Would you like to fill your home or office with life even when there is barely any natural light? It is very common to think that plants can only survive with abundant sunlight, but the reality is different. There are numerous indoor plants that thrive and develop even in very low light conditions, and some even prefer it.If you've ever used the excuse that your house is dark as an excuse to avoid having plants, forget it: you can create a real garden in any dark corner with the right species.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find a detailed list of plants that grow in the dark, with explanations, care tips, characteristics, and tricks to help you transform any dull environment into a green oasis, regardless of whether you have limited gardening experience or are simply looking for hardy, easy-to-maintain species.
Why can some plants grow in low light?
Plants that tolerate darkness or deep shade usually come from dense forests or tropical rainforests, where their adaptation to life under the tree canopy is difficult. has led them to develop perfectly with indirect light or, sometimes, with artificial lightingThese plants have optimized their ability to photosynthesize with less energy, making them ideal for:
- Dark corners of the home, hallways, windowless bathrooms, basements, or interior offices.
- Rooms with windows facing north or covered by buildings, trees or other obstacles.
- Offices with fluorescent lighting or rooms with thick curtains.
In addition, many of these plants stand out for their low maintenance, their great resistance and sometimes, for their ability to purify the air.Want to learn more about them and how to get the most out of them? Take note of the following species and tips.
Indoor plants that grow in the dark: a detailed list
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Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
This popular fern, known for its delicate, dense, feathery foliage, is a top choice for shady spaces. It tolerates a lack of direct light, but prefers cool, humid environments., making it ideal for bathrooms with small windows or rooms with moderate humidity. It requires frequent watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
A trick: Place the fern in a shallow clay or ceramic pot and give it space, since its roots are fibrous and spread easily.
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Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
This shrubby plant native to East Africa is one of the hardiest for low-light interiors. Its fleshy, shiny leaves store water, making it a perfect choice for those who forget to water or are inexperienced.
It tolerates indirect light to full shade., although its growth will be slower in extreme shade. It provides oxygen at night, so it can be placed in the bedroom. Be careful with excess water: let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
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selaginella
With a moss-like appearance, Selaginella excels in terrariums and as a table plant. It hardly needs natural light and appreciates constant humidity., making it ideal for glass domes or sealed bottles. Its stems fold when the environment is dry, forming a bud that regains its shape when humidity increases.
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Calathea
Calatheas are true decorative gems due to their uniquely patterned foliage and varied colors. They do not like direct sunlight or intense light.They thrive best in environments with dim, indirect light. Keep them in moist soil and away from drafts, as they also don't tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
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Potus (Epipremnum aureum)
This fast-growing climber is perfect for high shelves, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover. It does not require direct light and survives in semi-shade and even deep shade.However, a complete lack of light will cause its leaves to lose their mottled patterns and turn dark green. It's very hardy, easy to care for, and suitable for beginners.
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is famous for both its glossy green foliage and striking white, flower-like spathes. It can grow in dimly lit rooms, although it will bloom more with some indirect light. It's one of the best plants for purifying the air and can tolerate forgotten watering. Its white leaves actually protect the tiny flower inside.
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Dieffenbachia
Prized for its large, green, white, and yellow mottled leaves, dieffenbachia tolerates shade and is easy to maintain. Not only does it tolerate low light conditions, but it is also decorative and fast-growing.It is important to keep in mind that it is toxic to pets and children, so it is best to keep it out of their reach.
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Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also called 'mother-in-law's tongue', it is known for its resistance. It is able to remain alive for weeks in complete darkness and hardly requires watering.It tolerates hot, dry, and poorly ventilated environments. Its growth is slow in shade, but this is compensated by its longevity and low maintenance requirements. It also purifies the air and releases oxygen at night.
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Ribbons (Chlorophytum comosum)
The tape is ideal for beginners. It adapts perfectly to the lack of light and suffers from direct sunlight.It stays healthy with regular watering and appreciates misting in dry environments. It's popular for its ability to purify toxins from the air and its rapid growth.
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Elkhorn fern (Platycerium)
This fern has long, wide, characteristic antler-shaped leaves. Tolerates full shade and high humidityRegular watering and avoiding dry air are essential for proper development.
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Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)
This climbing plant with heart-shaped green leaves is ideal for hanging or placing on shelves. Thrives in shade and semi-shade, and it's easy to maintain. It also contributes to air purification.
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Dracaena (Dracaena marginata and other varieties)
Dracaenas are small palm-like plants. They love shade or diffused lightThey reject direct sunlight and thrive in cool, indoor environments without much light. It's a good idea to let the substrate dry between waterings to prevent rot.
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Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy is a hardy, low-maintenance climbing plant that can survive in very low light. It does not like direct sunlight and adapts well to humid areas such as bathrooms.It is not optimal for windowless rooms, but can grow near north-facing windows or in dimly lit environments.
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Soleirolia (Soleirolia soleirolii or 'covering plant')
With small, rounded leaves and a fluffy appearance, soleirolia is excellent for hanging or covering shady surfaces. It requires a lot of humidity and shade, since direct sunlight burns it quickly.It is ideal as a companion for tall plants or in indoor micro-gardens.
