8 Houseplants That Tolerate Low Light
No sunny window? These tough plants keep their looks in dimmer rooms, as long as you go easy on the water.
What 'low light' really means
Low light means a room where you can read comfortably during the day but the sun never shines directly on the plant. No plant grows in darkness; in low light, plants simply grow more slowly and need less water.
Plants that cope well
Snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, philodendron, cast iron plant, peace lily, Chinese evergreen and parlour palm all handle lower light better than most.
Quick tips
- Water less often in low light
- Dust leaves so they catch more light
- Move closer to a window in winter
Keep them happy
Rotate plants every few weeks and give them a brighter spot for a while if growth becomes leggy. Feed only lightly, as slow-growing plants need little fertiliser.
