By Robert Chen|Published on July 20, 2022|Updated on January 23, 2025
Let’s be real: not every spot in our homes is blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows and perfect southern exposure. But don’t let a dim hallway or a moody corner stop you from turning your place into a jungle! There are plenty of low-light superstars that actually thrive when things get a little shady.
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++Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Pothos is basically the “Old Reliable” of the plant world. It doesn’t need much light to put out those gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves. You can train it to climb up a moss pole, let it trail down from a bookshelf, or even pop it in a hanging planter. As a bonus, it’s a natural air purifier, scrubbing toxins from your home and literally helping you breathe easier.
++Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
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There are over 20 species of Monstera, but they all share those iconic, dramatic fenestrated leaves. If you want instant jungle vibes, this is your plant. Even though it grows impressive, massive foliage, it’s surprisingly chill about low light. In the wild, these beauties usually grow under the canopy of taller trees, so they’re used to living in the shadows.
++Yucca Cane (Yucca)
Originally from Mexico, the Yucca is a total classic. It gives you that palm-tree aesthetic without needing a tropical climate. While it loves a bit of sun, it’s tough enough to handle darker corners too. Just a pro-tip: make sure you’re fertilizing it correctly during the growing season to keep those sword-like leaves looking sharp.
++Prayer Plant (Calathea ornata)
If you’re looking for a showstopper, the Calathea is it. Its leaves feature intricate, multi-colored patterns that look like they were hand-painted. It does great in low light, but here’s the cool part: the leaves fold up at night and open back up in the morning. You might even hear a soft rustling sound as it moves! It’s a plant that brings both color and “sound” to your room.
++Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are incredibly resilient. They have thick, tuberous roots that store water, so they won’t hold a grudge if you forget to water them for a bit. People love them for the “babies” (spiderettes) they produce on long stems. They’re also top-tier air cleaners, making them a perfect choice for a bedside table or a low-light bedroom.
++ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is about as low-maintenance as it gets. Its waxy, deep green leaves look like feathers and can handle almost any lighting situation—in fact, you should actually avoid bright sun, or those leaves might lose their rich color. It’s a slow grower that doesn’t need much water, making it the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant for a dark office or hallway.
++Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a hall-of-famer for low-light spots. Unlike many other shade-dwellers, this one will actually bloom in darker areas, producing elegant white spathes. It’s super decorative and tells you exactly when it’s thirsty (it wilts dramatically!). Just keep in mind that it loves a spot with a bit of extra humidity to keep those leaf tips from browning.
%%Flamingo Lily (Anthurium)
Who says you can’t have bright colors in a shady corner? The Anthurium (or Flamingo Lily) is proof you can. Its heart-shaped “flowers” (which are actually modified leaves) come in vibrant reds and pinks. To keep it happy, give it a roomy pot and consistent moisture. If you nail the basics, this plant will look stunning whether it’s in a bright window or a dim corner.
