There’s something special about plants in our houses. Additionally, they make our space more comfortable and attractive, and they can also clean the air. Mostly we place plants somewhere where they can get enough bright indirect or direct sunlight. But what should you do to bring life into the dark corners of your home? Luckily, we’ve put together a list of 15 houseplants that don’t need sun!
Having plants that require no direct sunlight is a must for some homes and apartments. Not every room has a bright south-facing window where most plants thrive. Fortunately there are many options for beautiful low-light plants that will add lively greenery without needing any sun at all!
I’ve rounded up the 15 best plants that require no direct sunlight below. These plants are perfect for shady patios, dim offices, and rooms in your home with little natural light. With the right plant picks, any dark space can feel fresh and lively with gorgeous greenery.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are a popular low light plant. Their sword-like leaves add a modern sculptural look to your home. Snake plants are also champion air purifiers that filter out toxins.
These hardy plants can tolerate very low light. They also only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks. Just be sure not to overwater, as they are prone to root rot.
2. Cast Iron Plant
As its name suggests, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It survives low light, infrequent watering, temperature fluctuations and more with ease.
Cast iron plants have long, pointed dark green leaves. Their lush tropical look works in any decor. Place them in a corner or any spot without much sun.
3. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is a low maintenance houseplant with patterned leaves. The leaves can be shades of green, pink, silver, cream and more depending on the variety.
These plants thrive in low to medium indirect light. Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Mist the leaves occasionally for extra humidity.
4. Peace Lily
A favorite houseplant, peace lilies produce curving white blooms amid deep green leaves. They filter air pollutants and only need weekly watering.
Peace lilies grow best in low to medium natural light. Keep them away from direct sun to avoid scorched leaves. Their drooping leaves will let you know when they need more water.
5. Prayer Plant
Prayer plants have vivid green leaves with pale pink veins. Their leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer.
These tropical plants need very low light with high humidity. Water weekly and mist often. Keep them away from air vents to prevent dry, brown leaves.
6. Air Plants
Air plants are epiphytes that don’t require soil. Their tangled green leaves grow beautifully mounted on driftwood, hung in glass terrariums or displayed in seashells.
Air plants soak up all their moisture and nutrients from the air. Keep them in bright, indirect light and mist several times per week. Submerge in water weekly to hydrate fully.
7. Pothos
Pothos are one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves quickly fill hanging baskets and trailing pots.
Pothos tolerate very low light, though they grow faster and fuller in medium indirect light. Only water when the top few inches of soil have dried out.
8. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a low maintenance option for any space. Its waxy, oval-shaped leaves add rich green in a modern way. Rarely bothered by pests or disease, ZZ plants will thrive even when ignored.
ZZ plants tolerate very low light, though they grow faster with medium indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
9. Philodendrons
The many varieties of Philodendron include climbing, trailing and upright types. They’re appreciated for their deeply lobed, bright green leaves and vining growth.
Philodendrons thrive in low to medium indirect light. Wait for the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Wipe down the leaves every so often to prevent dust buildup.
10. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo isn’t a true bamboo, but a type of Dracaena. Arranged in spirals, these slender leafed plants are thought to bring good fortune.
Keep lucky bamboo in medium to low indirect light. Set the cut stems in pebbles with water that covers the bottom inch or two. Top off the water level as needed.
11. Ferns
Delicate-looking ferns actually grow well in low light settings. The Boston fern and other types add lush, graceful fronds in shady rooms. Their feathery leaves pair beautifully with other plants.
Most ferns need bright indirect light. Keep their soil moist but not soaked. Mist often and place on drainage trays filled with pebbles to boost humidity. Keep away from drafts.
12. Dracaena
Dracaena houseplants have slender, green leaves topped with curly yellow stripes. The tall stems give them a natural tree-like shape.
Dracaena tolerate low light excellently. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Wipe down the leaves every week or two to prevent dust buildup.
13. Parlor Palm
Parlor palm is a versatile tropical plant with foliage fans atop straight stalks. It has an elegant, palm-like look without huge size.
Parlor palms do well in low to medium filtered light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy for best growth. Mist often for added humidity.
14. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants have large, glossy leaves that make a statement. As houseplants, they stay under 8 feet tall and come in burgundy or green varieties.
These tropical plants tolerate low light, though they grow faster with medium indirect sun. Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Wipe the leaves down every few weeks.
15. Majesty Palm
Though typically grown outdoors in warm climates, majesty palms can also be kept as dramatic houseplants. Their long, elegant fronds create texture and height.
Indoors, majesty palms need bright filtered light. Place them near an east or north window where they’ll avoid direct sun. Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. Mist often for humidity. Trim off any browned fronds.
Caring for Low Light Plants
Caring for plants that require no direct sun is easier than you may think! Here are a few general tips:
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Allow soil to dry out more between waterings, since the plants use less.
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High humidity is helpful. Mist leaves, use a pebble tray, or grow in a bathroom.
