Low Light Indoor Plants Calculator | Plant Selector & Care Guide

🌿 Low Light Indoor Plants Calculator

Find perfect shade-tolerant plants for any space. Care guide & selector included

Low Light Plant Selector

What Type of Plant Do You Want?

Space Type

Light Level (honest assessment)

Pets in Home?

Maintenance Commitment

Desired Mature Height

Space Width (feet)

Growth Rate Preference

Describe Your Light Situation

Hours of Light Per Day

Light Intensity

Select Your Plant

Current Season

Pot Size

Low Light Indoor Plants Guide

Plant	Light Needs	Mature Size	Growth Rate	Difficulty	Special Features
Pothos (Devil's Ivy)	Very Low	Trailing 3-6 ft	Fast	Very Easy	Trailing, forgiving, purifies air
Snake Plant	Very Low	2-4 ft tall	Slow	Very Easy	Upright, drought-tolerant, air-purifying
Peace Lily	Low	1-4 ft	Medium	Easy	White flowers, wilts when thirsty (indicator)
ZZ Plant	Very Low	2-3 ft	Slow	Very Easy	Glossy leaves, extremely hardy
Philodendron	Low	Trailing/climbing 3-8 ft	Fast	Easy	Heart-shaped leaves, adaptable
Monstera Deliciosa	Medium-Low	6-10 ft	Medium	Easy-Medium	Large dramatic leaves, climbing
Cast Iron Plant	Very Low	2-4 ft	Slow	Very Easy	Named for durability, dark green
Prayer Plant	Low	1 ft	Medium	Medium	Patterned leaves, compact

🌟 Best Hanging/Trailing Plants for Low Light

• Pothos: Most forgiving trailing plant, grows anywhere

• Philodendron: Similar to Pothos, heart-shaped leaves

• String of Pearls: Delicate cascading vines

• Hoya Carnosa: Waxy leaves, low maintenance

• Peperomia: Compact, colorful leaves

🌸 Low Light Flowering Plants

• Peace Lily: White spathe flowers, blooms in low light

• Anthurium: Red/pink heart-shaped flowers

• African Violet: Purple/pink flowers, compact

• Begonia: Colored leaves and flowers

🌴 Tall/Large Low Light Plants (6 ft+)

• Monstera Deliciosa: 6-10 ft, dramatic leaves

• Rubber Plant: 6-8 ft, bold foliage

• Dracaena: 4-10 ft depending on variety

• Fiddle Leaf Fig: 6-10 ft, needs bright indirect light

• Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans): 5-8 ft, tolerates low light

🐾 Pet-Safe Low Light Plants

✓ Spider Plant: Safe for cats & dogs, trailing

✓ Prayer Plant: Safe, compact, patterned leaves

✓ Boston Fern: Safe, but needs humidity

✓ Parlor Palm: Safe, 3-4 ft tall

✓ Areca Palm: Safe, tropical look

⚠️ AVOID: Lilies, Philodendron (toxic), Dieffenbachia (toxic)

🌿 Tropical Low Light Plants

• Monstera Deliciosa: Swiss cheese plant, climbing

• Anthurium: Heart-shaped leaves, red flowers

• Bird of Paradise: Exotic flowers (needs brighter light)

• Calathea: Patterned leaves, tropical feel

• Alocasia: Bold leaves, statement plant

Low Light Plant Care Guide

💧 Watering Guidelines for Low Light Plants

Check soil first: Stick finger 1-2" deep - water only if dry

Low-light plants need LESS water: Slower growth = slower moisture use

Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks (vs 1 week for bright light plants)

Room temperature water preferred

Overwatering is #1 killer: Root rot is common in dim rooms

✓ Let soil dry out between waterings (except tropical plants)

💡 Understanding Light Levels

Very Low Light (< 50 fc): Cannot read, barely see details. 5-8 ft from window or artificial light only.

Low Light (50-100 fc): Can read comfortably. 3-8 ft from window, north-facing window.

Medium-Low (100-250 fc): Bright but no direct sun. Near window but filtered, east/west windows.

