Reference
Houseplants That Tolerate Low Light
The short answer
For rooms that get little direct sun, Extension lists recommend tough, shade-tolerant houseplants including pothos, philodendron, peace lily, cast iron plant, snake plant, ZZ plant, Chinese evergreen, prayer plant, spider plant, and peperomia. A low-light area is one that still receives enough light to read by during the day, typically within a few feet of a window.
Even these plants need some light; true darkness will not sustain them. Expect slower growth and water more cautiously, since plants in low light use less water.
Recommended low-light houseplants
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Peace lily
- Cast iron plant
- Snake plant
- ZZ plant
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Prayer plant
- Spider plant
- Peperomia
What 'low light' means
Low-light spots receive enough light to read by during the day and are usually found within a few feet of a window. Plants there grow more slowly, so water less often and hold off on heavy feeding.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Illinois Extension — Brighten up dim interiors with low-light houseplants — Lists peperomia, Chinese evergreen, prayer plant, pothos, philodendron, peace lily, cast iron plant, spider plant for low light.
- Penn State Extension — Low Light Houseplants — Recommends houseplants suited to low-light indoor conditions.
- University of Maryland Extension — Low Light Impacts on Indoor Plants — Explains low-light growth effects and defines low-light conditions.