the soil is dry to the touch. Give it a good soaking and let the excess water drain away. If you leave your snake plant sitting in water, it will rot the root system.

(3) PEACOCK PLANT (Calathea)

Extremely hardy with its large, deep green leaves that have a purple underside and striking yellow stripes, the peacock plant definitely earns its name. Bold and beautiful, the peacock plant is a real showstopper! A low light indoor with lush foliage that's perfect for filling empty spaces in your home or office. The peacock plant prefers bright filtered light but can also tolerate a shady spot.

When watering your peacock plant, be sure to check the soil before adding moisture, peacock plants prefer their soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight as this might scorch their leaves.

(4) ZZ PLANT (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

If you've been looking for evergreen plants that are tolerant of neglect and drought, then look no further than the ZZ plant. With its distinctive glossy dark green leaves and can grow up to 3 feet tall, the ZZ plant is a neglected gem that will look green and healthy, often doing better the more you leave it alone.

With its ability to withstand dry air and low-light conditions well, this plant looks good even during winter's shortest days. These plants do best with some indirect light but can also survive in low-light conditions.

(5) HEART LEAF PHILODENDRON (Philodendron Hederaceum)

This sweetheart plant is tolerant of neglect and very easy to grow. Heart leaf philodendron is a great choice for beginner gardeners and is right at home in a hanging basket. This fast-growing vine can reach up to 10 feet in length and has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in color.

It does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, overwatering can lead to problems such as yellow leaves or root rot.

(6) DRAGON TREE (Dracaena Marginata)

With its bright green color, the dragon tree, an eye-catching spiky tree, is known as a great entry plant for household gardeners. It's easy to care for, drought tolerant, and nearly indestructible. Large plants will grow to about 20 feet in warm outdoor climates; however, it is generally grown as a potted mature plant and kept pruned to 6 feet or less.

Perfect as floor decor dragon trees grow best in bright light, but they can also survive in partial shade. It's worth noting that plants not receiving enough light will have stunted growth, smaller leaves, and less vibrant colors. You should also be careful about placing your dragon tree in a spot where it would receive too much sun, as this can damage its bright green leaves.

(7) POTHOS (Epipremnum Aureum)

A fast-growing vine that's perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves and bookcases.

With many varieties offering different shades of green foliage (including this variety with light green speckled leaves), these trailing vines are almost impossible to kill.

A hardy plant is one of the least demanding shade-loving plants to tend; it can tolerate a vast range of growing environments. Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate medium light or low indirect light if needed. This plant is not suited for intense, direct light, which will burn and brown its leaves.

(8) PEACE LILY (Spathiphyllum)

With its dark green foliage, the peace lily is one of the best low light peace lilies and can add a touch of sophisticated touch to any room. A flowering houseplant plant that produce white flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year.

This popular house plant loves bright, indirect natural light but can tolerate low light environments and even fluorescent office lighting. The peace lily prefers evenly moist soil. Over watering can lead to root rot, so it's best to let the soil dry out in between watering.

(9) CHINESE EVERGREEN (Aglaonema)

The Chinese Evergreen is the perfect plant for beginner gardeners. It's easy to care for, with striking variegated leaves that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including poor light, dry air, and drought, better than most other houseplants. The Chinese Evergreen does best in medium to low light but it can also survive in shady areas. Remember to water this plant regularly, as it will droop when thirsty

(10) CORN PLANT (Massangeana)

A Dracaena Corn plant, like all dracaenas, is a very forgiving plant and is tolerant of lower light, missed waterings, and general neglect. Be careful not to kill it with kindness. When small, a Dracaena Corn plant can sit on a table, but its claim to fame is as an impressive 6ft-10ft tree.

This low light indoor  plant can tolerate bright indirect light but will do best in medium to low indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to become dry before you water again. Yellowing leaves are a sign that your plant has been overwatered so adjust accordingly!

(11) DUMB CANE (Dieffenbachia)

A fan favorite, the dumb cane plant is a popular choice that does well in bright indirect sunlight with standard potting soil, average home temperatures, and humidity. This plant’s lush dark green foliage of big, bold leaves is variegated in greens and cream colors and can grow up to 5 feet tall.

Dumb canes are very sensitive to drafts, so keep them away from windows, doors, and vents. These low-maintenance plants also prefer to be kept on the drier side, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out in between waterings.

SPLIT LEAF PHILODENDRON (Philodendron Bipinnatifidum)

We don't know which one of the philodendron beauties we prefer. The tree philodendron is a fast-growing houseplant that is tolerant of neglect. It can reach up to 6 feet in length and has large, deeply lobed leaves that are dark green in color.

The split leaf philodendron does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil is dry—overwatering can lead to problems such as yellow leaves or root rot.

(13) ARROWHEAD PLANT (Syngonium Podophyllum)

Tropical in nature, the arrowhead vine is a beautiful trailing or climbing vine that can grow quickly if given the right conditions. Hailing from various parts of South America, it has become a well-liked houseplant due to its easy-going nature and hanging shape.

Arrowhead vine likes bright indirect light but no direct sun. Diffused light is best, as harsh rays can burn or bleach delicate leaves and vines. Variegated colorways can handle a bit more direct sun, while dark green varieties are better adapted to partial shade.

(14) SPIDER PLANT (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Spider plants are one of the most popular house plants for those looking for an easy to care , low-maintenance option. It's adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and does best when given bright indirect light.

Although it can survive in lower light levels, it will grow slower and may become leggy over time. It's a trailing plant you can take stem cuttings from the mother plant to grow entirely new plants.

(15) SWISS CHEESE PLANT (Monstera Deliciosa)


This is a unique and interesting houseplant perfect for those who love a bit of quirkiness in their decor. This tropical plant gets its name from the large, perforated leaves that resemble Swiss cheese. Despite its tropical origins, it is quite tolerant of low light, making it a great option for rooms with little natural sunlight.

To care for your Swiss Cheese Plant, keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged. These plants prefer high humidity, so you can mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles to help increase humidity around the plant. It's also important to fertilize your Swiss Cheese Plant every two weeks during the growing season. With a little bit of love and attention, your Swiss Cheese Plant will thrive and bring a touch of the tropics to your home!

(16) CAST IRON PLANT (Aspidistra Elatior)

This a great choice for those looking for a low light houseplant. It is known for its ability to thrive in dimly lit areas, making it perfect for rooms with little natural light. These hardy plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and live for many years with proper care.

To care for a cast iron plant, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and avoid over-fertilizing. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it's best to avoid cold drafts. Cast iron plants also prefer slightly acidic soil, so you can add a small amount of vinegar to the water when you water it. With a little TLC, your cast iron plant will thrive for years!Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

If you're looking for low-maintenance indoor plants that don't need sun, any of these 16 options would be great. From the hardy ZZ plant to the snake plant, there's sure to be a plant that will fit your needs and grow well in your available lighting conditions. So why not give one of these low-light-loving plants a try?


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Author - Bridget McIver

An Interior Designer by training, armed with an eye for the unexpected, Bridget shares advice, inspiration, and a curated line-up of effortlessly chic products to make everything in our lives more beautiful. A tastemaker with an impeccable sense to help you create a pared-back aesthetic for your home.

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