Easy Indoor Plants for Low Light

One of the reasons we chose our cabin is because of the beautiful, bright light. But there are still dark corners of our home that aren’t suitable for most plants. I consider plants essential for most spaces: they purify the air, add color and can even keep bugs away. A space may not have much light, but that just means you need easy indoor plants for low light. These plants are perfect for shady shelves or windowless bathrooms. I’m also recommending buying plants that are easy to find at most garden centers, but you can easily buy these plants online too. 

Why to Keep Plants in Your Home

There’s so many benefits to keeping plants in your home. They’re beautiful, obviously, and fun to style, but according to a study from the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, plants may make you feel less stressed! According to another study, plants may make you more productive too. As someone who works from home, I need all the help I can get! And in my opinion, plants are interesting. I love learning about plants, their functions and how to take care of them. It’s a skill I think that everyone should know.

The Best Easy Indoor Plants for Low Light Spaces

Low light spaces can be difficult for plants, but not impossible! There’s a saying in the gardening community: right plant, right place. This means that you just have to know which plants thrive in your specific area. I’ve recommended some low light houseplants before, but the plants below are particularly easy. Consider this your beginner guide!

Here’s five of my favorite easy indoor plants for low light spaces:

1. Pothos

Starting strong with pothos! Pothos are the easiest of the easy plants. They can get away with very little water, low light and they’re super easy to propagate, so you can make more plants. Pothos also like to trail, so they’re great for styling a bookshelf or a corner where they can drape dramatically off a shelf. 

2. Snake Plant

Snake plants are also known as sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue. And my love for the snake plant runs deep! Snake plants are great at improving air quality, look like a living sculpture and are one of the hardiest house plants out there. Snake plants only need watering when the soil has completely dried out, so this plant is perfect for the forgetful types.

3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is known by a couple of names: ZZ, Zanzibar Gem and its scientific name: Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. ZZ plants have lush, dark green leaves and thrive in indirect or dappled light. This plant would be perfect in a corner across from a window or a spot near a north facing window. ZZ plants thrive on very little water, but it’s important to note that they are toxic to pets. If your pet likes to chew on leaves, stay away from this one.

4. Peace Lily

Most flowering plants like bright light, so it’s rare to find a plant that flowers and tolerates low light. If you’re looking for a classic plant that is easy to grow and works well in indirect or dim spots, then the peace lily is for you. Peace lilies aka spathiphyllum are classic houseplants for a reason. They’re incredibly easy to take care of, just keep the soil moist and mist every now and then.

5. Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior or the cast iron plants is one that lives up to its name. Just like cast iron, this plant is one of the hard to kill plants. What’s nice about these plants is they can tolerate a variety of temperatures. Sometimes you have to be careful on placing plants near radiators or drafts, but the cast iron plant can take varying conditions. Like most of the other plants I recommended, it also likes infrequent watering– perfect for frequent travelers.

Tips to Keep Low Light Plants Happy

• Don’t overwater. Too much love is the #1 killer of low light houseplants.
• Rotate them occasionally. Low light plants, just like all plants, like to be rotated, so each side of the plant gets access to light.
• Dust the leaves. Plants need to be able to breathe! If they’re dusty, give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

There’s the right plants for bedrooms, plants for bathrooms, plants for small spaces and even low light spaces if you know where to look. Start with something like these easy indoor plants for low light and before you know it, you’ll have a small collection and a new hobby! If all else fails, there’s always convincing faux plants too. Haha!

What are your favorite plants? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!