Maybe you are a tree lover. So you want to keep the plants inside your house? Otherwise, you want to add green to your office desk. But you don’t find as much natural light as you like in your home or office. That doesn’t mean you can’t keep your favorite plants. There are some indoor plants that do not require direct sunlight. They can successfully survive with the minimum amount of light in their house. So, read our list of 20 plants to discover the world of low-light-tolerant plants. Small plants that do not need sunlight. And see how your dark angles are alive with vivid green.
Table of Contents
Small plants that don’t need sunlight
1. Corn Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena Fragrans
Family: asparagaceae
Flower color: white, yellow
Corn Plant also known as mass cane or ribbon plant. This is a popular choice for an indoor plants. Their leaves are usually steep and slender and grow upward. These plants grow fairly slowly. It achieves good success in low light. And it doesn’t require too much maintenance.
2. The snake plant
Botanical name: Sunsevieria Trifasiata.
Family: asparagaceae
Flower color: white or cream to greenish-white.
The snake plant is one of the most popular low-light houseplants. It is commonly known among the snake plants as the sword of St. George, the mother-in-law’s tongue, and the bostring hem of the viper, among other names. It is an evergreen perennial plant. These plants can achieve success in both bright and indirect light. These plants do not require regular water, and water is required only once a month in winter.
This plant is often kept as a houseplant due to the low maintenance requirements of these plants. Their flowers are small, green-white flowers that grow up on a stalk originating from the base of the tree. However, they rarely give flowers inside the house. Usually, these plants are a popular choice for indoor spaces because of their low maintenance, air-purifying properties, and stunning leaves.
3. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Family: Araceae
Flower color: cream/tan
the green
white
It is notable mainly for its attractive, shiny, waxy leaves. This can be a great plant if you want to decorate an empty space in your home. It grows best in indirect light but can survive in very low light. These indoor plants grow up to 18–24 inches tall. As these plants are drought-tolerant, they need to be watered once every week. But make sure its roots are dry before watering. If you cannot take care of plants due to your busy schedule, then ZZ Plan will be a great plant to decorate your house. But beware, it is toxic to human, cats and dogs so be sure to wash your hands after handling the ZZ plant.
4. Pothos Plant
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum.
Family: Araceae
Flower color: yellow/ the green
Pothos, sometimes known as Golden Pothos Silver Vine, Taro Vine, or Devil’s Ivy, It is commonly known as the money plant in many parts of Asia. These low light houseplants are perfect for beginners starting their plant journey. It generally prefers bright, indirect light but is able to survive for long periods of time in low light. But prolonged direct sunlight burns the leaves. The plant needs to be watered only when the soil at its base is dry (usually once every one to two weeks). It is a very hardy plant and can survive poor growing conditions. Even because of its little care, it is often used in decorative displays in shopping centers, offices, and other public places. These plants are perfect for planting on your balcony, kitchen, and window hanging baskets. Also, you can keep it on your office disk.
Note: This plant is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. Care should be taken to ensure the plant is not consumed by pets.
5. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Family: Asparagaceae
Flower color: white
It is commonly called a spider plant because of its spidery appearance. It is one of the most common and well-known indoor plants. It is especially popular with beginners. Because it is easy to grow, neglect-tolerant, and able to thrive in almost any condition. It grows best in moist soil with moderate air humidity. It grows very easily. Spider plants are very effective at cleaning indoor air in homes or offices by absorbing chemicals, including carbon monoxide.
6. Heartleaf Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum
Family: Araceae
Flower color: white
It is an evergreen low light houseplants with heart-shaped, glossy leaves. This can be one of your ideal choices if you don’t have enough light inside your home. It becomes even more attractive when displayed in a hanging basket or on a shelf. This plant needs to be watered once or twice every week.
7. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Family: Asparagaceae
Flower color: cream-colored, dark purple, or even brownish.
