Top 17 Low-Light Indoor Plants to Grow for Beginners in Sun-Starved Apartments
Living in an apartment shouldn't mean living without nature. We all dream of a lush, green sanctuary—a space filled with vibrant foliage that purifies the air and calms the soul. But what happens when your reality is a north-facing window, a towering building next door, or a floor plan that seems to swallow sunlight whole? You’re left with a "sun-starved" apartment, and the dream of an indoor jungle can feel hopelessly out of reach.
Fear not, fellow urban dweller! A lack of direct sunlight is not a death sentence for your green ambitions. It's simply a filter. It helps you choose plants that are not just beautiful but also resilient, adaptable, and perfectly suited for the cozy, shadier corners of your home. These are the unsung heroes of the plant world, the species that evolved under the dense canopies of tropical rainforests and are now ready to thrive in your living room.
As a long-time plant enthusiast, I've seen countless people struggle with this, which is why I'm so passionate about sharing what works—a philosophy we deeply value here on the Goh Ling Yong blog. We've compiled the ultimate list of the top 17 low-light indoor plants that are not only gorgeous but also incredibly forgiving for beginners. Get ready to turn your dim space into a verdant oasis.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Let's start with the undisputed champion of easy-care houseplants: the Snake Plant. Also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, this plant is the definition of indestructible. Its stiff, upright, sword-like leaves come in various patterns of green and yellow, adding a sharp, architectural element to any room. It’s the perfect floor plant for a neglected corner or a statement piece on a low table.
The Snake Plant's superpower is its use of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, allowing it to exchange gases at night to conserve water. This makes it incredibly drought-tolerant and a fantastic air purifier. In fact, NASA’s Clean Air Study found it effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. For beginners, its best quality is its tolerance for neglect. It would rather be underwatered than overwatered.
Pro-Tip: Water your Snake Plant only when the soil is bone dry to the touch, roughly every 3-6 weeks, depending on your home's humidity. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and let it drain completely. It’s one of the few plants that truly thrives on being ignored.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you consider yourself a "plant killer," the ZZ Plant is here to restore your confidence. With its wide, waxy, dark green leaves that grow from thick stalks, it looks almost artificial in its perfection. The ZZ Plant is native to drought-prone parts of Africa, so it has evolved to store water in its underground rhizomes, making it exceptionally resilient.
This plant can tolerate extremely low light levels, although it will grow faster and fuller in medium, indirect light. It's the ideal choice for an office with fluorescent lighting or a hallway with no windows. Like the Snake Plant, the ZZ Plant is a master of survival and asks for very little in return—just the occasional drink of water and a wipe-down of its glossy leaves to keep them dust-free.
Pro-Tip: The most common way to kill a ZZ Plant is by overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. If you're unsure, wait another week. A less-is-more approach is the key to a happy, thriving ZZ.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often called Devil's Ivy, the Pothos is the quintessential beginner's trailing plant. Its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with yellow, white, or light green, grow on long, cascading vines that can be trained to climb a wall or spill beautifully from a hanging basket or high shelf. It's a fast grower, giving you a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Pothos is incredibly adaptable and will tell you what it needs. Yellowing leaves? Too much water. Droopy leaves? It's thirsty. While it can handle very low light, you might notice the variegation on its leaves fading in darker spots. This isn't a sign of distress, just the plant maximizing its chlorophyll production. It’s also famously easy to propagate—just snip a piece of vine below a node and place it in water!
Pro-Tip: For a fuller, bushier plant, periodically trim the vines. This encourages new growth from the base. You can use the cuttings to create new Pothos plants to share with friends.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a retro classic that has never gone out of style. With its fountain-like arch of slender, variegated leaves, it brings a sense of light and airiness to any space. It’s renowned for being another one of NASA’s top air-purifying plants, tackling pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
What makes the Spider Plant so fun for beginners is its method of reproduction. Happy, mature plants will send out long stems called "runners," which produce small white flowers that then develop into tiny plantlets, or "spiderettes." These can be snipped off and easily potted to create brand-new plants. It's a fantastic choice for hanging baskets in a dim corner of your kitchen or living room.
Pro-Tip: Spider Plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause brown tips on their leaves. To prevent this, let your tap water sit out overnight before watering, or use filtered or distilled water.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all. The Cast Iron Plant is tough as nails and can withstand conditions that would kill most other houseplants: deep shade, inconsistent watering, and temperature fluctuations. It was a staple in Victorian homes, which were often dark and drafty, proving its resilience through the ages. It features large, deep-green, lance-shaped leaves that grow directly from the soil.
