7 Low-Light Houseplants to Brighten Your Home
November 5, 2025
Gardening & Plants
Pet & Grooming
Not every corner of your home gets a sunny window. That doesn’t mean those spaces have to feel dull or bare. Indoor low-light houseplants can brighten up a hallway, office, or living room nook, even if the blinds are usually closed.
The Best Houseplants for Low Light Rooms
Here are some of the top low-light houseplants that are hardy, forgiving, and will thrive in the shady spots of your home.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives in deep shade and doesn’t mind being forgotten for a while. Perfect for those out-of-the-way corners where nothing else seems to grow.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Unlike most shade-loving plants, peace lilies actually bloom. Their white flowers brighten up darker rooms, and they’re known for helping clean the air. This makes them one of the more popular low-light flowering plants.
Philodendron
With dozens of varieties to choose from, philodendrons are versatile and forgiving. They thrive well in shaded rooms, require minimal care, and bring lush greenery indoors.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos are known for their trailing vines, which look great in a hanging basket or on a shelf. They adapt well to different light levels, making them good houseplants for low-light areas. Snip a piece, put it in water, and you’ve got a new plant in no time!
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you want a plant that practically takes care of itself, start here. Snake plants are incredibly hardy, handle low light exceptionally well, and don’t require much water. They’re one of the best choices for beginners who don’t want to fuss with schedules.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a favorite for dim corners because it thrives with little attention. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a modern touch to any space, and it’s one of the easiest low-light houseplants you can find.
Bonus: Pet-Friendly Low Light Houseplants
Have pets at home? Don’t worry, you still have options.
Try an areca palm, parlor palm, or calathea. These are safe picks if you need low-light houseplants safe for cats or dogs, and don’t want to sacrifice greenery for peace of mind.
Check out 9 Pet-Safe House Plants for more ideas.
Comparison Guide of Low-Light Houseplants
From watering needs to whether a plant is safe for pets, this guide makes it easy to pick the best low-light houseplants for your home.
| Plant | Light Needs | Watering Needs | Special Features | Pet-Safe?* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron Plant | Low light | Every 2–3 weeks, drought-tolerant | Extremely hardy, slow grower | Yes |
| Peace Lily | Low light | Weekly, keep soil moist | Air-purifying, occasional flowers | No |
| Philodendron | Low to medium | Weekly, allow soil to dry | Many varieties, easy to grow | No |
| Pothos | Low to medium | Weekly, allow soil to dry | Fast-growing, trailing vines | No |
| Snake Plant | Low to medium | Every 2–3 weeks, drought-tolerant | Tall, architectural leaves | No |
| ZZ Plant | Low to medium | Every 2–3 weeks, very forgiving | Glossy leaves, low maintenance | No |
| Areca Palm | Low to medium | Weekly, keep soil evenly moist | Air-purifying, tall, graceful fronds | Yes |
| Parlor Palm | Low to medium | Weekly, let the topsoil dry | Classic indoor palm, compact size | Yes |
| Calathea | Low light | Keep soil evenly moist | Striking patterned leaves | Yes |
*Always check specific varieties, as toxicity can vary.
Tips for Caring for Low-Light Houseplants
Just because these plants don’t need much sun doesn’t mean they don’t need a little attention. With a few simple habits, you can keep your indoor houseplants looking fresh and healthy.
1. Go easy on the water. Growth is slower in shady spots, which means the soil takes longer to dry out. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s still damp, wait a few days before watering. Overwatering is the quickest way to lose even the easiest houseplants.
2. Dust off the leaves. Dust blocks the small amount of light these plants do get. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every couple of weeks to allow them to breathe and absorb light more effectively.
3. Rotate the pot. Plants naturally reach toward the nearest light source. Give them a quarter turn once a week to encourage even growth and keep them from leaning too far in one direction.
Read How to Stop Overwatering Your Houseplants for more watering tips.
Green Up Your Space with Low-Light Houseplants
You don’t need a sunroom or south-facing windows to enjoy the beauty of houseplants. These low-light houseplants prove that greenery can thrive even in the shadier corners of your home. They’re easy to care for, add fresh color, and even help clean the air. All while asking very little in return.
Ready to green up your home? Stop by your local Wilco Farm Store or browse Wilco’s gardening supplies to find the pots, planters, and tools you’ll need to get started.
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