Sure thing! You often come across lists on the internet of plants suitable for low light areas. Let's try to understand if such plants really exist and what care they require.
Let's start with the fact that shade-tolerant plants exist, while shade-loving ones don't. When we want to understand the basic needs of plants, we can look at how they thrive in nature, and there are indeed plants that live in the shade of trees. These are the ones that can be placed indoors where there isn't as much light.
NOTE: In low light conditions, variegated plants may experience a reduction in color intensity, and their leaves can lose their distinctive brightness..
Plants need light because it helps them make food through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to make organic substances. At a specific point in this process, a little boost is needed, and that's where light comes in. Light provides the energy needed to move electrons to higher energy levels, helping the plant create the substances it needs. It's like a power-up for the plant's food-making process, and this cycle repeats to keep the plant healthy and growing.
n most cases, plants receiving no outdoor light should be lit from 16 to 18 hours each day. If some additional light is received, 12 to 14 hours each day may be adequate.
Plants can't thrive or grow properly without any light, but some can survive in low-light conditions. In this article, we'll explore plants that can live with minimal light, such as those placed on a north-facing window or within a meter of a west/east window, or within two meters of a south-facing one.
Foliage plants that don't need much light
Shade-tolerant members of this group captivate with their unique leaf shapes and colors. They seldom bloom, but their flowers are rather unremarkable. So, which indoor plants with beautiful leaves don't require much light?
AGLAONEMA (chinese evergreen)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Low light |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Medium |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Wild species of Aglaonema in their native habitat inhabit the lower layer of the broad-leaved forest, content with shaded areas under the tree canopies, along streams, and other water bodies. Aglaonema doesn't require a large amount of nutrient-rich soil for its growth.
The domestication and cultivation history of Aglaonema began in the 19th century, and for over a century and a half, the plant has been considered one of the most interesting and unusual inhabitants of the tropics.
MARANTHA (Prayer Plant)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Low light |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | High |
Toxicity | Non toxic |
The leaves of the Maranta have the ability to change their direction: under favorable conditions, the leaf blades are almost horizontally positioned, but in low light or other unfavorable factors, they lift upward and fold together. Because of this characteristic, Marantas are called "praying grass" or "prayer plants."
SANSEVIERIA (Snake plant)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Low light |
Water | Low |
Soil | |
Humidity | Low |
Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
This plant thrives in the tropics and subtropics, with its native habitat being the western regions of Africa. In the wild, it grows in the lower layer under dense canopies, forming impenetrable thickets. It's well-suited for a child's room, but it's important to note that some varieties contain sap that can induce nausea if ingested. Therefore, if children are still small, it's better to keep the plant in an area inaccessible to them.
And this is one of my daughter favourite song, so cute. Sansieviera stays evergreen,
Many names, a lively scene.
"Snake Plant" and "Mother-in-law's Tongue" she's known,
To these names, my heart has grown.
Sometimes they call her "Wolf's Tail" so fair,
Yet she adorns our home with care
Large indoor palm plants and big-sized ones that shade-tolerant.
There are plenty of plant varieties with dense green leaves to choose from based on specific growing conditions. For instance, palms for warm spaces, moderately warm, or cooler environments. If you have the space, go for a larger and taller plant. If not, there are more modestly sized options. The houseplant palm is suitable for cultivation and propagation in any climate. Even in winter, it doesn't require special conditions, just protection from dry air. It's shade-tolerant, so there's no need to place the pot by the window exclusively.
Ficus elastica (Rubber plant)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Indirect |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Medium |
Toxicity | Toxic |
The Ficus elastica, or more precisely, the varieties with simple large green leaves, thrives in diffused light. Direct, scorching sunlight is harmful, causing dangerous burns on its leaves. Generally considered shade-tolerant, but if kept constantly in the shade, it may grow slowly and even shed lower leaves. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure all sides of the crown receive an equal amount of light.