Foot-candles (fc): Measure of light intensity (can use light meter apps)

🌱 Fertilizing Low Light Plants

• Growing season (spring/summer): Fertilize every 4-6 weeks

• Dormancy (fall/winter): Reduce or stop fertilizing

• Low-light plants: Grow slower, need less fertilizer than bright-light plants

• Dilute to half strength: Prevent fertilizer burn

• Signs of over-fertilizing: Brown leaf tips, salt buildup on soil

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Ideal temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

Humidity: 30-50% is good for most plants

Tropical plants prefer: 50-80% humidity

Avoid: Cold drafts, heating/AC vents directly on plant

✓ Mist leaves if humidity is low (except succulents)

🪴 Soil & Drainage

Standard potting mix: Good for most low-light plants

Add perlite: Improves drainage (prevent root rot)

Repot every 1-2 years: Fresh soil = more nutrients

Ensure drainage holes: Critical for low-light plants!

✓ Clay pots (breathe better) vs plastic (retain moisture more)

⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage

Brown tips: Low humidity or fluoride in water

Slow/no growth: Normal for low light; reduce expectations

Leggy/sparse: Plant reaching for light; rotate or add grow light

Pest issues: Mealybugs, spider mites (isolate, treat with neem oil)

💡 Supplemental Lighting Options

LED Grow Lights: Energy-efficient, low heat, $30-150

Hours needed: 12-16 hours/day for low-light plants

Distance from plant: 6-12 inches above foliage

Popular brands: Barrina, VIVOSUN, Relassy

✓ Best investment if basement or office with no natural light

Don’t let a dim room stop you: Discover the best indoor plants for low light.

You don’t need sunlight to enjoy houseplants. wide striking, resilient varieties flourish in shaded rooms. Even if your window faces a wall or your workspace barely catches daylight, you can still achieve a lush, green retreat. Many low-light indoor plants can transform dark corners into vibrant green sanctuaries. Whether you want to liven up a basement apartment or brighten a cubicle, nature has a solution. The key is choosing species adapted to the shaded forest floor, plants that naturally thrive in dappled light. Before you buy, know what “low light” means. Our eyes can deceive us compared to what plants sense.

A room that looks bright to us might feel like deep shade to a leaf.
Experts at Costa Farms say low light is usually 100-200 foot-candles (a foot-candle is the light from a single candle one foot away from the surface). If you can read a book without a lamp, you have enough light for low-light plants. If not, consider supplemental grow lights. LEDs and fluorescents are efficient and give the right spectrum. Place them a few inches above plants and run them 12-16 hours daily to mimic daylight.

If you are new to grow lights, start simple: select full-spectrum LED bulbs or tubes designed for plant growth, as these provide the necessary wavelengths. For single plants, a clamp-on grow light or a small LED desk lamp is ideal. For groups of plants, use light bars mounted beneath shelves. Position your grow light 6 to 12 inches above your plants, adjusting the height if leaves appear pale or scorched. Set the lights on a timer for 12 to 16 hours per day to mimic daylight consistently.
This ensures your plants receive the energy required, even when natural light is limited. In this guide, we will walk through the top choices for low-light indoor plants, clear up misconceptions about their air-purifying abilities, and offer expert tips to help your indoor garden thrive, no matter how much sunlight your space gets. Let’s start by exploring why incorporating indoor plants is worthwhile even in dimmer environments.

To begin, let’s address a common question: Why bother with indoor plants at all?

In addition to a visual lift, bringing indoor plants into your home offers real benefits. Plants soften the lines of modern architecture, reduce background noise, and are linked to lower stress and improved mood.

The truth about “clean air” plants

You have likely seen lists of the best indoor plants for clean air based on a famous 1989 NASA study. Many people hope to purify their home’s atmosphere with low-light, clean-air plants. While plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sealed labs, real-world conditions are different.

The American Lung Association notes that earlier studies used small, airtight chambers. To match those air-purifying results at home, you would need 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter. That means about 680 plants for a 1,500-square-foot home! While it’s a good goal to look for low-light, clean-air plants, remember that ventilation is much more effective for air quality. Open your windows regularly, use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifier if you’re concerned about allergens. Enjoy your plants for their beauty and mental health benefits, not as air purifiers.

