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Not every room comes with a sunny window. Hallways, bathrooms, north-facing bedrooms and offices far from the glass can all feel too dim for plants. The truth is that no plant grows in darkness, but a handful of tough species cope with low light far better than the rest.
What counts as low light?
A simple test: if you can comfortably read a book in the spot during the day without switching on a lamp, a low-light plant can usually live there. If you need a lamp to read, the spot is too dark for any plant.
ZZ plant
The ZZ plant is the champion of dim spaces. Its glossy leaves stay attractive under office lighting, and its water-storing rhizomes let it go weeks without a drink.
Snake plant
Snake plants grow slowly in low light but rarely complain. Their upright leaves add height without taking floor space. Our snake plant on a wooden stand lifts it a little closer to the light, too.
Pothos
Pothos trails happily from a shelf in a dim room. In very low light the yellow variegation fades, so a golden pothos looks its best in medium light.
Peace lily
Peace lilies tolerate shade well, although they flower more with brighter light. They are a lovely choice for a bathroom with a small window.
Caring for plants in low light
- Water less: plants in dim rooms use water slowly, so let the soil dry more between waterings.
- Skip most feeding: slow growth needs very little fertiliser.
- Dust the leaves: a dusty leaf blocks the little light it gets.
- Rotate the pot every month so the plant does not lean toward the window.
- Consider a grow light for spots that are simply too dark.