Let’s talk about the awkward rooms. The ones with zero windows, or that sad little corner with very low light.
In those kinds of spots, plants usually go in full of hope and come out crispy and offended.
Good news though. There are plants that can handle low light.
Just let me specify that it doesn’t mean no light at all forever, like a closet you never open, but the everyday dim stuff.
Also, quick honesty moment. Even “low light” plants do better with some light. A ceiling light, a lamp, a grow bulb for a couple hours, whatever. But if the room is genuinely gloomy, these are the ones that adapt best.
1. Snake Plant
This is the plant I always recommend when someone says, “I kill everything.”
Because it’s basically unbothered by life. Handles low light, irregular watering, and mild neglect.
My tip: Water way less than feels reasonable. Like, if in doubt, don’t. Overwatering is probably the only way to really hurt it.
2. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants look like fake plants even when they’re real. People love them because they’re glossy and perfect.
ZZ plants thrive well in low light and forgive missed waterings.
My tip: If the stems start leaning like they’re trying to escape, rotate the pot every couple weeks.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern
This fern is a little more forgiving than the fragile ones. And it has that lush, wavy leaf look that makes a room feel instantly calmer.
Just like the Maidenhair, it likes low to medium light and humidity.
My tip: Don’t pour water into the center nest. Water the soil. Rot happens faster than people realize.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
I used to confuse this with pothos, and honestly, I still do sometimes, unless I’m staring at the leaf shape.
However, the good thing to know is that Heartleaf Philodendron is low-light tolerant, forgiving, and stays lush.
My tip: Let the top inch or two dry out. If it stays soggy, it pouts.
5. Cast Iron Plant
The name says it all, and that’s no coincidence.
Cast Iron Plant tolerates low light, but it’s also a low-drama plant that keeps growing slowly but steadily.
My tip: Dust the leaves once in a while. They’re big and they collect that weird indoor fuzz.
6. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are famous for the droop. They literally collapse when they’re thirsty.
Then you water, and they pop right back up. The first time I saw it, I genuinely thought I had killed mine.
Besides that, Peace Lilies also tolerate low light pretty well.
My tip: If it droops, water. If it’s still drooping the next day, check if the soil is actually wet or have a look at the most common watering mistakes every gardener makes.
7. Chinese Evergreen
This one is underrated because I think the leaves of these plants are stunning!
Chinese Evergreen does great in low light, and there are gorgeous varieties. So it’s perfect if you’re looking for a very ornamental plant.
My tip: The more colorful the leaves, the more light it usually wants. The greener ones are the toughest in dim rooms.
8. Parlor Palm
Parlor Palm is perfect if you’re looking for tiny palm vibes without needing a sunroom.
It does well in medium to low light and stays tidy.
My tip: It hates dry air less than most palms, but it still appreciates a little humidity. Bathroom or kitchen corners can be perfect.
9. Dracaena
Dracaenas are those classic “office plants” for a reason. They survive.
They are low light tolerant and are perfect if you don’t like wild or messy looks.
My tip: In very low light, growth slows a lot. That’s normal. Don’t try to push with more water or too much fertilizer; you will do more harm than good.
10. Spider Plant
Spider plants are messy in a charming way, and they do way more than many people think. Just check the reasons why everyone should have a spider plant at home.
In addition to all these positive aspects, spider plants handle low light fairly well and adapt fast.
My tip: If the tips brown, it might be tap water salts. Try filtered water sometimes.
11. Lucky Bamboo
Not actually bamboo, but it’s cute, it’s easy, and it’s basically built for indoor lighting only.
It can grow in water and tolerates low light.
My tip: Change the water every week or two. If it starts smelling weird, it’s begging for a refresh.
12. English Ivy
Ivy can be a little dramatic indoors, but in cooler low light rooms it can actually do pretty well.
It usually likes bright shade and cooler temps.
My tip: Keep it away from heaters. Warm, dry air is its weak point.
13. Maidenhair Fern
Okay, confession: this one is not “easy.” But it’s one of the few ferns that can tolerate lower light if humidity is good.
Just keep in mind that is low light friendly if moisture is consistent.
My tip: Maidenhair Fern is perfect for bathrooms.
14. Pothos
Besides plants, I also love dogs, and I always say that Pothos is basically the golden retriever of houseplants. Happy, easygoing, grows fast when it’s feeling loved.
It tolerates low light and still vines nicely.
My tip: In low light, it grows more slowly, and the leaves get smaller. It is still cute just more compact.
If you have it, don’t forget to check the mistakes you should always avoid with pothos.
15. Nerve Plant
Fittonia is adorable. The leaves droop when it’s thirsty and then recover quickly once watered, which makes it feel more dramatic than it actually is.
It’s low light tolerant and compact for small spaces.
My tip: It prefers evenly moist soil. Not swampy. Just consistently not neglected.
16. Arrowhead Plant
This one is such a good starter plant for dim rooms. Pretty leaves, easy care, and it grows in that slightly chaotic way that feels alive.
And of course, it handles low light and adapts well indoors.
My tip: In low light, it stays more compact. In brighter light, it starts reaching and vining.
17. Monstera
Let’s close this list with a very popular one. Monstera isn’t a true low light plant, but it tolerates it better than people think, especially if it’s not shoved into total darkness.
It can survive well in medium to low light, but grows more slowly.
My tip: In low light, leaves may have fewer holes. That’s normal. The plant is basically conserving energy. The beauty of nature!