It is an evergreen perennial plant. The plant can grow up to 1 foot tall. The glossy green leaves of this plant add a natural touch to any corner of the house. These plants grow very well in containers. These plants prefer low light temperatures. This plant does not require much care. Even this tree has a special reputation for tolerating neglect. As it is tolerant of irregular watering, it does not require much watering. So it can be a top choice for busy plant lovers.
8. Chinese evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema
Family: Araceae
Flower color: green/ white
It is an herbaceous perennial plant. It is commonly grown as a houseplant. The leaves of this plant range from deep green to emerald, often splashed with cream, white, silver, pink, or red. They can tolerate low-light conditions well. These easy-care plants require minimal water and don’t require frequent fertilizing. Chinese evergreens can be a versatile and attractive option for adding greenery and life to your interior space.
“The NASA Clean Air Study also determined that this plant species, Modetum, was effective in removing the common indoor air toxins formaldehyde and benzene. WikiPedia”
9. Begonia
Botanical name: Begonia
Family: Begoniaceae
Flower color: White ,Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow
There are more than 2000 species of this plant. Popular indoor varieties include the ever-blooming wax begonia and the beautiful rex begonia with its stunning patterned leaves. Begonias generally prefer bright, indirect light and require regular watering to keep soil moisture in check, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. They are easy to care for. This plant is ideal for interior decoration, as its variety of leaves and flower colors can easily enliven any interior space.
10. Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Family: Araceae
Flower color: green/white
It is a tropical plant that is often kept as a house plant. It does not like direct sunlight. This plant needs an evenly moist but well-draining soil to grow in a container. Since it likes bright, indirect light, keep it a few feet away from a south-, west-, or east-facing window. It does not require much water or maintenance. Watering should usually be done when the soil is slightly dry (after about a week or two). It is easy to grow and tolerant of any conditions, making it an ideal plant for the home and office.
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11. Peacock Plant
Botanical Name: Goeppertia makoyana (formerly Calathea makoyana)
Family: Marantaceae
Flower color: white
Peacock plant, also known as Calathea makoyana or Cathedral Windows. It is an indoor plant, famous for its stunning decorative leaves. It generally prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Even direct sunlight can discolor the leaves. It generally prefers moist soil. Watering is necessary if the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. If you are a novice houseplant collector, this may not be one of your best choices, but with proper care and maintenance, you can have a beautiful and healthy plan.
12. Radiator plants
Botanical Name: Peperomia.
Family: Piperaceae
Flower color: white
Radiator plants, also known as Peperomia, These plants are generally compact and slow-growing, making them good choices for indoor gardens, hanging baskets, and greenhouses. The height of this plant usually does not exceed 12 inches. Despite their “radiator plant” name, they don’t need very hot temperatures. They can survive in humid temperatures. These forgiving plants are happy with bright, indirect sunlight and infrequent watering, making them ideal for forgetful plant parents or busy schedules.
13. Boston fern
Botanical name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Family: Nephrolepidaceae
Flower color: vivid green
Boston fern is a common ornamental plant that is frequently grown as a houseplant in cold climates. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, it brings a touch of rainforest indoors. Boston fern prefers bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil. They thrive in moist environments, so regular misting or grouping them with other moisture-loving plants is beneficial. These plants look great on balconies, windowsills, and even kitchen hanging baskets in most homes.
14. Dragon Tree
Botanical name: Dracaena marginata
Family: Asparagaceae
Flower color: green, white
The dragon tree is a tall plant with green, sword-like, red-edged leaves. This plant grows slowly. The dragon tree prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can even survive in very low-light conditions. However, too little light slows down its growth. Indoors, it grows as a leafy plant. After watering it once, wait until the soil dries up the next time. Dragon trees are generally low-maintenance and non-toxic to humans and pets, making them ideal for indoor spaces. With proper care, these dramatic plants can live for hundreds of years, adding history and exotic flair to your home.
