Top 10 Houseplants for Low Light

Photograph by Kelly Butts

One of the most common questions asked, with regards to houseplants, is which plants will survive in low levels of light.    I think part of my passion for plants comes from not only wanting to make a plant survive... but also being able to make it thrive.  In order for a plant to thrive, we need to duplicate its natural environment to the best of our abilities.  A large part of that is choosing the right plants for the right places in our homes as well as our gardens.


Choosing houseplants for low light spaces can be a bit daunting.  Low light levels are defined as any location in your home 8 or more feet away from a large window with no direct light.  Areas such as hallways, offices, basements, a room with heavy window coverings, or small windows would all be considered low light.  There are still some great choices in plant selection for low light areas.  Here is a list of my top 10, easy to grow houseplants for low light conditions:


Pothos
Epipremnum aureum

Photograph by Paul Gellatl

This low-maintenance vine is often confused with the heart leaf philodendron.  The Pothos has heart-shaped leaves and can be grown as a table top plant, in a hanging basket, or trained upright on a support.  It is a low light plant, however the more light it receives the more variegation will show on the leaves. 

Photograph by Kelly Butts

If this plant gets too long, cut the plant back, place the cuttings in water.  Once the roots have formed, transplant into soil.  Tips for Success:  Low to bright light; 60-75 degrees F.; keep the soil moderately dry
Size:  Trailing plant to 8 feet.


Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum oxycardium

Photograph by Kelly Butts

The Heart-leaf philodendron is a strong; easy growing foliage plant, very likely the same variety you might remember in your grandparents home.  It has pretty, heart-shape leaves and does very well in low light locations.  Often seen trailing over the edge of a bookshelf or hanging in a pot.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

If this plant gets too long, cut the plant back, place the cuttings in water.  Once the roots have formed, transplant into soil.  I have given many friends cuttings of this easy to grow houseplant.  Tips for Success:  Low to bright light; 60-80 degrees F.; allow the soil to dry between watering
Size: Climbing or Trailing to 8+ feet.


Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata

Photograph by Kelly Butts

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

This architecturally shaped succulent is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, as it truly thrives on neglect.  There are both tall and short varieties available, making it a versatile addition to your home.  They withstand low light but also do well in brighter locations.  The only problem that may develop is root rot if you over water this plant.  Tips for Success:  Low to bright light; 60-85 degrees F.; allow soil to dry between watering
Size: 6"-4 feet tall (depending on variety)


Zeezee Plant
Zamioculcus zamiifolia

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

This succulent plant is another very easy plant to grow, thriving on neglect, and probably one of my favorite low light plants.  The thick, fleshy leaf stalks are very durable, and shiny.  It is a slow grower, so be sure to purchase a large plant if you want a big specimen.  Tips for Success:  Low to bright light;  60-75 degrees F.; allow the soil to dry between watering.
Size: 2 to 3 feet


Arrowhead Vine
Syngonium podophyllum

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

One of the most common houseplants, arrowhead vine features distinct arrow-shaped leaves.  The colourful leaves keep their variegation, even in low light locations.  Unlike a lot of plants, there are many different varieties to choose from.  Most have variegated foliage; depending on the variety, the leaves are green with white markings, or bronze with traces of pink.  Small plants form a mound up to a foot high, but stems begin to vine as the plant matures.  This plant can be grown upright, or trailing in a hanging basket.  Tips for Success:  Low to medium light;  60-75 degrees F.; keep evenly moist
Size:  Climbing or Trailing 3-4 feet.


Cast-Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

One of the toughest plants you can grow, cast-iron plant thrives through neglect, low light, low humidity, and a wide range of temperatures.  It is a slow grower so try to buy a plant that is large enough for the space you are looking to accent.  Several varieties have white or yellow variegation on their leaves.  Tips for Success:  Low light;  45-85 degrees F.; keep evenly moist during the spring and summer, barely moist in the fall and winter.  Size:  Up to 2 feet


Chinese Evergreen

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Aglaonema commutatum

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

This plant has great foliage with shades of silver, gray, or different shades of green making this plant a strong choice to brighten low-light areas in your home.  Many shopping malls use this plant around the base of taller tree-like houseplants, due to their hardy care free nature.  Tips for Success:  Low to medium light; 60-75 degrees F.; keep soil evenly moist
Size:  To 3 feet tall.


Dieffenbachia 
Dieffenbachia spp.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Several closely related species share the common name of Dieffenbachia.  Its large, green and white leaves create a tropical look to any room of your home.  All produce cane-like stems, with large, lush foliage, variegated in green and white.  Grow one by itself for a tree like appearance, or several together in a single container for a shrub like look.  Tips for Success:  Low to medium light; 60-80 degrees F.; keep evenly moist
Size: 2-6 feet tall (depending on variety)




Peperomia

Peperomia spp.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Peperomia puteolata

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Peperomia caperata

 

Peperomias are a diverse group of small houseplants with waxy and often textured leaves.  Varieties commonly available include the ripple peperomia, watermelon peperomia, and silverleaf peperomia.  One of my personal favorites is Peperomia puteolata, although this variety is slightly harder to locate than the others.  Tips for Success:  Low to medium light;  60-75 degrees F.; allow the soil to dry between watering
Size: 4-12 Inches (depending on variety)


Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum sp. 

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Most low-light plants, and all discussed up to this point are only foliage plants.  The Peace Lily offers a stunning large white flower as well as large, dark leaves.  Variegated varieties are also available , however these varieties tend to be smaller plants, with smaller flowers.  The single-petaled flower hovers above the leaves.  It is also known to be one of the top 10 plants for cleaning toxins out of the air in your home.  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Tips for Success:  Low to medium light;  68-85 degrees F.; Prefers damp soil, and shouldn't be left to dry out completely between watering.  

Size: 3-6 feet


All of these plants are readily available at garden centers worldwide.  If you have a low light area in your home or office that needs some livening up... why not give one of these choices a try?