Top 10 indoor plants for low light

We have curated a list of the top 10 indoor plants that are tough, beautiful, and perfect for dim environments. Whether you need tall plants for a corner or hanging plants for a shelf, there is something for you.

If you share your space with curious cats or dogs, we have listed whether each plant is generally safe or toxic for pets. For toxic plants, we suggest pet-friendly alternatives, so you can create a lush indoor garden and keep every member of your household happy. Always check which plants are safest for your specific pets, as sensitivities can vary.

1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant thrives on neglect and stores water in its roots.

Best for: The indoor plants for the low-light office category. It tolerates fluorescent lights and infrequent watering perfectly.
Variety to try: The ‘Raven’ ZZ plant has stunning dark purple-black leaves that look incredible in modern spaces.

2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake Plant grows upright, suits tight spaces, and handles low light well.

Best for: Indoor plants for living room corners or bedrooms.
Care note: It is extremely drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely bone dry.

3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast Iron Plant handles low light and temperature changes easily.

Best for: Cool hallways or entryways with drafts.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos trails or climbs, thriving in low light—great for shelves or walls.

Best for: High shelves or hanging baskets.
Care note: While it survives low light, its variegation (the white or yellow patterns on the leaves) may fade if it’s too dark.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily blooms in low light and recovers quickly after watering.

Best for: Indoor plants for low-light bathroom settings. They love the humidity from your shower.

6. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Aglaonema, with colorful leaves, is ideal for bedrooms.

Best for: Adding a pop of color to a monochrome room.

7. Heart-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Heart-leaf Philodendron has matte, heart-shaped leaves perfect for hanging.

Best for: Great indoor plants for low-light beginner gardeners.

8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Parlour Palm grows slowly, suits small spaces, and adds tropical height.

Best for: A touch of Victorian elegance in a study or lounge.

9. Dracaena Massangeana (Corn Plant)

Corn Plant stands tall with woody canes and strappy leaves for vertical interest.

Best for: Big indoor plants with low light requirements for offices or empty living room corners.

10. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Lucky Bamboo fits well on low-light desks or countertops.

Best for: Gifts and Feng Shui arrangements.

Navigating specific needs: Lucky Bamboo fits compact, low-light desks or countertops.

The humid bathroom

Indoor plants for a low-light bathroom need to tolerate high humidity and temperature swings. While ferns like Maidenhair or Boston Fern love moisture, they can be tricky to keep happy and are best for more experienced plant owners. For beginners, the most forgiving choices are Peace Lily and Pothos. Both of these plants thrive in bathroom humidity, are highly resilient, and will bounce back quickly if you forget to water or miss a misting. These two are excellent starter plants for new plant owners who want a lush, green bathroom with minimal frustration.

The dark office

For indoor plants in low-light office environments, select varieties that do not drop leaves or require daily care. The ZZ Plant and Snake Plant are both excellent options. They tolerate the dry air from air conditioning and do not need frequent watering, making them ideal for office settings.

The cozy bedroom

The best indoor plants for bedroom relaxation are those with softer shapes. A trailing Aglaonema or Heart-leaf Philodendron on a high shelf can make the room feel restful and organic.

Low light indoor plants: Plants for dark rooms

Turn dark rooms into lush havens with hardy low-light plants. Cast Iron Plant thrives with minimal light and care. Pothos adds trailing green, and Peace Lily brings elegance and tolerance. These resilient options brighten any dim space.

Low-Light Houseplants For Basement

Decorating a basement with low-light houseplants adds life and warmth to a dim space. Snake Plants thrive in low light and need little care. Their upright, architectural leaves make a striking feature. The ZZ Plant, with glossy dark green leaves, is very resilient in dark corners. Chinese Evergreen adds color to a basement. Some varieties show patterned or variegated foliage. These robust plants create a vibrant, fresh feeling and can transform basements into inviting spaces.

