Believe it or not, some plants don’t require direct sunlight to thrive. While most plants rely on sunlight for growth, certain species can flourish in indirect light, shade, or even artificial lighting.
If you’re creating an indoor garden or have limited access to natural light, these plants will add greenery, purify the air, and brighten your space without the need for constant sunlight exposure.
Here’s a list of 21 houseplants that can grow in low-light conditions, making them perfect for homes, offices, and apartments.
21 Houseplants That Grow Without Sunlight
1. Dracaena
Dracaena plants are durable and low-maintenance, making them ideal for indoor spaces. With around 50 species, they come in various shapes and sizes. Their long, arching leaves bring an elegant touch to any home.
Care Tips:
- Prefers low to moderate indirect light
- Keep soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering
- Enjoys occasional misting to increase humidity
2. Bromeliads
Bromeliads add a tropical touch to indoor spaces. While they thrive in indirect light, they can adapt to artificial lighting as well. Their vibrant blooms and patterned leaves make them a stunning choice.
Care Tips:
- Keep in bright, indirect light or artificial light
- Water by filling the central cup, avoiding soggy soil
- Prefers warm and humid conditions
3. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Ferns are delicate yet striking. Their fine, dark stems and feathery green foliage bring elegance to any space. They require consistent moisture and humidity.
Care Tips:
- Prefers filtered light or shaded areas
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Place near a humidifier or mist frequently
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is extremely low-maintenance and can tolerate very low light conditions.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to moderate indirect light
- Water sparingly (every 2-3 weeks)
- Helps improve indoor air quality
5. Philodendron
This trailing vine thrives in low light and is perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.
Care Tips:
- Prefers low to moderate indirect light
- Water when the topsoil feels dry
- Can be trained to climb or trail
6. Calathea
Calathea plants are renowned for their striking leaf patterns. They prefer indirect light and high humidity.
Care Tips:
- Keep in medium to low light
- Water with filtered water to prevent leaf browning
- Thrives in warm, humid conditions
7. Prayer Plant
Named for its folding leaves at night, the prayer plant is a stunning and low-light-loving houseplant.
Care Tips:
- Prefers moderate to low indirect light
- Water when soil feels dry
- Keep in a warm, humid environment
8. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns have lush green fronds and prefer shady, humid conditions.
Care Tips:
- Keep in low to moderate indirect light
- Maintain moist soil and mist regularly
- Prefers cooler temperatures
9. Devil’s Ivy (Golden Pothos)
Also known as Golden Pothos, this trailing plant is almost indestructible and thrives in low-light conditions.
Care Tips:
- Tolerates low light but prefers moderate indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between watering
- Great for air purification
10. Chinese Evergreen
A hardy and beautiful plant that comes in variegated shades of green, red, and silver.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to moderate light
- Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry slightly
- Tolerates poor air quality
11. Cast Iron Plant
As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in low light and dry conditions
- Water sparingly
- Resistant to neglect
12. Orchids
Orchids are exotic flowers that thrive in indirect light.
Care Tips:
- Keep in filtered or artificial light
- Water moderately
- Requires proper drainage
13. Lucky Bamboo
Famous for bringing good fortune, Lucky Bamboo can grow in water or soil.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in low to moderate indirect light
- Change water every two weeks
- Prefers filtered or distilled water
14. ZZ Plant
A low-maintenance plant that thrives in shade and neglect.
Care Tips:
- Prefers low light
- Water occasionally
- Drought-tolerant
15. Peperomia
Peperomia plants are compact and available in various colors.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect light
- Water moderately
- Requires well-draining soil
16. Dumb Cane
A striking plant with large, patterned leaves.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in low light
- Keep away from pets and children (toxic sap)
17. Spider Plant
A popular choice for hanging baskets, with variegated leaves.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect light
- Water occasionally
- Air-purifying qualities
18. Peace Lily
A low-light flowering plant that also purifies the air.
Care Tips:
- Keep in low to moderate indirect light
- Water moderately
- Produces beautiful white flowers
19. Aloe Vera
A medicinal plant that can thrive in low light.
Care Tips:
- Prefers indirect light
- Water sparingly
- Great for skin treatments
20. Rubber Plant
A bold, dramatic plant with glossy leaves.
Care Tips:
- Thrives in moderate indirect light
- Water when soil dries out
21. Hoya
A beautiful trailing or hanging plant with waxy leaves.
Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light
- Water sparingly
These 21 low-light houseplants prove that you don’t need bright sunlight to enjoy lush, green foliage.
Whether you have an office with fluorescent lighting or a dimly lit room, these plants will thrive and enhance your indoor environment.