Dracaena marginata (Dragon tree)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Indirect |
Water | Low |
Soil | |
Humidity | Low |
Toxicity | Toxic |
The Dracaena thrives in bright, indirect light, while direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and burn spots. In shade, its growth slows, which isn't necessarily a drawback, as it can still reach up to two and a half meters in domestic settings. Remember the watering rule for Dracaenas, especially in low light and light shading. Dracaena prefers moderate water, so under such conditions, it's best to water it only after the soil has dried more than half of the pot. Easily check this using a wooden stick or a soil moisture indicator.
Chamaedorea (Cat tree)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Indirect/Low |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Medium |
Toxicity | Non toxic |
The Chamaedorea doesn't have any special requirements for sunlight. Its natural habitat is the understory of tropical forests, so it's adapted to bright, diffused light. Direct sunlight is likely to cause burns and make the plant wilt. On the other hand, with enough water and nutrients, the Cat Palm can survive in full shade. However, the optimal lighting conditions for this plant are bright, indirect light and partial shade.
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | All |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Medium |
Toxicity | Toxic |
I can sing endless praises to the Monstera. It's one of the most resilient and beautiful plants for homes and offices. It thrives almost anywhere, enjoying bright, indirect light but avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burns. Monstera can also tolerate shade and grow in the depths of a room. However, it's worth noting that you can easily gauge how the plant feels in its chosen spot: with a critical lack of light, the Monstera loses its decorative charm, meaning it stops developing its iconic leaf perforations
Indoor hanging plants that thrive in low light
Charming plants with drooping or spreading stems, perfect for hanging vases, boxes, and pots. Which trailing indoor flowers thrive in shade and partial shade?
Epipremnum aureum (Devil's Ivy)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Low-moderate |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | Aroid mix |
Humidity | Low |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Epipremnum is a true Spartan, fitting into nearly any interior space. These graceful vines are undemanding houseplants; they don't require bright sunlight and should be shielded from midday sun. Their aerial roots cling to supports, allowing you to create unique green walls in your room. The plant grows rapidly but is sensitive to drafts and sheds leaves under direct sunlight. Epipremnum boasts various varieties, including variegated ones. Like Monsteras, the quantity, size, and intensity of the spots on variegated types depend on the brightness of the light.
Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Care Level | for beginners |
Light | All |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Low/Moderate |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Ivy is the perfect plant for creating green walls and enhancing partition structures. It grows rapidly, forgives many care mistakes, and doesn't demand frequent repotting—a hassle-free choice. Regarding sunlight, ivy is versatile, thriving in full sunlight yet tolerating shade. Although it can adapt to various lighting conditions, growing in low-light indoor settings may lead to subtle signs of light deficiency. It's crucial to note that this applies only to the green-leaf varieties; variegated types require more light, and in low-light conditions, they may lose their decorative appeal.
Syngonium (Arrowhead Vine)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Indirect |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Medium |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Syngonium is a masterpiece in any interior. Valued for its beautiful leaves and relative compactness, this close relative of the philodendron transforms as it matures—resembling a leafy carpet, a climbing vine, or freely hanging tendrils. Its low-maintenance nature is a key attraction; growing Syngonium won't demand extra effort or special conditions from the gardener. It prefers diffused light, requires protection from direct sunlight, especially in summer. Varieties with dark green leaves tolerate partial shade, while variegated types are more light-loving. During winter, good lighting is essential; otherwise, the leaves may shrink and lose color, so move the Syngonium closer to the window as winter approaches.
Tradescantia (Arrowhead Vine)
Care level | For beginners |
Light | Indirect |
Water | Moderate |
Soil | |
Humidity | Moderate |
Toxicity | Toxic |
For a novice plant enthusiast, there's no more suitable indoor plant than the Tradescantia – it's attractive and undemanding. Currently, Tradescantia stands out as one of the most popular trailing plants for indoor cultivation. Monochromatic green varieties thrive well in partial shade. The optimal placement for the plant is near windows facing east or west. To protect the leaves from burns caused by direct sunlight, it's advisable to provide some shading for the plant.
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