15. Rubber plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
Family: Moraceae
Flower color:
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica), also known as Indian rubber. Its leaves are broadly glossy and oval. Rubber plants come in many shapes and sizes, from single-stemmed trees to shrubby varieties. It does not require direct sunlight. They can grow very easily in bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Rubber plants are generally low-maintenance and can tolerate some neglect. This plant has a high tolerance for drought. This plant likes moisture and can grow in humid, tropical conditions. .Usually, it needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Rubber plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are rarely seen on indoor plants. These plants are generally non-toxic to pets. With proper care, your rubber plant can become a majestic indoor plant, adding a touch of elegance and purifying the air for years to come.
16. Bromeliads
Botanical Name: Bromeliaceae
Family: Bromeliaceae
Flower color: Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, White, Purple
Bromeliads are a captivating group of tropical plants prized for their vibrant colors and unique forms. Their striking appearance, featuring everything from spiky red blooms to silvery air plants, injects a touch of the rainforest right into your living space. These versatile plants come in a wide range of sizes, allowing them to thrive on shelves, tabletops, or even grace your floor as stunning specimens.
Bromeliads are low-maintenance companions, perfectly suited for busy plant parents. While they enjoy the bright light filtering through a window, the harsh direct sun can scorch their leaves. Instead, imagine them nestled near a window, basking in the gentle, indirect sunlight. If natural light is limited, fret not! Bromeliads can also flourish under fluorescent lighting, making them ideal for apartments or offices. So, bring a piece of the tropics indoors and add a burst of color with a bromeliad!
17. Dieffenbachia
Family:Araceae
Flower color: white
Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, adds a touch of the tropics to your home with its beautiful variegated leaves. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for beginners. Native to Central and South America, they come in a variety of sizes and leaf patterns, some featuring creamy white, yellow, or lime green variegations on a deep green background.
Dieffenbachia thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions. They also help purify the air by removing common toxins. Watering is simple: just deep-soak them when the top inch of soil dries out and let excess water drain. These plants prefer moderate to high humidity, so misting them occasionally or grouping them with other humidity-loving plants can be beneficial.
Keep in mind that Dieffenbachia is mildly toxic, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. They can grow up to 3–5 feet indoors, so rotate the pot for even growth. Yellowing or dropping leaves might indicate watering issues, so adjust accordingly.
18. Earth star plant
Botanical name: Cryptanthus.
Family: Bromeliads
Flower Color: White
The earth star plant, also known as Cryptanthus, Native to Brazil, it boasts bright, bright pink leaves that form a star pattern. Their vibrant colors and attractive patterns make them popular houseplants. It is even a top choice for terrariums. This plant does not require much maintenance. Earth stars do not need direct sunlight to grow. Because direct sunlight can burn its leaves. So generally, it prefers bright indirect light. These plants need to be watered when the soil around their roots dries out.
19. Moth orchid
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis.
Family: Orchidaceae
Flower Color: White, Pink, Yellow, Purple
Also known as Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis. It is a stunning and popular flowering houseplant renowned for its exquisite beauty and long-lasting blooms. , is one of the most popular orchids because they are grown as houseplants. Although seemingly delicate, moth orchids are surprisingly easy to care for. They like bright, indirect light. It does not require direct sunlight. Moth orchid has low drought tolerance. So regular watering is necessary but not excessive. Moth orchids usually bloom for several weeks and with proper care, they can rebloom several times a year.
20. Cymbidium orchid
Botanical name: Cymbidium
Family: Orchidaceae
Flower Color: White, pink, and yellow
Cymbidium orchids, also known as boat orchids, are a stunning and elegant houseplant known for long-lasting, fragrant flowers.
Cymbidiums boast beautiful, long-lasting flowers that come in a wide range of colors, from classic whites and purples to vibrant yellows, pinks and even spotted varieties. These flowers often have a distinctive boat-like shape, hence the nickname boat orchid. The leaves are long, arched and strap-like, which add to the graceful appearance of the plant. They require a little more specific care than moth orchids. They prefer cooler temperatures than most houseplants, ideally between 55–70°F (13–21°C) at night [3]. It requires bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn L’s leaves. Cymbidiums usually bloom from a few weeks to a few months. With its long-lasting blooms and unique care requirements, it’s a favorite among orchid enthusiasts.
