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If you live in a city apartment, you know the struggle. Small windows, north-facing rooms, tall buildings blocking your sunlight. You want a bit of greenery in your space, but you wonder if any plant could actually survive in there. Good news: the right indoor plants for low light apartments do not just survive, they thrive.
Whether your apartment gets minimal natural light or none at all, there are plenty of shade tolerant houseplants that are as easygoing as they are good-looking. In this guide, we have rounded up 20 of the best low light houseplants that are perfect for renters, beginners, and anyone who has ever killed a plant out of sheer guilt.
What Counts as Low Light?
Before we dive into the list, it helps to know what low light actually means for plants. Low light does not mean no light. It typically refers to spaces that are far from windows, rooms with north-facing windows, or areas where indirect light is the best you can offer.
A good tip to follow: if you can comfortably read a book in the spot without turning on a lamp during the day, most low light plants will be just fine there.
20 Best Indoor Plants for Low Light Apartments
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is arguably the most forgiving houseplant on the planet. It thrives in low light, tolerates irregular watering, and cascades beautifully from shelves or hanging baskets. Its waxy, heart-shaped leaves come in green, golden, and variegated varieties. It is the perfect starter plant for any dark apartment.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is nearly indestructible. It prefers indirect light and can handle very dim conditions. It also doubles as an air purifier, making it a smart pick for small apartments with limited ventilation.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a stunner with glossy, deep green leaves that look almost fake. It stores water in its roots, so it handles drought and low light like a pro. If you tend to forget to water your plants, this one is your best friend.
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4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is one of the few flowering plants that genuinely thrives in low light. Its elegant white blooms add a touch of class to any room, and it is known for improving indoor air quality. Keep the soil slightly moist and watch it flourish.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly impossible to kill. It grows slowly but steadily in deep shade and requires very little care. If your apartment receives almost no natural light, this is the plant for you.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are popular for a reason. They come in a range of stunning leaf colors, from deep green to pinkish-red, and they adapt well to low light conditions. They are low maintenance, pet owners should note they can be mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
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7. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
With their dramatic, sword-like leaves and tree-like appearance, dracaenas make a bold statement in any apartment. They prefer indirect light and only need watering when the soil is dry. The Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans are among the most popular varieties for low light spaces.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are cheerful, fast-growing, and incredibly adaptable. They do best in indirect light and produce little offshoots (called spiderettes) that you can propagate into new plants. A great option for renters who want a bit of life on their shelves.
9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Similar to pothos in look and care needs, the heartleaf philodendron is a vining plant that does exceptionally well in low light apartments. Its heart-shaped leaves grow quickly and trail beautifully from shelves or pots. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry and it will reward you generously.
10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
If you want lush, feathery foliage, the Boston fern is a top choice. It thrives in humid, low light environments, making it ideal for bathrooms with a small window. Keep it moist and mist it occasionally for best results.
11. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Want tropical vibes without the sunshine? The parlor palm brings those rainforest feels to even the darkest corners. It grows slowly, is non-toxic to pets, and handles low light conditions with ease. A classic choice for apartments and offices alike.
12. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is a popular indoor plant that grows well in low, indirect light. It can live in water or soil and requires minimal care. Bonus: it is said to bring good luck and positive energy into the home, which is always a nice addition.
13. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are known for their stunning, patterned leaves that look almost painted. They naturally grow on the forest floor, so low light is actually their preferred environment. They do need consistent moisture and humidity, so keep that in mind.
14. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a bold, architectural plant with thick, glossy leaves that range from dark green to deep burgundy. It tolerates low light reasonably well and adds a dramatic, modern feel to any apartment space.
15. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
While aloe vera prefers bright light, it can adapt to lower light conditions better than most succulents. It is also incredibly useful: the gel inside its leaves can soothe minor burns and skin irritation. Keep it near the brightest window you have for best results.
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16. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
The nerve plant is a small, vibrant plant with intricate veining on its leaves in shades of white, pink, or red. It is perfect for terrariums or small planters and thrives in low light, humid conditions. A great option for adding a pop of color to dim spaces.
17. Monstera Deliciosa
The iconic Swiss cheese plant is a social media favourite for good reason. While it grows faster in bright indirect light, it adapts well to lower light conditions. Its large, split leaves make an incredible statement in any apartment, and it only needs watering every one to two weeks.
18. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia is a large, leafy plant with beautiful variegated foliage. It handles low light conditions well and is easy to care for. Note that it is toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children and pets.
19. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias are a diverse and endearing family of plants with hundreds of varieties. They stay compact, require little water, and handle low light conditions without complaint. Their thick leaves store moisture, making them forgiving for busy or forgetful plant parents.
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20. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
For something a little more unique, the staghorn fern is a stunning wall-mounted plant that thrives in humid, low light environments. It grows on wooden boards and creates a living wall art effect, perfect for apartments where floor space is at a premium.
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Tips for Keeping Low Light Plants Healthy
Even the most shade tolerant indoor plants need a bit of TLC. Here are a few simple tips to keep your plants happy:
- Rotate your plants every few weeks so all sides receive some light.
- Avoid overwatering. Most low light plants need less water than you think because they use energy more slowly.
- Wipe leaves clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to absorb as much light as possible.
- Consider a grow light if your apartment truly gets no natural light at all.
- Choose well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which is more common in low light conditions where moisture evaporates slowly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What indoor plants can survive in low light?
Many houseplants can survive in low light, including pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, peace lilies, and cast iron plants. These plants have evolved to grow in shaded environments, making them ideal for apartments with limited natural light.
What is the easiest low light plant for beginners?
The pothos and snake plant are two of the easiest indoor plants for beginners. Both are incredibly forgiving, require infrequent watering, and thrive in dim conditions. If you have never kept a houseplant before, either of these is an excellent starting point.
Are there low light indoor plants that clean the air?
Yes. Several low light plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. The snake plant, peace lily, and spider plant are among the most well-known for filtering common indoor air pollutants. While no plant is a substitute for proper ventilation, they can contribute to cleaner indoor air.
Are there low light plants that are safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. If you have pets, look for pet-safe options like the spider plant, parlor palm, Boston fern, and peperomia. Always verify with the ASPCA’s toxic plant list before bringing any new plant into a home with animals.
Can I use a grow light to supplement low light in my apartment?
Absolutely. Grow lights are a great solution for apartments with very little natural light. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and can be placed on timers to give your plants a consistent light cycle. They work particularly well for plants that need just a bit more light than a dark room offers.
