Journal/Indoor Styling · 6 min read
10 Best Low-Light Houseplants
Ten houseplants that genuinely thrive in low-light rooms — north-facing windows, hallways, and offices — with care notes for each.
Quick answer
The best low-light houseplants are the ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, cast iron plant, peace lily, heart-leaf philodendron, Chinese evergreen, parlour palm, kentia palm, and maidenhair fern. All will tolerate a north-facing window or a room several metres from any window.
Every plant needs some light, but these ten are honest about coping with rooms that most others sulk in. All are widely available and forgiving of the occasional missed watering.
1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Waxy, upright leaves and rhizomes that store water. Handles weeks of neglect and low light without complaint.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Practically indestructible. Water only when the soil is fully dry.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Trails or climbs. Golden Pothos tolerates the darkest spots; variegation is bolder in brighter light.
4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Victorian classic. Deep green straps, thrives in dim hallways.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Tells you when it's thirsty by drooping dramatically, then perks up within an hour of watering.
6. Philodendron Hederaceum
Heart-leaf philodendron. Vines happily on a north-facing shelf.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Patterned leaves in silver, pink, or red. Low light, average water.
8. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Soft, feathery fronds. Give it a bright corner far from direct sun.
9. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Elegant, room-defining palm that tolerates less light than most.
10. Maidenhair Fern (only if you can commit to humidity)
Low light suits it; low humidity does not. Ideal for a shaded bathroom.
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