The Best Low Light Indoor Plants of 2022 - Plants for Beginners

2022-09-23 20:11:03 By : Ms. Tracy Ling

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These are the finest low-maintenance greenery!

Fresh greenery literally brings new life into a home, but if your place doesn't get much natural light or you're a beginner plant parent worried about keeping things alive—don't panic. There are plenty of low-light indoor plants that are surprisingly easy to care for and some even do better in shadier spaces.

Ahead, we've rounded up low-maintenance houseplants that won't require a spot on your already-crowded window sill. Finally, you'll be able to display some green in spots you never thought were possible like in the dark corner of your bedroom or along the wall on the same side as your biggest window. Popular varieties including pothos, dragon plants, succulents, and much more are ready to open your world up to simple, more flexible ways of incorporating plant life into your aesthetic.

To make things even better, plants are more affordable than purchasing trendy decor and if you play your cards right, they'll certainly last a lifetime. The Sill, Bloomscape, Terrain, and a number of other sites also provide special discounts of up to 15 percent off for customers placing a plant order for the first time. So scroll on and don't hesitate to add several of our picks to your cart!

Before scrolling any further, save this reference guide so you have it on hand the next time you're plant shopping.

Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out in between; More water if in brighter light

The Scindapsus pictus plant needs little attention but adds major flair to any space. Plus, it comes in a nursery grow pot situated inside a five-inch ceramic planter, which comes in five colors: black, blush, cream, mint, and terracotta.

Named after its nearly indestructible qualities, the cast iron plant is perfect for new plant parents. It can take on neglect and grow in the shade. Better yet, it relieves dryness by adding humidity to the air—while also cleaning it!

Water: Once a week, enough to cover roots

Said to bring good luck and fortune, the bamboo craves some light but can fully thrive in shady areas. It's ideal for keeping at a desk or on a coffee table.

Water: 1 cup of water/week

This plant (aka pothos) gets its name from the fact that it grows vines even in the worst conditions. That can be bad if it's planted outdoors where it can choke out other plants, but it's perfect for growing inside.

Water: Once every 7-10 days

Since this plant is one of the most durable indoor plants (it does quite well in low light) and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners.

Water: 1 cup of water every two weeks

If you've ever dreamed of having a palm tree as part of your decor, look no further. It might not be quite as tall as the ones in Beverly Hills, but it's way cuter (and easier to maintain).

Water: Regularly, two to three times a week

Don't let the sad name turn you off. This quick-growing tree can add life to any room in the house. Just make sure you're giving it enough water!

Water: Every one to two weeks

The sweetheart plant (a nickname given because of the shape of its glossy leaves) can handle dim rooms but requires pinching to prevent it from growing in long, single stems.

Water: When soil is dry, about once a week

Didn't expect to find a tropical plant on this list? This houseplant can actually survive on fluorescent light alone (!) and thrives in humid conditions, like bathrooms.

Water: Every one to two weeks or can be grown in water

This no-fuss, heart-shaped vining plant has beautiful silver markings that make it stand out. Those silver markings will be more prominent in brighter light and some may even turn green in lower light, but the plant can still survive in darker environments—albeit with slower growth.

Nerve plants, or fittonia, prefer brighter light, but they can handle low light quite well—although more colorful varieties might look a little less bright with less sun, according to Costa Farms.

Water: Once every two weeks

Filtered light is best for this plant. Try using a curtain as a barrier between it and the sun, especially during the spring and summer when the plant is producing new, tender leaves.

Water: Every two to three weeks

With this cactus, you don't have to worry about poking yourself on anything pointy! Its leaves are soft and rounded. The best part? It blooms pink flowers for an added pop of color. They respond best to diffused light, so you don't have to keep them on your windowsill.

This plant's adaptability makes it super easy to grow and therefore, super popular. Plus, it's easy to breed and share with others. It can stand up to a lot of neglect and will thrive in indirect light.

Water: Every two to three days

With pink and red flecks, the colorful calathea adds an extra punch to your indoor plant lineup. They like medium to low light. Not to mention, the plant is non-toxic and pet safe.

This succulent is pretty tame when it comes to maintenance. More light will help it grow, but it can tolerate darkness—just watch out for root rot caused by overwatering.

Hoyas, or wax plants, are not picky houseplants. They'll thrive in bright light but will do just fine in lower light conditions. They're also super low maintenance and can bounce back if you forget to water them, too.

Spiky leaves that grow upward and have a red outline make these plants totally stunning. But too much direct sunlight can damage them, so give this plant some sun and some shade.

Schefflera Arboricola plants, aka dwarf umbrella plants, are a great low-light plant choice. They dislike bright light and grow slowly, so you don't have to worry about them outgrowing a small space either.

Water: Every one to two weeks

This cute little plant with its thick, spoon-shaped leaves is both pet-friendly and low-light tolerant. In fact, too much intense sunlight can hurt this variety.

Water: Every one to two weeks

This plant, also known as the Victorian parlor palm, is famously resilient. Those pretty feathery leaves liven up any bland corner of your home. It does well in medium light but can survive in lower light areas. Its cousin, the majesty palm, is another great option.

Water: Once a week, less during colder months

The staghorn fern thrives in high-humidity environments with indirect light. This makes them great shower plants.

Water: Every one to two weeks; more if in brighter light

The fun ripple edges give the bird's nest fern a unique, fun look. It's also a pet-friendly plant. It thrives in medium indirect light but can usually tolerate low indirect light.

Water: Once every two weeks

This whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like plant can be an adorably small tabletop plant or a full-on tree, but in any case, it's adaptable enough to survive in just about any light level.

Water: 6-8 oz. of water every three weeks

If you want a larger indoor plant that can handle medium indirect light, opt for the money tree. The braided tree trunk sets it apart from other options.

Water: Moderate watering; every one to two weeks

You might not think the tropical monstera plant can handle anything less than bright sunlight, but these beauties can tolerate low light. They just won't grow as fast or as dramatically as they would in a brighter space.

Water: Every two to four days

While the deep red and purple swirls on this plant are more vibrant when in direct light, they can still survive in lower light conditions.

Water: Every two to three days

If you're looking for a dash of color in your home, this red Anthurium from The Sill is the perfect choice! The flamingo flower, as it's sometimes called, can last up to eight weeks.

This Philodendron Brasil can grow between 3 and 6 inches tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage. It thrives in bright indirect light and can handle medium to low indirect light. Bonus: You can buy this one in a variety of pot types and colors.

Water: Every two to three weeks

Unlike most plants, The Sill's ZZ Plant only requires water every few weeks—meaning even the least hands-on of plant parents should be able to keep one alive for a while!

From the Snake Plant to the Staghorn Fern and the variety of other greenery on our list, plant parents won't have any trouble keeping any of the options above alive. When it comes to these plants, the less light, the better. Place a few all around your home and watch them thrive!

The ZZ Plant—which many call the "eternity plant"—is actually happier away from sunlight. In fact, bright light will end up burning the leaves and keep the plant from growing. Don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to shower it with water as the plant is drought resistant and according to The Sill, it actually doesn't need much watering as it absorbs water in its leaves allowing it to stay hydrated for longer.

House Beautiful has always prioritized its gardening coverage. The team compiled this list with extensive research of reviews and expert tips to deliver all the low-light indoor plants you should have in your home.