All houseplants need a few key elements to thrive, but the most important is sunlight. Exposure to sunlight allows plants to absorb energy and grow, sprout, and bloom. But what if your home doesn't get enough sunlight?
Don't worry: Every houseplant has different needs, and some will thrive (and even thrive) in low-light environments, meaning spaces with very little natural light. Here are 14 expert-recommended houseplants for shady rooms.
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What is considered low light for plants?
It's important to note that all plants need some light. A pitch-black basement is very different from, say, a shady living room. In a low-light environment, plants will be at least a few feet away from a window that doesn't get direct sunlight during the day, or the room may not have any natural light at all. Some plants will tolerate and grow in low-light environments, but they may grow more slowly than they would if they were exposed to more light.
Fernwood Mikado (Sansevieria 'Fernwood')
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A dwarf version of the popular Sansevieria, the Fernwood Mikado belongs to the Dracaena genus and is known to thrive under neglect, Sabharwal said.
These plants grow quickly in bright conditions but can easily adapt to low-light conditions (similar to Sansevieria). Keep Fernwood Mikado in dry conditions, as it has a large root ball and stores water in case of drought, says Sabharwal.
Care Tips
Light: Bright lightSoil: Sandy soil, such as cactus potting mediumWater: Allow the plant to dry completely between wateringSize: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wideToxic to pets
Peperomia Green (Peperomia obtusifolia)
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Peperomia obtusifolia, also known as the baby rubber plant, is a versatile member of the pepper family. This cute plant prefers bright, indirect light, but Sabharwal says it can also thrive in spaces with low, indirect light. (In any case, keep your peperomia out of direct sunlight, as it will die quickly.)
Another benefit? “The semi-succulent nature of these plants means they can store water in their fleshy stems and leaves and access it when needed,” says Sabharwal.
Care Tips
Light: Medium to bright indirect light Soil: Loose, well-drained soil Water: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering Size: Up to 1 foot tall Safe for pets
Silver Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum)
Dashing Plant
Don't be fooled by its gorgeous, velvety foliage: Silver philodendrons (also known as satin pothos) are relatively easy to care for, says Steinkopf. This beautiful vine can thrive in a shady room without direct sunlight and can wait to water until the topsoil has completely dried out.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect light Soil: Light, well-drained soil Water: Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry between waterings Size: Up to 15 feet tall Toxic to pets
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
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Arrowhead vine, which grows longer as it matures, prefers partial shade. “If you can find a green variety, it will thrive in low light and do well near a north-facing window or an interior window,” says Steinkopf.
Because Arrowheads have thin leaves, they need to be kept evenly moist and don't like dry conditions. Try placing them on a tray lined with pebbles to help maintain their natural humidity.
Care Tips
Light: Bright, diffuse light Soil: Moist, well-drained soil Water: Keep soil moist, but not too wet Size: 3-6 feet tall Toxic to pets
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)
Sill
Ferns can generally tolerate low light: “I plant all my ferns in an east-facing window or a few feet away from it,” says Steinkopf. Bird's nest ferns do well in shady locations, as do footed ferns such as rabbit's foot fern.
Ferns have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but as long as you keep them moist, they make great houseplants, says Steinkopf: Place them on a tray lined with pebbles to increase humidity, and be sure to water them before the soil dries out.
Care Tips
Light: Partial shade Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil Water: Water when the soil surface is dry Size: 3-5 feet tall Harmless to pets
Neon Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum 'Neon')
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Unlike other pothos varieties, neon pothos cannot tolerate direct sunlight, says Sherlock. “It adds a pop of colour to any plant display, and its neon green leaves often have dark green speckles. It also won't get too big or grow too quickly.”
Neon pothos are prone to root rot (especially if they don't get enough sun), so allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Care Tips
Light: Partial shade Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry Size: Up to 8 inches tall, up to 40 feet wide Toxic to pets
Grape Ivy (Cissus Rhombifolia)
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Named for its resemblance to grape vines, grape ivy (also called oakleaf ivy) is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions.
Ivy doesn't like to dry out, so Steinkopf recommends keeping it evenly moist. Watering it frequently will help it grow faster. Guide ivy up a trellis or obelisk to create a vertical effect inside your home.
Care Tips
Light: Medium to bright indirect light Soil: Breathable, well-drained soil Water: Water when soil is dry to the touch Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide Safe for pets
Calathea (Calathea Spp.)
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Calatheas can tolerate low-light conditions and have beautiful foliage, Steinkopf says, though the patterned plants can be a bit tricky to care for.
Calatheas prefer to be watered with anything other than fluoridated tap water, and Steinkopf recommends using bottled water instead to prevent browning tips, edges, and spots. Calatheas like to be kept moist and prefer high humidity, making them a great choice for shady kitchens or bathrooms. “They're beautiful plants, so the extra care is worth it,” says Steinkopf.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect, filtered light Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil Water: Keep soil moist and use bottled water Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide Safe for pets
Spiderwort (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider web plants thrive in moist areas and are easy to care for. Lynne Brotchie/Getty Images
There's a reason this plant pops up in so many office environments: it can thrive in low-light environments. And the good news is that it's easy to propagate: just wait for little baby plants to branch out from the main plant, then submerge them in water to root.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect light Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil Water: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering Size: Up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide Safe for pets
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
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Cast iron plants get their common name because they can grow in almost any type of light and soil with minimal watering, but they should be grown in low or indirect light to prevent the green leaves from turning white.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect light Soil: Well-drained soil Water: Allow soil to dry between watering Size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide Safe for pets
Monstera Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
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The ultra-popular “Swiss cheese” houseplant may look like a plant that needs lots of sun, but in the wild, Monstera grows under the rainforest canopy and prefers dappled, indirect light. (If you live in zones 10 to 12, it also makes a great outdoor plant.)
Care Tips
Light: Indirect, filtered lightSoil: Light, well-drained soilWater: Allow the top 1/3 inch of soil to dry between wateringSize: Up to 15 feet tall, up to 8 feet wideToxic to pets
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
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Not only does lucky bamboo thrive in low light conditions, it also doesn't require soil – you can plant it in a container of water and pebbles, or keep it in a vase filled with water.
Fun fact: the number of plants you plant together has special meaning. Choose three plants that represent happiness, longevity, and wealth.
Care Tips
Light: Indirect, filtered lightSoil: Well-drained soil or a container of water and pebblesWater: If using the pebble or vase method, change the water weekly and use distilled or spring waterSize: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wideToxic to pets
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
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English ivy grows best in indirect natural light, but will also thrive in low light areas, making it a great hanging plant if you're looking for a plant to brighten up a dark corner.
Care Tips
Light: Bright indirect light Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil Water: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering Size: Up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide Safe for pets
Pilea (Pilea peperomia)
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Also known as the Chinese Money Plant for its beautiful coin-shaped leaves, this popular plant can tolerate some neglect, low light, and lack of water (beginner plant growers, take note!).
Care Tips
Light: Indirect light Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Water: Allow soil to dry between watering Size: Up to 1 foot in height and width Safe for pets
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