Homes, offices, and gardens with limited natural light can transform their environments into spaces full of life and color by carefully selecting their plant species. plants that do not need direct light or that thrive in shady conditions, whether in low-sun outdoor areas, interior rooms, or hidden corners. This carefully prepared article, updated with the most relevant and detailed information, is the definitive guide for those who want to choose, care for, and enjoy Indoor and outdoor plants that require little or no direct light to grow.
Far from being a limitation, the lack of direct light is the perfect opportunity to discover a universe of fascinating, resilient, and, in many cases, highly decorative plants. Although all plants need light to survive, many of them have developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in partial shade, under the shade of trees, or even with minimal ambient light.. Next, we show you the best species for low-light environments, how to care for them, tips for keeping them healthy, and an expanded selection with all the varieties recommended by experts and that are a hit in today's decor.
Why are there plants that don't need direct light?
Many indoor and shade plants come from rainforests and tropical forests., where sunlight doesn't fall directly because it's filtered by the dense canopy. These species have evolved to take full advantage of diffused light, developing broad leaves, varied hues, and specific humidity and watering requirements. It is not the same to need little light, than to be able to survive without any light at all.: All of them require at least a minimum of ambient light to complete their life cycle, but some tolerate a lack of direct light and even thrive better in that situation.
- Great resistance and adaptability: Many can withstand sudden changes in temperature, drought or irregular watering.
- Ideal for apartments, offices and interior patios where the sun's rays barely reach.
- Low maintenance requirements and the ability to purify the air, in many cases.
General recommendations for caring for plants in low light
Although these plants require less light, there are essential aspects that you should know for its optimal development:
- Location: choose sites with indirect, artificial light or near windows without direct sunlightAvoid completely dark places.
- Irrigation: Water only when the substrate is dry, as Excess water and lack of evaporation due to lack of sun can rot the roots..
- HumidityMany of these species are of tropical origin and appreciate spraying their leaves or having trays of water nearby to increase humidity.
- Drainage: Use pots with drainage holes and aerated substrate.
- Cleaning: Remove dust from the leaves periodically so that they can capture all available light.
The best plants for low-light spaces
Aecmea (Aechmea fasciata)
The Aecmea is one of the most popular bromeliads for indoors for its great resistance and visual appeal. Formed by a rosette of green and silver leaves and a unique pink inflorescence that lasts for several months, it is perfect for giving a exotic and colorful touch to gloomy environmentsIt tolerates shade and indirect light, does not tolerate intense cold, and should be watered moderately, occasionally filling the central rosette and avoiding waterlogging of the substrate.
- Height: 30-35 cm
- Suitable for indoors and under trees
- Ideal for bathrooms and humid spaces
- Long-lasting inflorescence
Aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior)
La aspidistra known as "the iron plant" Due to its extraordinary resistance to lack of light, drought, dust, and temperature changes. Native to Asian forests, it grows well in entryways, hallways, covered patios, and any place that receives little natural light. It has large, glossy leaves that can be green or variegated and requires minimal maintenance. Ideal for those who want to forget about watering frequently or are just starting out with their first indoor plants. It tolerates temperatures down to -7°C, so it can be kept protected outdoors.
- Height: 40-50 cm
- Few weekly waterings
- Slow growth, long-lived
- Sensitive to excess water
Begonia (maculata begonia and other varieties)
The begonias are an excellent option for add flowers in shady places. Its beautiful mottled leaves, like those in the maculata begonia, and their blooms in shades of pink, red, or white brighten up any dark corner. They prefer high levels of humidity and regular watering, avoiding water stagnation. In addition to the maculata, the begonia semperflorens It is also popular for dimly lit interiors, while the Begonia rex It stands out for its spectacular decorative foliage.
