Which houseplants need very little light? Discover the top 10.

Do you have spots in your home with little natural light, yet you still want a touch of green? No worries. Plenty of houseplants actually prefer low-light areas, such as the hallway, bathroom, toilet or a north-facing window. Discover the top 10 houseplants that thrive in low light and enjoy a little green happiness in every room!

Which houseplants can grow in low light?

Houseplants that need little light often come from the lower layers of tropical rainforests, where they naturally grow in the shade. These plants flourish where sunlight lovers would struggle.

Keep in mind: low light does not mean no daylight at all. In a room without windows, such as an internal bathroom, it is best to use a grow light.

Curious which plants shine in the shadows? Here are 10 favourites that bring life to the darker spots in your home:

Snake plant

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, is the superhero of houseplants. It survives almost anywhere, including full sun. With its tall, upright leaves and tough nature, this succulent barely needs attention. Little water, low light or dry air. It handles it all with ease.

Epipremnum aureum

Looking for a climbing or trailing plant for a shelf, cabinet or hanging pot? Epipremnum aureum, also called Scindapsus, is your perfect match. Recognisable by its heart-shaped leaves with splashes of green, yellow or silver, this fast grower does brilliantly even in the shade.

Zamioculcas

Glossy leaves, sturdy stems and super tough. Meet Zamioculcas, also known as the ZZ plant. If you sometimes forget to water your plants, this one is ideal. It purifies the air, copes perfectly with low light and is almost impossible to ruin.

Spider plant

With its fresh green, arching leaves, the spider plant (Chlorophytum) lifts any dim corner instantly. It tolerates shade and humidity well, which makes it perfect for the bathroom. Bonus: it is very easy to propagate, so you can grow new baby plants in no time!

Peace lily

Stylish and air-purifying: that is the peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Its deep green leaves and elegant white bracts brighten up any dark spot. With proper care, this plant rewards you by blooming several times a year.

Aglaonema

The tropical Aglaonema has beautiful patterned leaves that range from silver and green to varieties with bold pink touches. It grows slowly, yet it is incredibly strong and decorative. Ideal for the hallway, office or living room with little light.

Pachira

Pachira, also known as the money tree, loves low to medium light. It often has braided trunks and large hand-shaped green leaves. Pachira stores water in its trunk, so it only needs occasional watering.

Philodendron scandens

With heart-shaped leaves and a gentle, flowing look, Philodendron scandens brings instant warmth to shaded spaces. It grows happily along a moss pole or spills beautifully from a hanging pot.

Dracaena (dragon tree)

Want a bold plant for a dark corner? Dracaena, also known as the dragon tree, is an excellent choice. This air-purifying plant comes in many shapes, sizes and leaf colours. It usually has two or three stems with long, pointed leaves. Dracaena stores moisture in its stems, so it rarely needs watering.

Calathea

Looking for a magical showstopper? With its striking patterned leaves, Calathea steals the spotlight. It thrives without direct sunlight and has a special trick: it closes its leaves at night and opens them again in the morning.

Care tips for shade-loving plants

Have you added a low-light plant to your home? Then of course you will want to treat it like the little ray of sunshine it is. Even though the plants above thrive in low light, that does not mean they require less care. With the right attention, they will stay beautiful for years to come. Below you will find the essential care guidelines for houseplants, followed by practical care tips:

Growth: turn your plants a quarter every so often. Plants grow towards the light, and this keeps them upright and balanced.
Watering: shade plants usually need less water than sun lovers. Let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again.
Feeding: during spring and summer, give your plants the right plant food for strong roots, healthy growth and vibrant leaves.
Dusting: gently dust the leaves with a soft cloth or mister. Dust blocks light and slows down photosynthesis.
Grow light: if your plant is in a very dark space and is not thriving, consider a grow light for extra energy.
Season changes: in winter, move plants closer to windows for more daylight. In summer, keep them slightly away from strong sun to prevent leaf burn.

Styling tips for dark corners

Ready to style those shaded spots with plants? Try these ideas!

Pair tall and small plants. For example, combine a large Dracaena or Pachira with smaller Calathea or Aglaonema plants. Using different sizes adds depth and playfulness.
Mix hanging plants like Philodendron scandens, spider plant and Epipremnum with pots on the floor. This creates height layers and turns a dark nook into a calming green oasis.
Choose different leaf shapes, colours and textures. Think of a bold Calathea paired with the elegant white blooms of a peace lily and the fresh leaves of a spider plant.
Use pots in various sizes and materials that match your interior. Tip: light-coloured pots brighten darker corners wonderfully.
Add a mirror to boost the light and place a plant in front of it. The reflected light gives your plant extra focus and makes the space feel more open.

More inspiration

Curious for more ideas to green up your home? Discover which houseplants love bright light too. Also handy: check out these smart tips for keeping your plants happy while you are on holiday. And if you have pets, make sure to see which houseplants are safe and which ones are toxic.