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Neoregelia (Shade Bromeliad)
This bromeliad adapts well to shade and artificial lighting, making it a striking choice for dimly lit bathrooms or living rooms. Its leaves are arranged in a rosette, and it can flourish even in low-light environments if the humidity is adequate.
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Spathiphyllum or Moses' Cradle (Spathiphyllum)
Already mentioned as the peace lily, this plant deserves a second mention for its extreme ease of maintenance in low-light environments and its ability to flourish even in indirect light. Furthermore, it is considered one of the best air-filtering plants according to international studies.
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Aglaonema
Very popular for the color variety of its leaves, it tolerates low light and requires moderate watering. It's perfect for hallways, entryways, or windowless rooms, as it maintains its vibrancy and color without problems.
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Aspidistra elatior
Considered one of the hardiest indoor plants, it can grow in almost full shade, tolerates forgotten watering, and tolerates mild frost. It's used in offices, hallways, and areas where few other plants survive.
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Aloe vera
This succulent, in addition to its renowned medicinal properties, can tolerate indirect light and adapts to dimly lit interiors. It doesn't require frequent watering and should be planted in well-draining pots.
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Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
One of the few flowering houseplants that tolerates a lack of direct light. Varieties come in intense colors such as orange, red, yellow, and pink. It is hardy and requires little watering because it stores water in its fleshy leaves.
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Peperomia
Peperomia caperata tolerates shady environments, is compact, and requires very moderate watering. It's ideal for desks, small spaces, or dimly lit corners.
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clivia
An easy-care plant, appreciated for its orange or yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in low-light indoor areas. It prefers moderate temperatures.
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Begonias
Begonias, with their vibrant blooms and decorative leaves, are perfect for dark indoor environments. They require frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater to prevent root fungus.
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Anthurium
Another long-flowering plant with glossy leaves that tolerates a lack of direct sunlight. Thanks to its hardiness and beauty, it's a common feature in offices and living rooms with artificial lighting.
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African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Blooming almost year-round, it's ideal for adding color to shady rooms. It only requires diffused, never direct, light and moderate immersion watering.
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tricolor maranta
Known as the 'prayer plant,' its leaves fold up at night. It thrives in warm, humid environments with well-filtered light.
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Monstera deliciosa (Adam's rib)
Famous for its large, openwork leaves, it tolerates a lack of direct light and is perfect for creating green environments in large but dimly lit rooms.
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Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Easy to maintain, yucca is ideal for low-light interiors. It tolerates drought and adds an exotic, architectural touch to any space.
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
A succulent that blooms in winter and doesn't tolerate direct sunlight. It requires indirect light and more frequent watering than other cacti, adapting perfectly to darker homes.
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Hoya or wax flower
Its fleshy leaves accumulate water, so it requires little watering. It thrives in warm environments with very indirect or artificial light.
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Sedum
Hanging sedum species, such as sedum morganianum, they tolerate shade and are ideal for elevated shelves or hanging pots.
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Tradescantia (money plant or misery herb)
With striped leaves and bright colors, it tolerates both shade and artificial light. It's decorative and recommended for offices or dimly lit rooms.
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Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
A great classic of interior design, it withstands low natural light conditions and requires moderate watering.
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Bromeliad (Bromelia aechmea, Tillandsia)
It adapts to indirect light and dry or humid environments depending on the species.
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Money plant (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Considered a symbol of good luck, it requires diffused light and weekly watering.
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Kentia (Howea forsteriana)
Indoor palm tree that tolerates shade and humidity, ideal for dimly lit living rooms or secluded corners.
Tips and tricks for caring for plants in low-light environments
- Adjust the frequency of watering: Many shade plants need less water. Wait until the substrate is dry to the touch before watering again.
- Monitor ambient humidity: Plants such as ferns and marantas require frequent misting or trays of water nearby to increase humidity.
- Fertilize in moderation: Don't overuse fertilizer. Apply specific fertilizers for indoor plants diluted in water only during the growing season.
- Clean the leaves: Dust can reduce light absorption. Wipe it with a damp cloth regularly to keep the plant healthy.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: Shade plants prefer constant temperatures, away from radiators, air conditioning, or drafts.
- Use suitable pots: Prefer clay pots to improve substrate breathability and facilitate drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Occasional rotation: If the plant is next to a window, rotate it every few weeks to ensure even growth.
Extra benefits of indoor plants for dark environments
- Air purification: Plants such as spathiphyllum, sansevieria, and ribbon plants absorb toxins and improve air quality.
- Oxygen supply during the night: Species such as zamioculca or sansevieria release oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms.
- Relaxing environment and stress reduction: Having plants reduces anxiety, improves mood, and adds a touch of freshness and color even to small or dull spaces.
- Low maintenance: Many of the varieties recommended here are ideal for people with no gardening experience or who spend a lot of time away from home.
Having indoor plants that thrive in the dark is simple, economical, and provides aesthetic, emotional, and health benefits.The key is to choose species adapted to low light, follow some basic care tips, and, above all, enjoy the pleasure of living with nature in any corner of your home, no matter how dark it may seem. Do you have a favorite species, a special spot, or your own tips for growing plants in dimly lit areas? Share your experiences and help this green community grow!
