Not every home has the luxury of big, sunny windows—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on houseplants. There are plenty of stunning, low-maintenance plants that not only survive but thrive in low-light spaces. Whether you’ve got a dim hallway, shaded bedroom, or a north-facing room that never sees direct sun, these plants are ready to bring some life to the shadows.
Here’s a list of 10 easy-care houseplants that love low light and don’t mind a little shade.(
Table of Contents
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema )
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
- Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Final Thoughts
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema )
With its patterned, often colorful leaves and incredibly low-maintenance care routine, the Chinese Evergreen is a dream plant for dim spaces.
It handles low light with grace and adds a bright pop of green, pink, or silver wherever it’s placed.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article on Chinese Evergreen care.
Lighting needs
This plant grows happily in low to medium indirect light and even tolerates fluorescent lighting.
Too much direct sun can fade its vibrant leaf patterns.
Soil and watering
Use a standard, well-draining houseplant mix.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be careful not to overwater—it doesn’t like soggy roots.
Temperature and humidity
It prefers warm temperatures (65°F to 80°F) and moderate humidity.
Keep it away from cold drafts or air conditioners.
Best spot in the house
Perfect for bedrooms, shaded offices, or corners with minimal natural light.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible.
With its long, upright leaves and deep green color, it quietly handles shade and neglect better than almost any other houseplant.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article on Cast Iron Plant care.
Lighting needs
Thrives in low light or full shade.
It will also tolerate brighter areas as long as it’s not in direct sun.
Soil and watering
Plant in a well-draining potting mix and water when the top couple of inches feel dry.
It’s very drought-tolerant, so underwatering is better than overwatering.
Temperature and humidity
This plant prefers average indoor temps between 60°F and 75°F and does well in low humidity environments.
Best spot in the house
Ideal for hallways, offices, or any neglected corner where other plants won’t survive.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Delicate and refined, the Parlor Palm brings soft tropical charm to shady spots.
It grows slowly and steadily in low light, offering lush green fronds with very little maintenance.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article on Parlor Palm care.
Lighting needs
Does well in low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its fronds.
Soil and watering
Use a well-draining potting mix and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
These palms prefer consistent moisture but hate soggy soil.
Temperature and humidity
Thrives in 65°F to 80°F and adapts to average humidity.
Mist occasionally in drier homes.
Best spot in the house
A wonderful choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or shady corners with a vintage feel.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dieffenbachia is a bold, leafy plant that adds drama to any space, with large, variegated leaves that brighten up dim areas.
It’s low-effort and highly adaptable.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article on Dumb Cane care.
Lighting needs
Grows well in low to medium indirect light.
It doesn’t need much brightness to maintain its vibrant foliage.
Soil and watering
Use a peat-rich, well-draining soil.
Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet—let the top inch dry out before watering again.
Temperature and humidity
Prefers temperatures from 65°F to 80°F and likes moderate humidity.
Avoid cold drafts.
Best spot in the house
Great for offices, bedrooms, or living rooms with soft, filtered light.
Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
Corn Plants bring height and structure to indoor spaces with their sturdy stems and long, striped leaves.
They tolerate shade well and are easy to care for.
Lighting needs
Low to medium light is best.
Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Soil and watering
Use a loose, well-draining potting mix.
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Temperature and humidity
Grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.
It prefers moderate humidity but adjusts to household conditions easily.
Best spot in the house
Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices with minimal window light.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden Pothos is a vining superstar that’s famous for being almost impossible to kill.
It grows well in low light and looks gorgeous trailing from shelves or hanging baskets.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article Golden Pothos Care: A Trailing Favorite That’s Almost Impossible to Kill.
Lighting needs
Tolerates low light but variegation will fade in very dark spaces.
Avoid direct sunlight, which burns the leaves.
Soil and watering
Use a standard houseplant potting mix.
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again.
Temperature and humidity
Thrives in temps from 60°F to 85°F and is happy in normal indoor humidity.
Best spot in the house
Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens—especially when trailing from high places.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer Plants are lively, colorful, and thrive in soft light.
Their leaves fold upward at night and unfurl during the day, creating a bit of drama even in the shade.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article on Prayer Plant care.
Lighting needs
Low to medium indirect light is perfect. Direct sun will bleach or burn the leaves.
Soil and watering
Use a rich, well-draining mix and keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
Avoid letting it dry out completely.
Temperature and humidity
Loves warm rooms between 65°F and 80°F with higher humidity.
Misting or a humidifier helps prevent crispy edges.
Best spot in the house
Excellent for bathrooms, bedside tables, or shelves in softly lit rooms.
Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
This charming trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves is a low-light favorite.
It grows quickly in the shade and bounces back from a bit of neglect with ease.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article Philodendron Care: How to Grow These Versatile, Lush Houseplants Indoors.
Lighting needs
Low to medium indirect light is ideal.
It tolerates darker corners well, though it may stretch a bit over time.
Soil and watering
Use a standard indoor potting mix and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
It’s better to underwater than overdo it.
Temperature and humidity
Happy in 65°F to 80°F and tolerates standard household humidity. A little misting won’t hurt, especially in winter.
Best spot in the house
A lovely pick for shelves, bookcases, or bedrooms with soft, filtered light.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plants are tough, striking, and the ultimate low-light champions.
With sword-like leaves and a bold upright habit, they clean the air while thriving in neglect.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article Snake Plant Care Made Easy.
Lighting needs
Low, medium, or bright indirect light—it truly doesn’t mind.
Avoid direct sun, which can cause leaf damage.
Soil and watering
Use a gritty, well-draining soil like a cactus mix.
Water only when the soil is bone dry.
Temperature and humidity
Prefers temps between 60°F and 80°F and handles dry air without complaint.
Best spot in the house
Fantastic for bedrooms, entryways, bathrooms, or anywhere with low light and high style needs.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is a go-to choice for low-light homes. With its sleek, waxy leaves and architectural shape, it adds instant polish to any room while tolerating conditions that most plants can’t handle.
It can go weeks without watering, needs very little attention, and still looks like it belongs in a design magazine.
Basic Care Needs
Below are the basic care needs of this easy-care plant but if you want more detailed instructions read our article ZZ Plant Care Guide.
Lighting needs
ZZ Plants are among the most adaptable houseplants out there.
They grow happily in low light, artificial light, or indirect light from distant windows.
Bright light may speed up growth slightly, but it’s absolutely not required for them to thrive.
Soil and watering
Use a fast-draining mix like cactus soil or a standard indoor mix with added perlite.
Let the soil dry out completely before watering. ZZ Plants store water in their thick rhizomes, so they’re extremely drought-tolerant and can handle long dry spells.
Temperature and humidity
They prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and are totally unfazed by dry air.
No misting or humidity trays needed here—just set it and forget it.
Best spot in the house
Perfect for bedrooms, offices, hallways, or any room with low natural light.
It’s also great in corners where other plants might sulk.
Final Thoughts
A little light goes a long way when you’ve got the right plants.
Whether you’re working with a windowless hallway or a softly lit bedroom, these low-light champions will bring texture, greenery, and life into the quiet corners of your home—no grow light required.