Love plants but live in a home with minimal sunlight? You’re not alone. Many indoor gardeners crave that lush, vibrant feel but are discouraged when their greenery starts to fade in dim corners or windowless rooms. The good news? Not all houseplants need bright, direct light to flourish. In fact, some prefer the shade.
If you've tried and failed to keep plants alive in darker spaces, it’s not your fault, it’s just that not all greenery is made for low-light living. But there are options. Whether you want to bring life to a shadowy shelf or add green to a cozy, lamp-lit nook, there are indoor plants built for these conditions.
In this post, we’ll walk you through our top picks for low light indoor plants, how to care for them, and how with the right support, your plants won’t just survive, they’ll thrive. Let’s turn those dim rooms into living green spaces.
What Does "Low Light" for Indoor Plants Mean?
“Low light” doesn't mean no light. In plant terms, it refers to areas several feet away from a window, rooms that face north, or spots that get filtered light for most of the day. Think: corners, hallways, and bathrooms.
Plants in these spaces often struggle because they can’t perform enough photosynthesis to stay healthy. You might notice pale leaves, slowed growth, or even dropping foliage.
Want science? This guide from the University of Florida offers a great breakdown of indoor light levels and what plants need.
Can Grow Lights Help Low Light Indoor Plants?
Absolutely. While many plants on this list tolerate low light, they often grow slowly and lose vibrancy without support. That’s where Soltech’s, subtle-looking, full-spectrum LED grow lights come in.
Unlike harsh, industrial-looking grow lights, our plant lights are designed to blend into your space while delivering full-spectrum light your plants crave. Whether you’re sprucing up a dim office or adding flair to your living room, they offer both beauty and function.
Pairing the right plant with the right light transforms low light conditions into lush, healthy growth zones. Now, let’s meet the stars of the shade.
Our Top 5 Picks: Indoor Plants for Low Light That Truly Flourish
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The Indestructible Icon
Why it works: Snake plants are known for their architectural shape, low maintenance, adaptability and tolerance for neglect. They’re nearly impossible to kill, even in low light. New plant parent? This easy-care plant is a safe choice to begin your indoor gardening journey.
Care tips: Water sparingly (every 2–3 weeks) only when the soil is fully dry. If the leaves are yellow or brown, you are probably overwatering. Make sure your snake plant is in a pot with good drainage (terracotta pots are great because they absorb extra moisture).
Lighting tip: While snake plants can survive in low light, their growth may stall or leaves may become floppy if they’re not getting enough light. Adding a Willow™ Floor Lampstand above them, enhances their color and encourages upright, strong growth. No floppy leaves here.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The Low-Maintenance Champion
Why it works: This waxy-leaved beauty stores water in its roots, making it highly tolerant of low light and missed waterings. Its dark green, glossy foliage adds subtle elegance to desks and entryways.
Care tips: Water only when the soil is bone dry. Common issues like yellow leaves or root rot are typically signs of overwatering, so put down the watering can until your ZZ plant needs it.
Lighting tip: ZZ plants may stay healthy in low light, but grow slowly. Placing one beneath an adjustable tabletop grow light, like the Fern™ Tabletop Lamp Stand can help it maintain a lush, full look—perfect for a workspace or entryway credenza.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The Versatile Viner
Why it works: Pothos grows quickly and adapts to almost any indoor condition, vining happily even in lower light. It can trail or climb, making it a great plant for shelves, trellises, or hanging baskets.
Care tips: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering. Not sure if it needs water? Pothos typically droop when they’re thirsty! Prune the vines regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent leggy growth.
Lighting tip: If your pothos is not getting enough light, it will stretch toward the nearest source. A subtle pendant style grow light, like the Aspect™, can encourage vibrant color and fullness.
Want more detailed care tips? The Sill's guide to caring for pothos is a fantastic resource.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): The Elegant Air Purifier
Why it works: Known for its striking white blooms and ability to purify air, the peace lily is tolerant of low light and communicates very clearly (and dramatically) when they’re thirsty by drooping.
Care tips: Water when the leaves droop, usually once a week. The peace lily prefers higher humidity, but adapts well to standard indoor conditions.
Lighting tip: Peace lilies rarely bloom in deep shade. If you’re looking for the graceful white blooms the peace lily is known for, you may need to place it in bright, indirect sunlight in an east or west-facing window or a window with a sheer curtain to filter light.
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): The Colorful Survivor
Why it works: Aglaonemas, or Chinese evergreens, are low-light tolerant tropicals with pops of pink, red, or silver depending on the variety. They add a pop of personality to your space without demanding too much attention when it comes to care.
Care tips: Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Wipe the leaves to keep them dust-free and able to perform photosynthesis!
Lighting tip: While low-light tolerant, their bold coloring fades in dim conditions and may do better in medium to bright indirect light. A Vita™ Grow Bulb tucked into a stylish lamp could help bring their colors back to life, literally.
Ready to Make Your Low Light Indoor Plants Shine?
Even if your home is low on natural light, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on a lush indoor jungle. With the right plant choices you can create a vibrant, thriving oasis. And, if your low-light plants need a little extra oomph, don’t settle for limp leaves and stunted growth! The subtle magic of Soltech’s design-forward grow lights are here to help.
Want to explore more plants that will thrive in your space? Our Plant Guide has everything you need—lighting tips, care advice, and placement for a wide range of houseplants, including all the low-light favorites from this list. Browse the guide →
