Do you struggle to keep plants alive? If so, I am right there with you, my friend. I figured out that there are two reasons we join the Black Thumb Club.
- Our plants die from neglect
- Our plants die because we over-do it
I am part of Camp 2, here. I so desperately want my plants to live that I over water, move them around too much trying to make sure they get enough sun and/or shade, or otherwise sabotage plants that might've done just fine if I'd backed off a bit.
Now that I know this, I am learning to leave 'em be and only water a certain amount on schedule. The other factor--sunlight--isn't something I can really change. But I can select the right plant for the amount of light a room gets. After much research, I'm sharing my list of the top 15 low light indoor plants! Here they are, in no particular order:
#1 Snake Plant Sansevieria (Moonshine, Superba, Laurentii)
I actually have two of these "plants of steel" in my dining room! Mine are the laurentii version. They thrive on neglect and can go weeks without watering. They also can survive in dark corners with little to no sunlight!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: Low
SIZE: Up to 3+ feet tall
#2 Bromeliad
Bromeliads come in a variety of colors. These plants can add a tropical touch to any room! Just be aware that they typically last a year or two (but they do produce pups, which are little baby plants that can regrow new plants! How cool!).
TOXICITY: safe for pets and children!
WATER: moderate + likes humidity (great bathroom plant)
SIZE: varied
#3 Golden Pothos
This awesome plant is one of the best for removing formaldehyde and other toxins from the air!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: prefers light, frequent watering
SIZE: fast growing vine- can reach several feet
#4 Kentia Palm
Unlike many palm varieties, the Kentia palm is well adapted to life indoors!
TOXICITY: safe for pets and children!
WATER: when top 1-2 inches of soil is dry; keep soil moist; generally water 2-3 times per week
SIZE: can reach 5-12 feet!
#5 Parlor Palm
Another great indoor palm! The parlor palm is very slow growing, which makes it an ideal palm for smaller spaces.
TOXICITY: safe for pets and children!
WATER: keep soil moist; enjoys humidity (misting its leaves)
SIZE: 3- 6 feet (very slow growing!)
#6 Philodendron (Heart Leaf)
The Heart leaf philodendron is easy to grow. It's an eager climber but would also look great in a hanging planter!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: keep soil lightly moist, mist occasionally
SIZE: up to 4ft long!
#7 Spider Plant
This plant gets it's name from the appearance of the spiderettes that hang from the mother plant (see above). These can be planted to produce more Spider plants! This one is very easy to care for.
TOXICITY: safe for children and pets!
WATER: moderate; allow to dry out between waterings
SIZE: medium hanging plant
#8 Chinese Evergreen
With high tolerance for poor light, dry air, and drought, this Asian evergreen is one of the hardiest indoor plants!
TOXICITY: the sap is toxic to pets and children
WATER: moderate; allow soil to dry out between waterings
SIZE: 1-3ft width and height
#9 Arrowhead Plant
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed). Sap can also be an eye irritant
WATER: moderate; allow soil to partially dry between waterings
SIZE: 3ft vines with 5-12" leaves
#10 ZZ Plant
Virtually indestructable, the ZZ plant can survive months of neglect and require very little attention!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: low; allow soil to completely dry out between waterings
SIZE: up to 2ft tall
#11 Peace Lily
Peace Lilies will do great in low light, but you will see more of the white foliage and blooms if the plant gets a bit more indirect light!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: low to moderate; only water when top soil is dry to the touch
SIZE: 16+" tall
#12 Peacock Plant
You can see where this plant gets its name! Be aware that the Peacock plant can be a bit tricky to care for. See below.
TOXICITY: safe for pets and children!
WATER: Prefers high humidity (great for bathrooms); keep soil constantly moist--fluoride can damage the plant! Use rain, bottled, or distilled water.
SIZE: up to 2ft tall
#13 Dumb Cane
Dieffenbachia is nicknamed "dumb cane" because if consumed, it causes swelling of the tongue and throat preventing speech. This plant would be best for homes without pets or small children.
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: low to moderate; let top 2 inches of soil dry between waterings
SIZE: up to 5ft tall
#14 Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
Native to Madagascar, this Dr. Seuss-esque tree provides excellent architectural interest to indoor spaces. Additionally, they were listed by NASA as one of the best air purifying indoor plants!
TOXICITY: toxic to pets and children (if consumed)
WATER: moderate; keep soil lightly moist
SIZE: up to 6ft tall; slow growing
#15 Cast Iron Plant
As the name suggests, this plant is sturdy. They thrive in the darkest of spaces.
TOXICITY: safe for pets and children!
WATER: low; keep soil even moist but not soaked
SIZE: 12-24" tall and wide
That wraps up the top 15 low light indoor house plant list! Do you think you'll add any of these beauties to your home? I plan on adding some bromeliads to the kitchen, a ZZ plant to our son's room, and a dragon tree to our bedroom! Maybe even a spider plant in a hanging planter in the living room 🙂
