Got a dark corner in your home that’s looking a little lonely? Don’t worry—you don’t need a sun-drenched solarium to grow a lush indoor jungle. With the right picks, even the dimmest spots can go green. Here are seven of our favorite low-light plants, plus a “secret weapon” plant that is virtually indestructible.
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++ Painted-Leaf Begonia (Begonia rex)
The Rex Begonia is all about that stunning foliage. With its large, heart-shaped leaves and incredible color patterns, it’s a total showstopper. These guys usually stay around a foot tall, making them perfect for small apartments or side tables. Just a heads-up: the intensity of those cool leaf patterns depends on the light, but they definitely prefer staying out of the direct sun. They do bloom in the winter (December and January), but the flowers are pretty tiny compared to the gorgeous leaves!
++ Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
The Peace Lily is a classic for a reason. You can find them in all sizes, from “mini” desk versions to massive floor plants. They feature glossy green leaves with a deep center rib that contrasts beautifully with those iconic creamy-white “flowers” (which are actually specialized leaves called spathes). They’re happy in darker nooks, just make sure to keep the humidity up—they aren’t big fans of super dry air.
++ Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Tree is a retro favorite making a huge comeback right now. It’s famous for its thick, leathery, shiny leaves that can grow up to a foot long. These plants are happiest in indirect light and like to stay warm (keep them above 65°F). They’re pretty tough, but they do hate cold drafts, so keep them away from drafty doors or AC vents.
++ English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Whether you let it trail from a hanging basket or train it to climb a trellis, English Ivy is great for adding a vertical pop of green to dim rooms. The dark green leaves often feature pretty white veins or variegated patterns. It actually prefers slightly cooler temps (around 65-68°F), which makes it a fantastic choice for a bedroom. Plus, it’s known for helping filter toxins out of the air!
++ Dragon Tree (Dracaena reflexa, Dracaena marginata)
If you want something that looks like a small indoor tree, the Dracaena is your best bet. It grows a woody stem topped with a dramatic tuft of sword-shaped leaves. They come in deep greens or striped varieties and love warm spots with indirect light. Pro tip: if the tips of the leaves start turning brown, it’s usually a sign that the air is a bit too dry for them.
++ Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant (or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant. It’s super trendy right now because it’s so sculptural and easy to care for. It can handle being several feet away from a window without a problem. Interestingly, the Snake Plant’s color adapts to its environment: the darker the corner, the deeper green the leaves will become.
++ Monstera, Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
In the wild jungles of Central and South America, the Monstera climbs up massive trees under the canopy, which is why it’s so good at adapting to lower light. As the leaves grow (reaching up to 20 inches!), they develop those famous “cheese-like” holes and splits. It’s a fast grower and adds an instant tropical vibe to any room.
%% ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
The ZZ Plant is our absolute secret weapon for beginners. It is arguably the toughest houseplant on the market. It doesn’t care if you forget to water it, and it’s perfectly happy in a dark hallway far from any windows. With its arching stems and waxy, fern-like leaves, it looks high-maintenance, but it’s actually the opposite. It has very low water needs, so it’s the perfect “vacation-proof” plant!