- Usual height: 20-50 cm, depending on the variety
- Flowers almost all year round under suitable conditions
- Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
- Avoid drafts and extreme cold
Headband (Chlorophytum comosum)
Also known as spider plant o bad mother, the tape is one of the easiest and hardiest indoor plants. It tolerates shade perfectly.It thrives in low light and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Its air-purifying properties make it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms. It can produce runners that hang down and produce new plants, forming attractive clusters. It can thrive in dry environments, but appreciates moderate humidity. Overwatering can cause its leaves to yellow.
- Height: 30 cm (leaves up to 40 cm)
- Strong and long-lasting
- Purify the air
- Varieties with white or yellow edges
Sword fernnephrolepis high) and Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
The Fernsespecially the sword and the maidenhair, Ideal plants for decorating shaded areas in gardens and homes. Their long, trailing fronds give a fresh, wild feel. They require rich, moist soil, but never waterlogged. They prefer environments with high humidity, so they adapt very well to bathrooms and kitchens. The maidenhair fern (Adiantum) stands out for its fine and delicate leaves, while the nephrolepis can reach more than a meter in length. Both absolutely not recommended exposed to direct sunlight.
- Perfect for shaded gardens, patios and hanging baskets
- Keep the soil always moist, but not saturated.
- They require steam baths or frequent spraying
- They withstand very light frosts
Hypoestes (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
El hypoestes is a small tropical plant with leaves decorated with red, pink or white spots It stands out in any environment. It prefers shade and indirect light, although it thrives in warm, humid environments. It's very sensitive to excess water and cold, so it's recommended for controlled interiors.
- Height: 10-20 cm
- Brightly colored leaves
- Requires some control in irrigation
- Minimum temperature: 10ºC
Mother-in-law's tongueSansevieria trifasciata)
La sansevieria, also known as Saint George's sword or mother-in-law's tongue, is the queen of indestructible low-light plants. It tolerates shade, drought and neglect, and noticeably purifies indoor airIts long, stiff, fleshy leaves can be green, mottled, or with yellow margins. While it prefers some ambient light, it thrives in very dimly lit rooms. It is also one of the plants recommended by NASA for purifying the air and improving nighttime rest.
- Height: 30 to 120 cm depending on the variety
- Upright and succulent leaves
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Little watering: only when the substrate is completely dry
Elephant ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos) and other alocasias)
The alocasias They attract attention due to the size and spectacular nature of their leaves, which can reach more than 50 cm in length. They prefer indirect light, high humidity and warm temperatures, although they tolerate shade better than other large plants. They are ideal for bathrooms with diffused light or interior tropical spacesThe substrate should be moist but never soaked. Some species tolerate light frosts.
- Height: from 60 cm to more than 1,5 m depending on the variety
- Striking and exotic foliage
- They appreciate frequent spraying
- Avoid drafts
Lounge palm tree (Chamaedorea elegans) and other indoor palm trees
La living room palm tree (Chamaedorea elegans) is the palm tree par excellence for dark interiors. It tolerates dense shade and develops an elegant, slender shape with deep green, pinnate leaves. Ideal for hallways, living rooms, and offices. It requires little watering and appreciates high humidity, but it does not tolerate standing water at the base. Other palm trees for low light include the kentia (Howea forsteriana), also highly appreciated for its resistance and adaptability to closed environments.
- Height: up to 2 m in pot
- Thin trunk
- Little maintenance
- Requires well-drained soils
Pothos (aureum) and other shade climbers
El pothos o pothos is A climbing plant that is more resistant and grateful for indoors with little lightIts heart-shaped, green, or variegated leaves survive without direct sunlight, although their color is more intense with some light. It can be grown in water or soil, requires little watering, and grows quickly. For more ideas on climbing plants, visit shade plantsIdeal for shelves, supports, and as a hanging plant. Other shade-loving climbers include: Philodendron scandens y Monstera delicious (Adam's rib, although the latter prefers clarity).
- Moderate watering
- Drought tolerant
- Purify the air
- It can reach several meters in length.
