I lived in a north-facing apartment for two years and killed more plants than I'd like to admit before I figured out which ones actually work in low light. If your space doesn't get much sun, here are the 10 plants that will actually survive — no grow light required (unless your room has zero windows).
There are plenty of gorgeous, easy-care houseplants that actually prefer lower light conditions. In this post, we're rounding up the 10 best low-light houseplants for dark apartments and dim rooms - plants that are forgiving, beautiful, and perfect for beginners.
What Counts as "Low Light"?
Before we get into the plant list, let's clear something up: low light doesn't mean no light. In plant terms, low light typically means:
- No direct sunlight
- Natural light from a north-facing window.
- Being several feet away from any window.
- A room that feels dim even on a bright day.
If your room has zero natural light, you'll still need a basic grow light to keep plants alive. But if you have even a modest amount of daylight, the plants below can thrive.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant is practically indestructible. It thrives in low light, handles infrequent watering, and tolerates dry air - making it ideal for apartments with forced-air heating. Its tall, architectural leaves make it a stunning design piece too. Water it every 2–6 weeks depending on the season.
Best for: Bedrooms, hallways, offices.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is the houseplant everyone starts with - and for good reason. It tolerates low light better than almost any other trailing plant and grows fast, which makes it incredibly satisfying for beginners. Let it trail from a shelf or clip it to a wall for a jungle-chic look.
Best for: Shelves, hanging baskets, high spaces.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant has thick, waxy leaves that store water and nutrients, making it one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants around. It thrives in low light and needs almost no attention. If you tend to forget to water, this is your plant.
Best for: Living rooms, home offices, corners.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are one of the few flowering plants that do well in low light - a rare and welcome quality. They'll reward you with elegant white blooms even in dim conditions. When they're thirsty, the leaves droop dramatically, which takes the guesswork out of watering. Just water when it droops, and it bounces back within hours.
Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, shady corners.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant earned its name for a reason - it can survive neglect, low light, irregular watering, and temperature swings that would kill other plants. It grows slowly but lives for years (even decades) with minimal care.
Best for: Dark hallways, entry rooms, anywhere else feels hopeless.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are available in a gorgeous range of colors - green, silver, red, and pink - and they're wonderfully low-maintenance. Darker-colored varieties handle low light best. They prefer to dry out a bit between waterings and are very tolerant of neglect.
Best for: Living rooms, offices, dorms.
7. Dracaena
Dracaenas come in many varieties (Dracaena marginata, Dracaena fragrans, Dracaena compacta) and most do well in medium to low light. They're tall, architectural, and make a statement in any room. Water only when the top half of the soil is dry and avoid fluoride-heavy tap water, which can cause leaf tip browning.
Best for: Living rooms, corners, spaces that need height.
8. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Similar to pothos in look and ease, the heartleaf philodendron is a fast-growing trailing plant that handles low light with ease. Its velvety, heart-shaped leaves are charming and it's very forgiving of irregular watering.
Best for: Shelves, trailing displays, hanging planters.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are cheerful, fast-growing, and adaptable. They do best in indirect light but tolerate low-light conditions well. One of the best parts: they produce little "spiderette" offshoots you can propagate into new plants for free. Great for beginners who want to grow their collection without spending more money.
Best for: Hanging baskets, windowsills, kids' rooms.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
If you want a tropical, lush look without direct sunlight, the parlor palm delivers. It's one of the most low-light-tolerant palms available and grows well in typical apartment conditions. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and keep it away from cold drafts.
Best for: Living rooms, entryways, anywhere you want a tropical touch.
Tips for Helping Low-Light Plants Thrive
Even the toughest low-light plants will do better with a little extra support:
- Wipe the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth to remove dust, which blocks light absorption
- Rotate the pot quarterly so all sides get exposure
- Don't overwater - plants in low light use water more slowly, so they need less of it
- Add a grow light if you notice slow growth, leggy stems, or pale leaves - even a basic $20 clip-on light helps
Final Thoughts
Living in a dim apartment doesn't mean you have to give up on your indoor garden dreams. The plants on this list prove that beautiful, thriving greenery is possible even without a sunny south-facing window. Start with one or two, learn what they like, and build from there. Room to Bloom is proof that you don't need perfect conditions - you just need the right plants.