Indoor plants can instantly make a space feel prettier, brighter and greener. Some plants can even purify our air and promote feelings of happiness, inspiration and wellbeing, including many low light indoor plants.
This is important because, while everyone loves a good indoor plant, not everyone has the perfect air, light and temperature conditions that some popular indoor plants require. For instance, if you live in a house that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, or an apartment with small windows or a single sliding door that affects light and airflow.
If that sounds like your home, you’re not alone. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, some 16 per cent of Australians live in apartments and 13 per cent live in townhouses, which tend to be close together and have low light levels that aren’t ideal for all plants.
The good news is, you can still add greenery to your home regardless of where you live. So, we spoke to professional landscaper Matt Leacy, co-founder and director of Landart Landscapes, to get his recommendations for low light indoor plants.
Best low light indoor plants
1. Devil’s Ivy (Pothos Epipremnum)
“These low light indoor plants are really easy to care for as they thrive with little attention and they can propagate easily,” says Matt.
How to care for them:
Devil’s ivy will thrive in any potting mix and grows well in partial to full shade. Indoors, it will grow best if you situate it somewhere that gets a bit of filtered sunlight, or bright artificial light. This plant is drought resistant, so water when the top two inches of soil are dry, roughly once a week then once every two weeks in winter.
2. Lady Palm (Raphis)
“This low light indoor plant only requires a drink once a week,” says Matt. “This palm is really slow growing, so it’s worth buying an advanced specimen to maximise impact.
How to care for it:
Lady Palms will grow in almost any well-drained soil, and are cold tolerant. Give it a drink when the top inch of soil is dry. This low light indoor plant prefers to be positioned away from full sun, but will grow well in a position that gets light.
3. Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra)
“As the common name ‘Cast Iron Plant’ suggests, this plant is close to indestructible,” says Matt.
How to care for it:
Aspidistra can thrive in hot and dry summers but isn’t put off by the cold, either. Water it when the soil is dry and don’t worry if it doesn’t get too much sun.
4. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcus zamiofolia)
“Give this plant a small drink once a fortnight. The key with the Zanzibar Gem is not to over-water it,” says Matt.
How to care for it:
The zanzibar gem prefers indirect light, making it a great low light indoor plant. The amount of water it needs depends on the amount of light it gets, requiring more if it’s in a sunny spot. But regardless of where you put it, let the soil dry out before watering it.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica ‘rubra’)
“The rubber plant has beautiful dark foliage with a pink new growth,” Matt says.
“It can add some drama, fill in a corner or break up a white or dark wall.”
How to care for it:
This plant likes a bright room but no direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but never let it stay wet or get bone dry. Water once a week to once a fortnight, depending on the season.
6. Peace Lily (Spathyphylum)
“The peace lily is great for people that don’t want to monitor watering all the time,” says Matt.
“The leaves will droop when watering is required. Depending on the space, you can get away with watering once a fortnight.”
How to care for it:
Water your peace lily when the top inch and a bit of soil is dry or when the leave start to droop. If the foliage is drooping, give it a good soak and wait for the soil to dry out before you water it again. While this plant can endure a bright room, it does not enjoy direct sunlight, and will thrive in the shade. Give it a regular mist in summer. Peace lilies do not like the cold, so try to put it in a warmer room during winter.
7. Silver Snakeplant (Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’)
“This is a very hardy low light indoor plant that only needs watering once every three to four weeks,” says Matt.
How to care for it:
The silver snake plant will grow in any position out of direct sunlight. It doesn’t like to be overwatered and will thrive in any environment from offices to homes.
8. Philodendrons
“For watering, it’s good to do the finger test with this low light indoor plant. Put your finger in the soil and if it feels dry, give the plant some water,” says Matt.
“This plant prefers to be kept moist, but be sure not to over-water it.”
How to care for it:
Philodendrom prefer to be out of direct sunlight but in a bright room. It grows year-round and only needs watering when the soil is dry. Always choose a pot twice the size of the plant. Give it a regular misting during dry, hot summers.
9. Mistletoe cacti (Rhipsalis)
“The rhipsalis is one of the most interesting hanging plants around and very hardy,” says Matt.
“I water mine once a week and it thrives in a position with no direct light.”
How to care for it:
Rhipsalis prefers well-drained soil and a bit of humidity, so give it a mist now and again. Water it in summer, but increase the time between drinks during winter. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as it enjoy moderate light.
10. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
“This plant brings such a beautiful light [and] brightness to any space,” says Matt.
“It is very delicate in appearance and should be treated that way – with care. Keep it in a warm position.”
How to care for it:
Maidenhair ferns dislike direct sunlight and high temperatures but can tolerate indirect light. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, but never let it get wet. Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Can indoor plants survive in low light?
Some of the most popular indoor plants grow well in low light conditions, including Devil’s Ivy (Pothos), Peace Lily, Maidenhair Fern and Zanzibar Gem. This is because in nature, different plants require different levels of light. For example, most rainforest plants and those that grow beneath tree canopies have adapted to thrive in low light.
As another benefit, if you have a dark room that also retains moisture, such as a bathroom or laundry, some of the best low light plants Matt’s selected can also help absorb moisture – including Peace Lilies, Philodendron and Spider Plants.
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