The Best Indoor Plants for Beginners with Low Light

Indoor plants have grown in popularity over the last several years. Not only do they beautify your living space, but they can also purify the air, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being. However, not everyone has access to bright, sun-soaked windowsills, and many beginners struggle with which plants can thrive in lower-light conditions. The good news is that there are several types of indoor plants that are perfect for low-light environments and require minimal care.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best indoor plants for beginners with low light, providing you with expert advice on choosing, caring for, and growing these plants in your home. Whether you’re living in an apartment with small windows, or your living room faces north, these plants will thrive in the shadows.

Why Choose Low-Light Plants for Your Home?
What is Considered Low Light?
Benefits of Low-Light Indoor Plants
Top 10 Best Indoor Plants for Beginners with Low Light
- 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- 1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- 1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- 1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 1. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 1. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- 1. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- 1. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
- 1. Philodendron
How to Care for Low-Light Indoor Plants
- Watering
- Temperature & Humidity
- Fertilization
- Pruning & Maintenance
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Indoor Plants in Low Light
Conclusion: Bringing Nature Indoors with Low-Light Plants

1. Why Choose Low-Light Plants for Your Home?

Choosing low-light plants for your indoor space comes with several distinct advantages. Whether you live in an apartment with limited natural light or have rooms that don’t get much sunlight, low-light plants can adapt to these conditions and still thrive. These plants are particularly suited for spaces like:

Offices with artificial lighting.
Apartments with small or north-facing windows.
Basements or rooms with minimal sunlight exposure.
Homes with shaded patios or balcony areas.

Moreover, low-light plants require less maintenance compared to sun-loving plants, making them an excellent choice for beginners or busy individuals who may not have a green thumb.

2. What is Considered Low Light?

Before diving into which plants thrive in low-light conditions, it’s essential to understand what “low light” means in the context of indoor gardening. Low light doesn’t mean complete darkness, but rather environments that receive very little direct sunlight.

Low Light: These rooms are usually lit by indirect light or artificial lighting and might not get much sunlight throughout the day. An example of low-light spaces could be rooms with north-facing windows or rooms that are blocked by heavy foliage outside.
Medium Light: This is a room that receives filtered or partial sunlight for a few hours a day.
Bright Light: Direct sunlight that floods the room, typically through south or west-facing windows.

For the purposes of this guide, low-light plants are those that can adapt and thrive in environments with minimal sunlight.

3. Benefits of Low-Light Indoor Plants

Low-light indoor plants are perfect for homes or offices that do not receive a lot of sunlight. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating these plants into your space:

Low Maintenance: These plants are usually easier to take care of because they do not require daily attention. They don’t demand as much water or sunlight, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Air Purification: Many indoor plants, even low-light ones, can purify the air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. This makes them an excellent addition to home offices or bedrooms.
Aesthetic Appeal: Adding plants to your indoor space can transform your home into a peaceful oasis. Low-light plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, giving you plenty of options to decorate your home.
Improve Mental Health: Studies have shown that being around plants can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity. Low-light plants offer the same benefits without needing constant attention.

4. Top 10 Best Indoor Plants for Beginners with Low Light

Here are 10 fantastic low-light indoor plants that are perfect for beginners. These plants are resilient, easy to care for, and require minimal maintenance.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants are some of the toughest indoor plants available. Known for their tall, spiky leaves, they can thrive in low-light conditions and can even survive periods of neglect. Snake plants are also known for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.

Light: Low to indirect light
Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Care Tip: Let them dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a popular choice for its striking glossy leaves and its ability to thrive in low-light environments. It’s one of the most resilient plants and can go without water for extended periods, making it an excellent option for beginners.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Care Tip: ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the most popular indoor plants. It’s a vining plant with heart-shaped leaves that comes in several varieties. Pothos can grow in almost any lighting condition, making it ideal for low-light spaces.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Care Tip: Trim the vines regularly to keep the plant manageable.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is an elegant plant with white, spathe-like flowers and dark green leaves. Peace lilies can grow in low light, but they do better with a bit of indirect sunlight. They’re also known for their air-purifying qualities.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Care Tip: Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are resilient, easy to grow, and look great in hanging baskets. They have long, arching leaves with white stripes and can thrive in various light conditions, including low light.

Light: Low to bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry.
Care Tip: Trim off any brown tips for a cleaner look.

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives in low light and is perfect for beginners. Its broad, dark green leaves are glossy and add a touch of elegance to any space.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Care Tip: Keep the plant in a relatively humid spot for best results.

7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm is an elegant palm that thrives in lower light conditions. It’s a slow grower and doesn’t require much attention, making it ideal for beginners.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Care Tip: Don’t allow the plant to sit in standing water.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Aglaonema is a low-maintenance, attractive plant that can tolerate low light and a wide range of conditions. It has variegated leaves with shades of green, silver, and red, making it a great decorative option.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Water when the top of the soil feels dry.
Care Tip: Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

9. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

Dracaena plants are perfect for beginners due to their adaptability. They can handle low light and are known for their striking foliage. Common varieties include Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out before watering.
Care Tip: Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride, so use non-fluoridated water if possible.

10. Philodendron

Philodendrons are incredibly easy to grow and can thrive in low light. They come in various species and forms, including vining and bushy varieties. Their heart-shaped leaves make them a popular choice for adding greenery to indoor spaces.

Light: Low to bright

indirect light

Watering: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Care Tip: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant.

5. How to Care for Low-Light Indoor Plants

While low-light plants are easy to care for, there are still a few important tips you should keep in mind to ensure they thrive.

Watering

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with indoor plants. It’s essential to let the soil dry out before watering your plants. Use a moisture meter or simply stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture levels.

Temperature & Humidity

Most low-light plants prefer moderate temperatures, typically between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Additionally, indoor plants thrive in environments with higher humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing your plants on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilization

Low-light plants don’t need frequent fertilizing, but occasional feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) will encourage healthy growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning regularly helps to remove dead or yellowing leaves, which can help prevent disease. Some plants, like Pothos and Philodendron, may need trimming to keep their growth in check.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Indoor Plants in Low Light

Overwatering: This is the most common mistake. Ensure the soil is dry before watering again.
Too much direct sunlight: While these plants tolerate low light, they can burn in direct sunlight. Always provide them with indirect light.
Not checking for pests: Regularly inspect your plants for pests like spider mites or mealybugs, especially in humid conditions.

7. Conclusion: Bringing Nature Indoors with Low-Light Plants

Incorporating indoor plants into your space is one of the easiest ways to bring a touch of nature indoors. Whether you live in a dimly lit apartment or just want to add a few plants to rooms with minimal light, these low-light indoor plants are perfect for beginners. With minimal care and the right environment, you can enjoy lush, green plants year-round, no matter how much natural light your space receives.

By selecting the right plants, watering them properly, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll quickly find that caring for low-light plants is an incredibly rewarding experience. Happy gardening!