Low Light Indoor Plants: The Complete Guide

May 18, 2024 2 min read

Studies show that having indoor plants nearby lowers stress, boosts mood, productivity and even helps to clean the air. Unfortunately, many indoor spaces are low-light environments that are not conducive to a thriving plant collection. Low light is one of the most challenging aspects of growing beautiful, healthy plants all year-round.

The good news is there’s no shortage of beautiful indoor plants that can handle - or even flourish in - a low-light environment. By finding the right ones and giving the right TLC, even the shadiest living spaces can welcome glossy greenery. Our Horty Hints will walk you through everything you need to know about growing indoor plants that tolerate low light, selecting the most robust low-light plant picks, how to care for them properly and troubleshooting common concerns.

What Are Low Light Plants?

Low light indoor plants are ideal for areas with poor lighting conditions. The definition of “low light” primarily depends on the plant’s needs. Generally, low light conditions refer to environments where no amount of direct sunlight can penetrate. This includes spaces more than 10 feet from a window, north-facing windows, areas where obstacles block sunlight, and rooms without windows. Low light houseplants have some common characteristics which make them suitable for survival in low light:

Slow growth rate: Low light plants grow slower than those requiring more light. Their metabolism is also slower.

Larger leaves: A low light plant’s large leaves have a better chance of capturing the little sunlight available.

Low light requirement: Low light plants can photosynthesize and manufacture energy with the least level of light available.

High shade tolerance: Low light plants have adapted to survive in heavily shaded areas.

Keep in mind the following factors to help identify low light indoor plant varieties suitable for the shadiest interior spaces.

Natural habitat – Plants from tropical rainforests are adapted to live on the gloomy forest floor and can cope well with low light levels.

Leaf thickness - Plants with thick waxy leaves need less light than plants with thin leaves.

Variegation – Plants with solid green and dark leaves can photosynthesize more easily and will need less light than plants with variegated leaves.

Growth habit - Vining and trailing plants will often do well in low light.

The Top Low Light Houseplants

Low light houseplants are great for adding green life to the areas of your home that do not receive much natural light. Here are Hortology’s picks of the best low light indoor plants to grow and their care requirements.

POTHOS

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a versatile houseplant that grows well indoors. It has cascading vines that look great in hanging baskets or draping from shelves.

Pothos prefers bright indirect light but is tolerant of low light. Water the plant when the soil becomes dry. If the vines are too long, trim them back to stimulate denser growth.

SHOP POTHOS

ZZ PLANT

The leaves of the ZZ plant are oval-shaped and waxy, emerging from thick underground rhizomes. ZZ plants are tolerant of neglect and forgetful watering regimes, making them an excellent plant for beginners.

Put the plant in average to low indirect light. Watering only when the soil is dry will help prevent root rot and dusting its leaves occasionally will keep them looking gorgeously glossy.

SHOP ZZ PLANTS

Sansevieria zeylanica HydroCare in Opus Hammered Globe - Silver - 40 x 89cm

SNAKE PLANT

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, has thick structural sword-like leaves. They prefer low light and only need to be watered infrequently, every three to four weeks at most.

Make sure the soil has dried up completely before giving them a drink. Snake plants are extremely low maintenance as well as being one of the top air purifying plants.

SHOP SNAKE PLANTS

PEACE LILY

Peace lilies prefer bright indirect light but can adapt to lower light. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

The leaves will droop if the plant is thirsty but watch out for yellow leaves that indicate overwatering. Misting those large dark green leaves will also provide a humidity boost.

SHOP PEACE LILIES

Making The Most of Low Light Conditions For Plants

Low light does not mean no light, so it is best to think about how to make the most of the limited natural light available. Tips for maximising light for your plants include:

Identify Low Light Areas - Typically corners of rooms, hallways, bathrooms and spaces away from windows will have low light levels. Plan your indoor greenery for these areas with shade tolerant plants that will be able to thrive.

Rotate Indoor Plants - Consider occasionally moving your plants to a brighter spot to give them a light boost from all directions. You can also rotate each pot a quarter turn every so often to avoid one side being in the shade and help maintain even growth. Just be careful not to put your plants in hot direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.

Keep Leaves Clean - Help your houseplants make the most of the low light by keeping leaves clean. Dusting the leaves and then wiping with a damp cloth will allow the plant to breathe and absorb more light for photosynthesis and healthy growth.

Avoid Obstructions - If possible. place plants away from obstacles that could block light such as chairs or shelving. Remember to open blinds and curtains during the day to maximise the ambient light and prune back overgrown plants that may be shading neighbouring plants if your plants are grouped together.

Taking Care of Low Light Plants

Low light indoor plants have a few different care needs to keep them lush and healthy compared to plants that thrive in brighter light.

Watering

Low light plants generally require less frequent watering than other plants. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems for all indoor plants, so it is important to take extra care with your watering regime for plants in low light spaces. Check the soil before watering and only add water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.

A Hortology moisture meter is a handy gadget to check moisture levels at the root level. As a general rule of thumb you should water most low light plants at most every 1-2 weeks in the growing season and try not let them dry out completely between waterings.

Some signs of overwatering include:

Yellow, droopy leaves
Soft, mushy stems
Mold growth on the soil
Foul odour from the grow pot

Soil

Use a well-draining houseplant potting mix for low light plants. Mixing perlite or hydrogranules through the soil will improve drainage and airflow to the roots, keeping them healthy. You should avoid using general garden soil or compost which can be waterlogged and carry pests and disease.

Feeding

Low light plants are typically slower growing but will still benefit from the occasional liquid feed mixed in to your watering regime during the growing season. A good balanced feed such as our Houseplant Focus will provide all the macro and micro nutrients your plants will need.

Troubleshooting Common Low Light Plant Issues

Shade tolerant indoor plants can run into some common problems due to the lack of adequate sunlight. A few Horty Hints for tackling the most common issues and reviving a struggling low light plant include:

Yellow Leaves
If the leaves start turning yellow, it's often a sign the plant is not getting enough light. Try moving the plant to the brightest spot possible or supplement with a grow light. Prune off any heavily yellowed leaves to encourage new growth.

Leggy Growth
When indoor plants stretch out and become spindly and leggy, it means they are reaching for more light. Rotate the plant frequently to encourage even growth on all sides and prune leggy stems to promote bushier regrowth.

Pest Infestations
Low light and high humidity create the perfect environment for pests like spider mites. Inspect your plants regularly for webs, speckling damage or insects. If you do encounter pests, our range of houseplant treatments will help get rid of unwelcome visitors and boost indoor plant health.

Root Rot
Root rot can occur in low light indoor plants due to overwatering. Make sure the soil is drying out properly between waterings and, if needed, replant in new, well-draining soil. Remove any soft roots before replanting.

Low light indoor plants are some of the most resilient and hardy houseplants around, with a little understanding and adjustment to your houseplant care regime it is easy to style and maintain lush healthy greenery in the shadiest of indoor spaces.