Living in an apartment often comes with certain challenges when it comes to indoor gardening. Limited natural light, smaller spaces, and busy schedules can make it difficult to keep plants healthy. Fortunately, not all indoor plants require abundant sunlight to thrive. Low light indoor plants are perfect for apartment dwellers who want the benefits of greenery without the hassle of constant sunlight or high maintenance.
In this article, we’ll explore the best low-light indoor plants for apartments, discuss their care requirements, and provide practical tips for keeping them healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, these plants can transform your apartment into a vibrant, inviting space.
Why Choose Low Light Indoor Plants for Apartments?
Indoor plants are not just decorative—they improve air quality, boost mood, and create a relaxing atmosphere. But apartments often face challenges like:
- Limited natural sunlight: Many apartments have small windows or face north, reducing light exposure.
- Space constraints: You may need compact or vertical-growing plants.
- Busy lifestyles: Some tenants don’t have time for high-maintenance plants.
Choosing low light indoor plants solves these problems. These plants can survive and even flourish with minimal sunlight, making them ideal for apartments of any size.
What Does “Low Light” Mean?
Before selecting plants, it’s important to understand what “low light” actually means:
- Indirect sunlight: Light that comes through a window but is not direct or harsh.
- Artificial lighting: Many low-light plants can thrive under fluorescent or LED lights.
- Shaded corners: Areas of your apartment that receive little to no direct sunlight.
By understanding light levels, you can place your plants in the right spots and ensure they stay healthy.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant, also called “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is a popular choice for apartments due to its resilience and low light tolerance.
Care Tips:
- Light: Tolerates low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Benefits: Filters indoor air toxins and adds vertical structure to your space.
Pro tip: Snake plants grow slowly in low light, so be patient—they’ll thrive with minimal attention.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is known for its shiny, waxy leaves and extreme adaptability.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to bright indirect light. Can survive in darker corners.
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Maintenance: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust.
Why it’s great: ZZ plants are nearly indestructible and perfect for beginners or busy apartment dwellers.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a versatile, trailing vine that grows well in pots, baskets, or shelves.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sun.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Pruning: Trim vines to encourage fuller growth.
Bonus: Pothos is excellent at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are admired for their graceful white flowers and glossy green leaves. They can tolerate low light, making them ideal for apartments.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light; blooms best in moderate light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Humidity: Thrives in slightly higher humidity, suitable for kitchens or bathrooms.
Extra benefit: Peace lilies are natural air purifiers, removing harmful chemicals from the air.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is extremely hardy and tolerates neglect.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low light or shaded areas work well.
- Water: Water every 1–2 weeks; let soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Temperature: Handles fluctuating indoor temperatures and drafts.
Why it works in apartments: Its slow growth and low maintenance make it perfect for busy lifestyles.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are known for their arching leaves and small plantlets that dangle from the main plant.
Care Tips:
- Light: Indirect sunlight is best; tolerates low light.
- Water: Keep soil moderately moist; don’t let it dry completely.
- Maintenance: Remove brown tips to keep leaves looking healthy.
Fun fact: Spider plants are pet-friendly and easy to propagate from their plantlets.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf philodendron is a trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves that grows well in low light.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Pruning: Trim occasionally to control growth and encourage fuller foliage.
Pro tip: This plant adapts well to hanging baskets or shelves, making it perfect for small apartments.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are popular low-light plants that feature colorful, variegated leaves.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
- Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate indoor humidity.
Extra benefit: Aglaonema is known for its air-purifying abilities and tolerance for indoor conditions.
9. Dracaena
Dracaenas come in many varieties, including Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans, which are perfect for apartment corners.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Water moderately; allow topsoil to dry between waterings.
- Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
Why it’s ideal: Dracaena is slow-growing and adds a modern, structural aesthetic to indoor spaces.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is a compact, elegant palm that thrives in low-light apartments.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; don’t overwater.
- Maintenance: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust.
Bonus: Its tropical look enhances any living space and adds a touch of nature to apartments with limited sunlight.
Practical Tips for Growing Low-Light Indoor Plants in Apartments
Even low-light plants need some care. Follow these tips to ensure success:
- Choose the right pot: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use quality soil: Indoor potting mixes help retain moisture and nutrients.
- Rotate plants: Turn plants occasionally so all sides get light exposure.
- Monitor watering: Overwatering is the most common cause of plant stress.
- Clean leaves: Dust can block light and reduce photosynthesis.
- Fertilize sparingly: Low-light plants grow slowly, so feed them lightly during the growing season.
Benefits of Low-Light Indoor Plants
- Air purification: Many plants remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Mood improvement: Greenery reduces stress and enhances mental well-being.
- Space efficiency: Low-light plants can thrive in corners, shelves, or small tables.
- Aesthetic appeal: They add life, color, and texture to apartments without overwhelming the space.
Conclusion
Low light indoor plants are perfect for apartment living. From the resilient snake plant to the elegant parlor palm, these plants can survive in shaded corners, low-light rooms, and small spaces, offering beauty, clean air, and a touch of nature.
By choosing the right plants, understanding their light requirements, and following simple care tips, you can enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening without the challenges of high-maintenance plants. Start with one or two of these easy-care plants today, and watch your apartment transform into a vibrant, peaceful sanctuary.
Embrace the greenery, experiment with plant placement, and enjoy the many advantages of bringing nature indoors—even with limited light.