Indoor plants that flourish beneath forest canopy in the wild are ideal for growing in low-light conditions. Whereas the majority of houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, these shady characters don't demand the spotlight. They will tolerate a degree of darkness and thrive in the medium light levels of north or east-facing windowsills. In particularly dark positions, choosing cultivars that have variegated or paler leaves will help to brighten the space. Shade-tolerant gems include prayer plants and peace lilies, as well as the following 12 undemanding plants.
Low-light houseplants for an easy life
The most robust houseplants are unfazed by taxing conditions, from draughts to low light, and can cope with forgetful waterers.
A gorgeous thug, the golden pothos has heart-shaped green leaves splashed with yellow and cream and will grow almost anywhere. There are several forms of this resilient climber and those with lighter leaves (such as 'Neon') can lift dark rooms. Let young pothos tumble from hanging pots and send mature plants up poles.
The ZZ is a bulletproof air-purifying evergreen from the eastern coast of Africa. Producing upright ladders of glossy dark-green architectural leaves, it adds drama. Because the leaves last for a very long time, one of its common names is eternity plant and this longevity enables it to tolerate low-light conditions and scant watering.
Low-light houseplants for air purification
In homes where opening windows is best avoided (such as houses on main roads), air-purifying plants can help to reduce indoor pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide.
Hailing from the tropics of Africa, this much-loved plant – which is back in fashion – thrives in the humidity of a kitchen or bathroom. The variegated leaves arch and mature specimens send out stems laden with baby plantlets, and, therefore, spider plants look superb in hanging pots.
This striking succulent, armed with upright fleshy sword leaves, is low maintenance and can purify the air in heavily polluted rooms. As long as the snake plant is not overwatered or kept in a humid environment, it is incredibly easy to look after and able to withstand a range of conditions, including a shady corner.
Low-light houseplants for foliage
Having a lot of leafy plants in the home boosts wellbeing. Combine different shapes and textures for a stunning display and opt for lighter green tones in darker rooms.
From the tropical biome of Brazil, this beautiful arum with glossy dissected leaves and woody stems enjoys the moist conditions of a bathroom. In the right conditions, it can reach 1 metre by 1 metre or more.
Producing an airy mass of fine, feathery apple-green foliage, this African evergreen perennial allows the light in, making it perfect for a north or east-facing window. Eventually, the outer stems arch, so it can be grown in a dangling pot.
Low-light houseplants for hanging
Trailing houseplants are wonderful for adding enchantment to decor, either tumbling from hanging containers or flowing from pots atop a shelf or cabinet, and there are several that tolerate shade.
Ivies are tough shade-tolerant climbers that thrive in both gardens and houses, and are thus capable of withstanding lower temperatures than most indoor plants, as well as draughts. Opting for yellow or variegated forms helps to brighten dark rooms.
Bearing a long plume of lance leaves that are mottled with pale green above and purple underneath, this Asian epiphyte looks good from every angle. Growing in warm, damp woodland in the wild, it relishes the humidity of a kitchen or bathroom.
Low-light houseplants for bathrooms
Indoor plants that originate from damp forest habitat will enjoy the humid environment of a bathroom and cope with low-light levels.
A characterful epiphyte from the humid forests of Australia, this fern is perfect for the moist conditions of a bathroom or kitchen. Its antler-shaped leaves can grow to 90 centimetres long and look fabulous arching over a hanging pot.
This tumbling liana ought to be grown more, quickly forming a generous cloud of attractive foliage, even in challenging conditions, such as low light. Native to the damp forests of Central and South America, it does well in a misty bathroom.
Low-light houseplants for size
Larger houseplants are excellent for injecting lush, leafy impact, even in small to medium rooms.
Capable of growing to 2 metres tall in undesirable conditions (such as cool air and low light), the good-old parlour palm is deservedly popular. Bearing widely-spaced airy fronds of emerald green, it is suitably lightweight for shady rooms.
This reliable African shrub sends up bushy heads of glossy leaves atop multiple wide, woody stems, producing an architectural look. Choose hybrids with variegated leaves, such as 'Lemon Lime' or 'Golden Queen', to infuse a space with light.
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