The Best Plant Picks for Low Light Areas

If you live in a dim home or apartment and can’t even imagine the idea of nurturing plants effectively, it’s likely that you just haven’t considered the right types of greenery for your environment. Some plants thrive beautifully in low-light settings, which is great for a couple of reasons: namely, they’ll allow you to indulge your green thumb when you thought you couldn’t, and they’ll liven up a darker space with their personality and style.

That alone is reason enough to delve further into those plants that actually perform best when they’re in the shade. It’s this factor that sets them apart from their light-loving cousins that relish every moment of their time under those potent ultraviolet rays. Here are a handful of choices to keep in mind for the home.

Spider Plants

Hanging Bonnie Spider Plant by Plantshed.com

It’s fairly difficult to harm a spider plant. There’s a reason that this plant is so popular, and it’s largely due to the fact that it adapts to virtually any environment with ease. Those “spiderettes,” as they’re known, will grow robustly even if your plant isn’t situated in the direct path of sunlight — and even if you use artificial light instead. A somewhat sunny room will suffice, but don’t be afraid to place it in a room without windows either. Just keep an eye on the soil, taking the time to water it regularly to prevent it from becoming dehydrated.

Snake Plants

Snake Plant Laurentii by Plantshed.com

Another popular option that performs well even in dim lighting is the snake plant. It’s beloved largely for its dramatic look, and it’s nearly amazing that it can perform so well with such little maintenance necessary. The snake plant will grow well in partial shade, but can even be placed in a space without any shade. The only caveat relating to a snake plant is the fact that it’s toxic to animals. Finally, be mindful of how much you water it. Too much can leave it vulnerable to rotting since there isn’t enough light to dry out the soil and prevent oversaturation.

English Ivy

If you love the idea of nurturing a plant with a romantic look, consider an English ivy plant. This beauty is traditionally found outside and commonly serves as ground cover, but can look just as mesmerizing inside the house when planted in a hanging basket. You’ll love the way the plants trail downwards and lend the room some added character. Ideally, it should receive indirect light, along with daily misting to support sufficient humidity levels. This plant is also toxic to animals, so keep that in mind as you shop.

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant in Plant Lady Pot by Plantshed.com

When all else fails, and you desperately want a plant but have absolutely no place to keep one, consider a ZZ plant. It’s a fail-safe option for decorating a windowless bathroom or home office that could use a little pop of energy and natural beauty. They’re tolerant of many conditions beyond indirect lighting, such as droughts. In fact, they perform better if they’re exposed to less moisture and the soil dries out. With a little bit of light, you can expect the foliage to come in sharp and dark green, but those leaves will make their appearance either way.

While you can find many different plants that perform just fine without light, it’s generally best to find a spot in the home that’s exposed to at least a hint of sun. If that’s not possible, aim to expose the plant to an artificial grow light for several hours a day. Shop low-light plants on plantshed.com.