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Dust buildup prevents light absorption. Wipe leaves every 2-3 weeks.
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Use well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
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Rotate plants once a month so all sides get indirect light.
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Fertilize in the spring and summer with a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer.
Houseplants can thrive with minimal sun when given the right care. Try out a few of these low light champions to bring life to the darker corners of your home. With the right picks, even sheltered spots can become your own indoor oasis filled with lush greenery.
Best Tall Indoor Plants for Low Light
Snake plant is popular for various reasons; it’s beautiful and an excellent air purifier. The Snake plant doesn’t need a lot of care, and it doesn’t mind being ignored either, so it’s great for people who don’t have much time. It is known for being very flexible, so you can put it anywhere, even in a dark corner, and it will still do well. Water the plant every two weeks (in warmer seasons) and reduce it monthly during winter.
Choose well-drained, loose potting mixes, and pay attention to sandy soils. Potting mixes for succulent plants will be a great choice as well. The most optimal temperature range is between 70-90˚F (21-32˚C), and it can be harmful if temps drop below 50˚F (10˚C). It’s infrequent for this plant to bloom, but when it does, it has a lot of gentle, small white flowers that grow in clusters. 
This tropical plant with broad and bright green leaves can tolerate low light. Such conditions will make its growth slower but won’t affect the plant’s health and appearance. Be careful with this green pet as it is poisonous and might harm children or animals if ingested. The best strategy for watering is to make it regular, but not too much.
Dumb Cane prefers well-draining soil with a significant amount of peat. Since this plant is tropical and fond of warmth, a temperature range between 62-80˚F (16-27˚C) is the most suitable. Its flowering occurs rarely, and its bloom is rather inconspicuous and somehow reminds Peace Lily’s flowers. 
It feels like everyone is obsessed with this plant because of its beauty. It looks great, and the fact that Monstera is so easy to care for makes it even better. It generally prefers indirect bright light, but it won’t mind a low amount of it. Water the plant only when most of the soil is dry.
Ligh soil mixes with peat moss, pine bark, and perlite are the best options for this green beauty. The most suitable temperature range is 60-80˚F (16-27˚C), and in no case, it should be lower than 55˚F (13˚C). Monstera blooms only in its natural habitat or in a place that mimics its natural surroundings, so it’s rare luck to have it blooming at home. 
Fragrant indoor plants for low light
Since this herb prefers shade, it is an excellent choice for growing indoors under low-light conditions. These small indoor plants don’t need sunlight and smell great. They are also very easy to care for. Watering is the key to success as mint likes moist substrate. Water it when the topsoil is dry and keep the soil evenly moist.
Thinking about the potting mix, the best option is to mix equal amounts of peat, sand, and perlite, but mint can be grown even in a bottle of water! To make the plant grow fast, keep the temps of 65-70˚F (18-21˚C) during the day and 55-60˚F (13-16˚C) at night. Mint has tiny fair purplish flowers, and it blooms when the plant is ready for reproducing. 
There is a flower plant called the Peace Lily that can grow indoors and doesn’t need sunlight. This plant will brighten up any dark corner because it can handle low light. And also, its white flowers have a light and pleasant aroma. This houseplant likes to be watered regularly—every week is fine, but in the winter, every two weeks is better.
Loose and rich potting soil with loam, perlite, peat moss, and coir is a recommendation for this species. The best temperature range is between 68-85˚F (20-29˚C) during the day, and it can be slightly cooler at night. Healthy Peace Lily will delight you with an elegant bloom twice a year. 
10 Plants that Grow Without Sunlight | Best Indoor Plants | Houseplants
FAQ
What is the best plant for low sunlight?
Do any flowers grow in full shade?
How do indoor plants survive without sunlight?
What plants grow without sunlight?
There are plenty of Outdoor Plants That Grow Without Sunlight in the shade. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, these plants will add a touch of perpetual beauty to your living space. 1. Astilbes 2. Hellebores 3. Japanese Forest Grass 4. Coral Bells 5. Foamflowers 6. Toad Lilies 7. Lungwort 8. Jacob’s Ladder 9. Solomon’s Seal
What plants don’t need a lot of light to grow?
The 23 types of plants that don’t need much light to grow. Chinese evergreen ( Aglaonema commutatum) is a lush foliage plant with large oval leaves in shades of green and color variations including pinks, white, and silver. Solid-colored leaves tolerate almost full shade while those with variegation like a little more light.
Can outdoor plants grow without sunlight?
Look no further! There are plenty of Outdoor Plants That Grow Without Sunlight in the shade. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, these plants will add a touch of perpetual beauty to your living space. 1.
Can houseplants grow without sunlight?
This can feel almost impossible in homes and offices that aren’t blessed with abundant natural sunlight. However, the truth is that most houseplants are originally native to tropical rainforests. These plants usually grow on the shady forest floor and have adapted to thrive without direct sunlight.
