The 12 Best Low-Light Plants for Dark Apartments
You don't need a sun-drenched studio to have a thriving plant collection. These 12 species genuinely thrive in dim conditions — and some actually prefer it.
Sophia Greene
March 15, 2025
The 12 Best Low-Light Plants for Dark Apartments
Living in a north-facing apartment or a basement flat doesn't mean you have to give up on indoor plants. While no plant can truly grow in total darkness, these 12 species have evolved to thrive in the filtered, low-light conditions of forest understories — and they'll do beautifully in your dimly-lit home.
What "Low Light" Actually Means
Before we dive in, let's be clear about what low light means. If you can comfortably read a book without turning on a light during daytime, your space has enough light for these plants. If you need artificial light to see clearly during the day, supplement with a basic grow light.
The 12 Best Choices
1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The undisputed champion of neglect and low light. Its thick rhizomes store water and nutrients, and it's adapted to grow under the dense canopy of tropical East Africa. Will even survive under fluorescent office lighting.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Practically indestructible. Performs CAM photosynthesis, meaning it can function with remarkably little light. Place in the darkest corner of your home and water monthly.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The golden standard for low-light trailing plants. While it grows fastest in bright light, it genuinely thrives in low light. Note: variegation fades to all-green in dark conditions — but the plant remains healthy.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
One of the few plants that will actually flower in low light. Its white spathes bring elegance to dark corners. Also one of NASA's top-rated air purifiers.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Named for its toughness. Tolerates not just low light but also drafts, temperature fluctuations, and irregular watering. Slow-growing but virtually immortal.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The more green the variety, the more shade it tolerates. The solid-green 'Green Lady' and 'Emerald Bay' are excellent choices. Beautiful patterned leaves add interest without requiring bright light.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Similar to Pothos in light requirements and trailing habit, but with more velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Grows well in lower light than most Philodendrons.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Prefers filtered, medium-low light. Bathrooms with a small window are ideal — the humidity helps enormously. Not quite as dark-tolerant as the others on this list, but worth including for its lush visual impact.
9. Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)
The corn plant tolerates low light better than most, maintaining its striped foliage in dim conditions. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
10. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Not actually bamboo, but a Dracaena that thrives in very low light and can grow in water alone. A nearly foolproof option.
11. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Small but stunning. The intricate silver or red veining on deep green leaves creates incredible texture. Thrives in terrariums and low-light vivariums.
12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The most shade-tolerant palm available. Brings a graceful tropical feel to dim rooms. Grow in a cluster for maximum impact.
Pro Tips for Low-Light Spaces
