Greetings, indoor gardeners and plant enthusiasts! Let's shine a light (or not, as it happens) on the world of houseplants that can thrive in low light conditions. These are plants that are not only tough and tolerant but also beautiful and rewarding to grow. Our lineup includes Pothos, Syngonium, Aglaonema, Peace Lilies, and ZZ Plants. Get ready to transform those shadowy corners into vibrant, green sanctuaries!

How to Know if You Have Low Light

Determining if you have low light conditions in your home for your houseplants is simpler than you might think. Start by observing the shadows in your space. Low light areas generally have no clear shadows or they're very faint because the natural light doesn't directly hit these areas. You can also consider the direction your windows are facing. In the Northern hemisphere, North-facing windows often provide low light.

Remember, "low light" doesn't mean "no light," so your plants still need some light to perform photosynthesis. An area is considered too dark if you can't comfortably read a book there during the day without additional lighting. Let your plants guide you too. If they're stretching towards the light or their new growth is smaller or less vibrant, they might need more light than they're getting.

Here are my top 5 best houseplant recommendations for low light conditions inside the home.

Pothos: The Resilient Vine

Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are members of the Epipremnum genus and tend to be some of the hardiest, most low-maintenance houseplant for low light conditions inside the home or office. Its versatility and impressive vining nature make it a favorite among plant lovers whether it trails from a hanging basket or climbs up a moss pole.

• Lighting Needs: Adaptable to a variety of light conditions, but one of the most content plants in low light.
• Watering: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: Thrives in 60-80°F.
• Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Pet Safety: Contains toxins that can be harmful if ingested by pets.
• Popular Varieties: Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Neon Pothos.

Syngonium: The Versatile Arrowhead

Syngoniums, or Arrowhead plants, are often treasured for their variety of leaf colors, shapes, and variegations. The diversity of the seemingly endless varieties and this plant family's general adaptability to a variety of lighting conditions makes it especially perfect for low-light spaces.

• Lighting Needs: Low to medium indirect light.
• Watering: Water when top inch of soil is dry.
• Soil: Likes a well-draining, but rich potting mix.
• Temperature: Ideal between 60-75°F.
• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but adapts to average levels.
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
• Pet Safety: Not pet-friendly.
• Popular Varieties: White Butterfly, Pink Strawberry, and Milk Confetti.
  
  

Aglaonema: The Radiant Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema plants are also called Chinese Evergreen plants and are celebrated for their beautiful, patterned leaves and I'm so often surprised by how healthy and vibrant they can come across in even the mostly dimly lit corners. This resilient plant is perfect for beginners and can brighten up any low-light area.

• Lighting Needs: Thrives in low to medium light.
• Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry.
• Soil: Enjoys a well-draining, but rich soil mix.
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F.
• Humidity: Adapts well to a range of humidity levels.
• Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Pet Safety: Can be toxic to pets if ingested.
• Popular Varieties: Silver Bay, Lady Valentine, and Red Siam.
  
  

Peace Lilies: The Graceful & Trusted Friend

Peace Lilies are not just lovely, but they’re great for beginners because they’ll weep dramatically when they need to be watered and then perk up gracefully once you’ve done your plant care duty. Despite their delicate appearance, they are surprisingly easy to care for, even in low light, and come in a growing diversity of variations.

• Lighting Needs: Flourishes in low to medium indirect light.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Soil: Opt for a well-draining, but rich potting mix.
• Temperature: Likes it warm, between 65-80°F.
• Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity levels but is adaptable.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once in spring and summer.
• Pet Safety: Not pet-safe.
• Popular Varieties: Spathiphyllum wallisii, Domino, and Sensation.

ZZ Plants: The Indestructible Gem

The ZZ Plant is one of the superheroes of the low light plant world - it's nearly indestructible and can survive even in the dimmest corners of your home or office.

• Lighting Needs: Prefers low to bright indirect light.
• Watering: Allow soil to dry out fully before watering.
• Soil: Requires a well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: Tolerates a wide range, but best between 60-75°F.
• Humidity: Can handle low to average humidity.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once every 4-6 months.
• Pet Safety: Not pet-friendly.
• Popular Varieties: Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Raven, and Zenzi.
  
  
  

Summarizing the Top 5 Best Houseplants for Low Light

• Pothos: Resilient, vining, and low-maintenance.
• Syngonium: Versatile and adaptive.
• Aglaonema: Beautiful patterns and resilient.
• Peace Lilies: Delicate, graceful and best for beginners.
• ZZ Plants: Near-indestructible and perfect for dim corners.
  
  

With these low-light-loving plants in your arsenal, your indoor garden can flourish even in the less sunny spaces of your home. Embrace the joy of houseplants and indoor gardening, no matter the light situation, and let's grow your indoor jungle!

What Next?

Check out my full, curated collection of low light plants and, as always, feel free to connect with other plant parents in my online plant club or reach out directly for a personal consult if you'd like help plant styling your interiors.

I can't wait to grow with you!

James