Best indoor plants for clean air


Spider Plant	Long, arching leaves; easy to grow	Removes carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and toxins
Peace Lily	Glossy leaves, white flowers	Filters ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and more
Snake Plant	Upright, sword-like leaves	Releases oxygen at night, removes toxins
Boston Fern	Feathery foliage, humidity-loving	Great for increasing air moisture and removing VOCs
Aloe Vera	Succulent with fleshy leaves	Cleans air of formaldehyde and benzene; medicinal use
Areca Palm	Elegant fronds, low maintenance	Moisturizes the air and removes toxins

Best indoor plants for insect repellent


Lavender	Fragrant purple flowers, soothing scent	Naturally repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths
Basil	Green, aromatic herb	Repels mosquitoes and houseflies
Peppermint	Freshly scented leaves	Effective against spiders, ants, and mosquitoes
Lemongrass	Tall, aromatic grass	Contains citronella, a natural mosquito repellent
Chrysanthemums	Vibrant, colorful flowers	Produces pyrethrin, which deters ants, fleas, and roaches
Rosemary	Woody herb with needle-like leaves	Repels mosquitoes and other flying insects

Best indoor plants for reducing bad odours:


Snake Plant	Hardy plant with upright leaves	Absorbs toxins and reduces bad odors
Peace Lily	Elegant, white flowering plant	Purifies the air and eliminates musty smells
English Ivy	Trailing, easy-to-care-for vine	Removes airborne toxins and odors
Bamboo Palm	Tropical plant with delicate fronds	Improves air quality and neutralizes bad smells
Aloe Vera	Succulent plant with thick leaves	Absorbs odors and promotes cleaner air

Regional considerations: Australia, NZ, and the UK

Gardening advice often varies by region, but low-light care is surprisingly universal indoors. Availability varies.

Australia/NZ: If you are looking for indoor plants for low light, consider native species that may be adapted to local conditions. The Kentia Palm is native to Lord Howe Island (Australia) and is one of the world’s best low-light indoor palms.
UK: For those seeking indoor plants for low-light conditions, the Cast Iron Plant and English Ivy (Hedera helix) are reliable staples that thrive in cooler, draftier British homes.

Can I use these outdoors?

A common query is about indoor plants for low-light outdoor areas, such as shaded patios or covered verandas. Many of the plants listed above, like the Snake Plant and Cast Iron Plant, are versatile. In warmer climates, they make excellent choices for low-light outdoor transitions, thriving in shaded pots on a deck. Keep them out of direct midday sun, which will scorch their leaves, and bring them inside if temperatures drop near freezing.


Light Intensity	Indirect, shaded light	Direct sunlight or bright indirect light
Plant Examples	Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Pothos	Succulents, Cacti, Fiddle Leaf Fig
Location	Shaded patios, covered verandas, indoors	Open balconies, sunny windows, outdoor gardens
Care Requirements	Water moderately, avoid overwatering	Water more frequently, but allow drainage
Growth Rate	Generally slower	Often faster due to increased photosynthesis

Essential care tips for the light-deprived

Growing the best indoor house plants for low light requires a shift in how you care for them compared to sun-loving plants.

1. Water less, not more

This is the golden rule. In low light, photosynthesis slows, so the plant drinks less water. If you water a low-light plant as often as a sunny windowsill plant, you will rot its roots. Always check the soil; if it is still damp, walk away. Watch for signs of watering problems: overwatered plants may have yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a musty smell from the soil. Underwatered plants often wilt, and their soil feels dry to the touch.

Different plants can reveal watering issues in unique ways:

– Snake Plants often develop soft, droopy leaves and can even collapse when overwatered; if underwatered, their leaf tips may curl or turn brown.

– Peace Lilies will dramatically droop when thirsty, but perk up quickly after watering; overwatering can cause black leaf edges or persistent wilting.

– ZZ Plants show yellowing stalks and mushy, base stems if overwatered, while under watering leads to wrinkled, shriveled leaflets.

Recognizing these plant-specific symptoms will help you adjust your care and keep your plants healthy.

2. Dust your leaves

In dim conditions, every photon of light counts. Dust on leaves acts like a curtain, blocking light from reaching the plant’s cells. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks. This is especially important for large indoor plants in low light with broad leaves, such as the Rubber Plant or Cast Iron Plant.