This plant is a slow grower, so it won’t outgrow its spot anytime soon. Its beauty lies in its elegant simplicity and its ability to bring a touch of green to the darkest corners of your apartment—think hallways, north-facing rooms, or even a dim corner behind the sofa. It requires almost no care, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it option.
Pro-Tip: The Cast Iron Plant's large leaves can accumulate dust. Wipe them down with a damp cloth every few months to keep them looking glossy and to help the plant breathe.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
For those who want a low-light plant that also flowers, the Peace Lily is the perfect choice. It boasts glossy, dark green leaves and produces elegant white spathes (the flower-like structures) that can last for weeks. The contrast between the dark foliage and the bright white blooms is simply stunning.
The Peace Lily is not only beautiful but also an excellent communicator. It will droop dramatically when it's thirsty, taking all the guesswork out of watering. Give it a good soak, and within a few hours, it will perk right back up. While it can survive in low light, it will produce more flowers if placed in a spot with bright, indirect light.
Pro-Tip: Peace Lilies are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. If you notice brown, crispy leaf tips, switch to filtered or distilled water. Also, keep in mind that all parts of the plant are mildly toxic if ingested, so keep it away from curious pets and children.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are the masters of beautiful foliage in low-light conditions. While many colorful plants need bright light to maintain their vibrancy, Aglaonemas defy the rules. You can find them in stunning varieties with patterns of silver, red, pink, and cream, all of which hold their color remarkably well in the shade.
These plants are native to the floors of tropical forests, so they are naturally adapted to dappled, low light. They are slow-growing, stay relatively compact, and are quite forgiving if you forget to water them now and then. Their full, leafy appearance makes them perfect for filling out empty spaces on bookshelves or side tables.
Pro-Tip: The lighter the variegation on the leaves, the more bright, indirect light it will appreciate. The darker green varieties are the most tolerant of very low-light conditions. Rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure all sides get some light for even growth.
8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Want a tropical vibe without the tropical sun? The Parlor Palm is your answer. This slow-growing, compact palm brings the lush, feathery texture of a palm tree indoors without demanding a sunny spot by a window. It was a favorite in Victorian parlors, which is how it got its name, and has remained popular for its elegance and adaptability.
The Parlor Palm is one of the best palms for low-light environments. It thrives in medium to low indirect light and is relatively low-maintenance. It adds a wonderful vertical element and a touch of sophistication to a room. It's also non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for households with furry friends.
Pro-Tip: Parlor Palms prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. They also appreciate higher humidity, so consider placing them near a humidifier or in a naturally humid room like a bathroom.
9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
A close cousin to the Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is another vining superstar. As its name suggests, it features beautiful, distinctly heart-shaped leaves that are typically a deep, velvety green. Its trailing vines can grow several feet long, making it a stunning choice for hanging planters or for draping over the edge of a bookshelf.
This plant is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, and bounces back easily if you forget to water it. Like the Pothos, its vines will become "leggy" (long and sparse) in very low light. Pruning it back will encourage a fuller, more compact shape.
Pro-Tip: Is your plant looking a little thin on top? You can loop a long vine back and pin it down onto the soil. The nodes will often root into the soil, creating a much fuller-looking plant from the base.
10. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is one of the most fascinating plants on this list. It earns its name from a behavior called nyctinasty—its leaves lie flat during the day and fold upwards at night, as if in prayer. The foliage is breathtaking, with intricate patterns of green, red, and cream. It's a true showstopper that brings movement and life to your space.
While it tolerates low light, the Prayer Plant has slightly higher care needs than others on this list, making it a great "advanced beginner" plant. It craves high humidity and prefers its soil to stay consistently moist. A spot in a well-lit bathroom or near a humidifier is ideal. The reward for this extra bit of care is watching its daily dance.
Pro-Tip: Use lukewarm, distilled, or filtered water, as Prayer Plants can be sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. Grouping it with other plants can also help create a more humid microclimate.
11. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name and appearance, Lucky Bamboo isn't actually bamboo at all—it's a type of Dracaena. It’s a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Feng Shui and is incredibly easy to care for, especially for beginners who are nervous about soil. It's most often grown hydroponically in a vase of water with pebbles for support.
Lucky Bamboo thrives in low, indirect light. In fact, direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. All you need to do is change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh and add a very diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. It’s a perfect, low-mess option for a desk, a bathroom counter, or any small, dim space.
Pro-Tip: If your tap water is heavily treated, use filtered or bottled water to prevent the leaf tips from turning brown. Ensure the water level always covers the roots.
12. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
The Arrowhead Plant, or Syngonium, is a versatile and easy-going houseplant. When young, it has a bushy, upright habit with distinct arrow-shaped leaves. As it matures, it begins to vine, making it suitable for either a pot with a trellis or a hanging basket. It comes in a variety of colors, from shades of green to pink, cream, and deep burgundy.
This plant is very tolerant of low-light conditions, though the more colorful varieties may lose some of their vibrancy. It’s a fast grower and is very communicative, drooping slightly when it needs water. This makes it a great learning plant for new indoor gardeners.
Pro-Tip: To keep your Arrowhead Plant bushy and compact, simply prune back the vining stems. You can easily root these cuttings in water to create more plants.
13. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Ferns can be notoriously finicky, but the Bird's Nest Fern is one of the more forgiving and low-light-tolerant members of the family. Instead of delicate, lacy fronds, it has bright green, wavy, undivided leaves that unfurl from a central rosette, resembling a bird's nest. This gives it a unique, tropical, and almost sculptural appearance.
Native to the rainforest floor, it’s perfectly happy in the low, dappled light of an apartment. It loves humidity, which makes it an outstanding plant for a bathroom with a shower or a kitchen. Unlike many other ferns, it's a bit more tolerant of occasional drying out, but it prefers to be kept consistently moist.
Pro-Tip: When watering, aim for the soil around the base of the plant, not directly into the central "nest," as this can trap water and lead to rot.
14. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
If you're looking for a large, impactful floor plant that can handle lower light, Dieffenbachia is an excellent choice. It features large, broad leaves that are often heavily variegated with shades of cream, yellow, and white. It can grow several feet tall, bringing a lush, jungle-like feel to a room.
Dieffenbachia prefers medium, indirect light but can adapt well to shadier spots, though its growth may slow. It's a relatively thirsty plant and likes its soil to stay evenly moist. Its large leaves are great indicators, starting to droop when it needs a drink.
Pro-Tip: The common name "Dumb Cane" comes from the fact that the plant's sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause temporary numbness and swelling if ingested. It's crucial to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
15. Dracaena (Corn Plant & Dragon Tree)
The Dracaena genus offers several fantastic low-light options that provide a tree-like structure. The Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) has a thick, woody cane with large, arching leaves, resembling a small corn stalk. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is more slender, with spiky, ribbon-like leaves often edged in red or pink.
Both are incredibly tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, making them staples in homes and offices. They are slow-growers that add height and drama to a space without requiring much attention. They are also effective air purifiers, adding function to their form.
Pro-Tip: Dracaenas are prone to brown tips from dry air or treated tap water. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, and use filtered water if your tap water is hard.
16. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic, romantic vine known for its ability to climb and cover surfaces. Indoors, it’s a graceful trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb a small trellis. Its distinctive lobed leaves are elegant and timeless.
While it can thrive in a variety of light conditions, it does exceptionally well in low to medium indirect light, making it suitable for a north-facing window or a dim corner. It prefers to stay on the cooler side and likes its soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Pro-Tip: English Ivy can be susceptible to pests like spider mites indoors, especially in dry conditions. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation and mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
17. Calathea (Various Species)
We'll end with the "diva" of the low-light world, the Calathea. These plants are often called "Peacock Plants" or "Zebra Plants" for their unbelievably ornate and patterned foliage. Like their cousin the Prayer Plant, their leaves also move with the day-night cycle. They are undeniably one of the most beautiful foliage plants you can grow.
Calatheas are native to the jungle floor and require low, indirect light—direct sun will scorch their delicate leaves. They are on this list because of their light tolerance, but be warned: they demand high humidity and are very particular about their water (distilled or rainwater only, please). For a beginner who has mastered the others and is ready for a beautiful challenge, the Calathea is the ultimate reward.
Pro-Tip: A pebble tray (a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water) placed under the pot is a great way to increase the ambient humidity around your Calathea.
Your Green Oasis Awaits
A sun-starved apartment is not a barrier; it's an opportunity to discover a whole new world of beautiful, resilient, and fascinating indoor plants. From the indestructible Snake Plant to the elegant Peace Lily, there is a perfect green companion waiting to brighten even the dimmest corner of your home.
Remember, the journey of indoor gardening is about learning and joy, not perfection. Pick one plant from this list that speaks to you, find a cozy spot for it, and start there. You’ll be amazed at how much life and energy a single plant can bring to your space. For more tips and tricks, keep following Goh Ling Yong's journey into urban gardening and happy living.
Which low-light plant are you excited to try first? Do you have a favorite that we missed? Share your story in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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