Top 20 Houseplants That Grow Well in the Dark

Even if your home doesn’t receive ample sunlight, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the beauty of houseplants.

Some species thrive in low-light conditions and can bring greenery and life into dark corners, windowless rooms, or dimly lit spaces.

Here are 20 amazing houseplants that can grow and flourish even in the darkest areas of your home.

#1. Snake Plant

Snake Plant 3

The snake plant, also known as the “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is one of the most versatile houseplants. With its upright, sword-like leaves and vibrant green tones edged in yellow, it thrives in low light.

Snake plants are also air-purifying powerhouses, removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. They are incredibly low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering, making them perfect for busy homeowners.

#2. Pothos

Pothos 1

Pothos is a favorite among indoor plant lovers for its heart-shaped, trailing leaves that come in shades of green and gold. It thrives in low light and requires minimal care, making it ideal for darker spaces like bathrooms or offices.

Pothos is also effective at improving air quality and can grow in water or soil, giving you versatile placement options.

#3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant, with its glossy, waxy leaves, is practically indestructible and well-suited for dimly lit rooms. It stores water in its thick rhizomes, so it tolerates infrequent watering and neglect.

Its deep green leaves add elegance to any interior, and it can survive in spaces with artificial lighting, like basements or windowless offices.

#4. Peace Lily

Peace Lily 2

Peace lilies are beloved for their lush, dark green foliage and elegant white blooms that resemble a calla lily. They thrive in low to medium light and can even flower in dimly lit rooms.

Peace lilies are excellent air purifiers and prefer slightly moist soil, making them perfect for adding beauty and tranquility to darker areas of your home.

#5. Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant 1

True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible and tolerates neglect, low light, and poor air quality. Its long, arching green leaves make it an ideal floor plant for darker corners.

With minimal watering needs and no special soil requirements, this hardy plant is perfect for beginners.

#6. Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm 1

The parlor palm is a classic indoor plant with feathery, arching fronds that create a tropical vibe. It thrives in low light and can adapt to shady corners with ease.

Requiring only occasional watering and regular misting to maintain humidity, the Parlor Palm adds lush greenery without demanding much attention.

#7. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen 2

Chinese evergreen plants are prized for their patterned, silver-green foliage that adds interest and texture to any room. They thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for darker spaces.

These plants are also forgiving if you forget to water them, making them a favorite among busy plant owners.

#8. Devils Ivy

Devils Ivy

A cousin to pothos, devil’s ivy is a trailing plant that grows well in low light. Its heart-shaped leaves in golden-green hues can brighten up dim spaces.

Perfect for hanging baskets or climbing trellises, this low-maintenance plant requires occasional watering and pruning to maintain its beauty.

#9. Philodendron

Philodendron 2

Philodendrons are popular for their attractive, large leaves and adaptability to low light. They are fast-growing plants that thrive in indirect light, making them ideal for hallways, bathrooms, or offices.

With their lush foliage and ability to climb or trail, they’re perfect for creating a tropical look in dim spaces.

#10. Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern

This delicate plant with lacy, light green fronds thrives in low light with consistent moisture. It’s perfect for humid, shaded areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Although Maidenhair ferns require regular misting, their elegant appearance adds a soft, sophisticated charm to darker spaces.

#11. Spider Plant

The spider plant is an adaptable and forgiving plant with long, arching leaves and small white flowers. It thrives in indirect light and can tolerate low-light conditions.

Spider plants are excellent air purifiers, making them a valuable addition to your home’s ambiance.

#12. Dracaena

Dracaena 2

Dracaena varieties, such as Dracaena Marginata or Dracaena Compacta, are known for their striking foliage and ability to grow in low light.

With their architectural, spiky leaves, Dracaenas are perfect for adding drama and height to a dimly lit room. These plants require occasional watering and thrive with minimal effort.

#13. Aglaonema Silver Bay

Aglaonema Silver Bay

This Chinese evergreen cultivar is particularly stunning with its broad, silver-green leaves. It grows well in low light and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Aglaonema silver bay is perfect for modern interiors, adding a touch of elegance and life to dim spaces.

#14. Dumb Cane

Dumb Cane

Dumb cane plants feature large, variegated leaves in shades of green and cream. They thrive in indirect or low light and bring a tropical feel to any room.

With proper care, dumb cane can grow up to five feet tall, making it an eye-catching addition to dark corners.

#15. Boston Fern

Boston Fern 2

Boston ferns have soft, arching fronds that thrive in indirect or low light, provided they are kept in humid conditions.

They are perfect for hanging baskets or pedestals and add a lush, calming vibe to darker rooms. Regular misting keeps this plant happy and thriving.

#16. Calathea

Calathea

Calatheas are loved for their stunning, patterned leaves in shades of green, pink, and purple. They thrive in low-light environments, preferring indirect light and high humidity.

Their vibrant foliage brings color and sophistication to dimly lit areas, making them a great choice for bedrooms or offices.

#17. Birds Nest Fern

Birds Nest Fern

With its bright green, wavy fronds, the bird’s nest fern is a unique addition to any home.

It thrives in indirect or low light and prefers humid conditions, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

#18. Anthurium

Anthurium

Known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and striking red or white flowers, anthuriums can adapt to low-light conditions. Their bright blooms bring color and vibrancy to dim rooms.

They also improve air quality, making them as practical as they are beautiful.

#19. Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant 2

Rubber plants are prized for their thick, glossy leaves in deep green or burgundy hues. They thrive in indirect or low light and require minimal care, making them perfect for darker areas of your home.

These plants can grow up to eight feet tall, adding bold greenery to any room.

#20. Kentia Palm

Kentia Palm 1

The Kentia palm is a graceful plant with long, arching fronds that thrives in low light. It’s perfect for filling empty corners with a touch of tropical beauty.

This low-maintenance palm only requires occasional watering and adapts well to indoor environments.

Written by Nhu Vu