3. Watch the temperature

Indoor plants in low-light conditions often suffer from cold drafts or heating vents. RHS advice suggests keeping plants like Aglaonema away from temperatures below 60°F (15°C). Fluctuating temperatures can stress plants as much as poor light.

4. Fertilize sparingly

Because growth is slower in low light, plants need less food. Fertilize only during the growing season, spring and summer, and dilute the fertilizer to half-strength.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overpotting: Putting a small, low-light plant in a large pot can lead to waterlogging. The excess soil holds too much water for the small root system to drink. To help your plant thrive, choose a pot only one to two inches wider in diameter than the plant’s existing root ball or starter pot. This ensures the roots have enough room to grow without being overwhelmed by too much soil.
Ignoring pests: Mealybugs and spider mites can still attack in the dark. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.
Misjudging “No Light”: No plant can survive in pitch blackness. If you have a room with no windows, such as an internal bathroom, you must use artificial grow lights or rotate your plants to a brighter spot every few weeks.

Related FAQs

Can low-light plants survive without any light at all?
No, even low-light plants need some form of light to photosynthesize and thrive. If natural light is unavailable, consider using artificial grow lights.
How often should I water low-light plants?
Low-light plants typically require less water because they grow more slowly in lower light. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
What are some common low-light plants?
Popular low-light plants include snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and peace lilies. These plants are hardy and adapt well to dim conditions.
How do I prevent pests on indoor plants?
Regularly inspect your plants, especially the undersides of the leaves, and maintain good airflow around them. Use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil, if an infestation occurs.

Do low-light plants grow slower than those in bright light?
Yes, plants in lower-light conditions generally grow more slowly because they receive less energy for photosynthesis. For example, a ZZ Plant or Snake Plant may put out only one or two new leaves every month in a shaded room, while a Pothos might have vines that grow two to six inches a month if conditions are right. Fast growers in bright light could double their growth speed, but in low light, expect slower progress. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations and lets you appreciate the steady transformation of your indoor space. Ensure adequate care to keep your plants healthy despite reduced growth rates. This may include adjusting watering and fertilizing schedules. Additionally, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights to provide more light for the plants.

Can I use regular soil for indoor plants?
It is not recommended to use regular garden soil for indoor plants, as it may contain pests, diseases, and weeds that could harm your plant. Instead, opt for a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for indoor plants. You can also make your own potting mix by combining compost, perlite or vermiculite, and peat moss.
How often should I water my indoor plants?
The frequency of watering depends on various factors, such as the type of plant, its size, and the environment it is placed in. Generally, most indoor plants require watering once or twice a week. However, it is important to check the soil moisture before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
What are some common pests and diseases that affect indoor plants?
Some common pests that can attack indoor plants include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats. These pests feed on plant sap and can cause damage if left untreated. Common diseases in indoor plants include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot diseases.
How can I prevent or treat pests and diseases in my indoor plants?
Prevention is key to controlling pests and diseases in indoor plants. Regularly inspecting your plants for signs of pests or disease can help you catch them early. You can also use natural methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests. For diseases, avoid overwatering, ensure adequate air circulation, and remove any infected leaves or plant parts.
Are there any benefits to having indoor plants?
Absolutely! Indoor plants not only add aesthetic value to a space, but also offer several health benefits. Having greenery indoors has been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and create a sense of calm, making your living or working environment more inviting and restful. Houseplants also help raise humidity levels, which can ease dry skin and respiratory problems, especially in heated or air-conditioned rooms. Beyond this, tending to plants provides a sense of purpose and routine, offering a simple way to boost well-being every day.

Bring the green indoors.

Whether you are looking for the best hanging indoor plants for low light, the best tall indoor plants for low light, or just a small friend for your desk, there is a plant that fits your space. Don’t let a lack of sun limit your creativity. By choosing the right indoor plants for low light and adjusting your care routine, you can cultivate a thriving indoor garden that brings life, color, and joy to even the shadiest corners of your home.

Start small with a Snake Plant or Pothos, and before you know it, you will be scouring nurseries for the next great indoor plants for low light to add to your collection.