Examples of Best Indoor Plants for Low Light: 3 Great Examples You’ll Actually Keep Alive

Let’s start with the three best examples that consistently show up in real homes, offices, and apartments that don’t get much sun. These are the workhorses: forgiving, attractive, and widely available.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)

If there were an award for “plant most likely to survive anything,” the snake plant would win. This is the classic example of a low light plant that beginners can’t mess up easily.

Why it’s one of the best examples for low light:
Snake plants tolerate everything from bright indirect light to that awkward corner six feet from the nearest window. While they prefer medium light, they’ll keep going in low light, just growing more slowly.

What it looks like:
Tall, sword-like leaves that stand upright, often with green striping or yellow edges. They instantly add structure and height to a room, which makes them perfect next to a sofa, in an entryway, or flanking a TV stand.

Care in plain English:
Think “ignore, but not forever.” Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. In low light, that might mean watering only every 3–4 weeks. Overwatering is the main way people kill snake plants, so when in doubt, wait.

Bonus:
NASA’s famous indoor air study (older but still widely referenced) included snake plants among species that help reduce certain indoor air pollutants in lab conditions (NASA Clean Air Study). You’re not turning your living room into a science lab, but it’s a nice extra.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is the plant you buy when you want something glossy and modern that doesn’t complain. It’s another standout when you’re looking for examples of best indoor plants for low light: 3 great examples almost always include this one.

Why it belongs on every low light list:
ZZ plants handle low light so well they’re often used in offices with fluorescent lighting and no windows. They won’t thrive in complete darkness forever, but they’ll tolerate very little natural light.

What it looks like:
Arching stems with thick, waxy, dark green leaflets. It has a clean, sculptural look that works well in modern, minimalist, or even industrial-style interiors.

Care basics:
The thick rhizomes (think of them as underground storage bulbs) hold water, so this is another “less is more” watering situation. Let the soil dry out almost entirely. In a low light apartment, watering once a month is often enough.

Pet note:
ZZ plants are considered toxic if eaten by pets or children. If that’s a concern, place them out of reach and double-check plant toxicity on resources like the ASPCA’s plant database (aspca.org).

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is the relaxed, trailing friend of the indoor plant world. When people talk about examples of best indoor plants for low light: 3 great examples, pothos almost always rounds out the trio.

Why it’s a low light star:
Pothos tolerates a wide range of conditions. It will grow fastest in bright, indirect light, but it still does very well in low light rooms, hallways, and offices. Variegated types may lose some patterning in very low light, but they’ll stay alive and keep growing.

What it looks like:
Heart-shaped leaves on long, trailing vines. Colors range from solid green to marbled white, gold, or neon chartreuse. It’s perfect for shelves, bookcases, or hanging planters.

Care basics:
Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. If the leaves droop slightly, that’s your reminder. In low light, you’ll water less often than what most care tags suggest.

Fun decorating idea:
Let the vines trail down a bookshelf or gently train them along a wall or around a window frame using small, removable hooks.

Going Beyond the Big Three: More Real Examples of Best Indoor Plants for Low Light

Once you’ve met the main three, it’s nice to have more options. Here are additional real examples of best indoor plants for low light that pair beautifully with snake plant, ZZ plant, and pothos.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Low Light With Flowers

If you want something that blooms, the peace lily is a classic example of a low light indoor plant that doesn’t need a sunny window.

Light needs:
Peace lilies can live in low light and even do fine several feet from a window. They’ll produce more flowers in brighter indirect light, but the deep green leaves alone are attractive in dimmer rooms.

Why people love it:
The white “flowers” (technically bracts) look elegant on desks, nightstands, or side tables. This is a plant that instantly softens a space.

Care notes:
Peace lilies like slightly moist soil but not soggy. If you forget to water, they’ll dramatically droop, then perk back up after a drink. That “sad then revived” act is a built-in reminder system.

For general information about plants and indoor air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a helpful overview of indoor air and health: epa.gov.

Philodendron (Heartleaf Types): Easy, Trailing, and Forgiving

Heartleaf philodendrons are close cousins to pothos and another strong example of low light indoor plants you’ll see in real homes.

Light needs:
They do well in low to medium light and are forgiving if your windows are small or shaded by neighboring buildings.

Look and feel:
Soft, heart-shaped leaves on flexible vines. They bring a relaxed, lived-in vibe to a space and pair nicely with books, art, and textiles.

Care:
Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. In low light, they’ll grow more slowly but still stay lush.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): The “Forget About Me” Plant

If you’re looking for an example of a plant that practically thrives on neglect, the cast iron plant is it.

Light needs:
This plant truly shines in low light and is one of the best examples for dark corners, hallways, or rooms with small north-facing windows.

Appearance:
Long, deep green leaves that arch slightly, giving it a graceful, old-world feel. It looks especially good in traditional or vintage-inspired interiors.

Care style:
Slow growing and very tolerant of infrequent watering. Just avoid soggy soil and you’ll be fine.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Color in Low Light

Chinese evergreens are great examples of best indoor plants for low light if you want more color and pattern.

Light needs:
Most varieties do well in low to medium light. The darker the leaves, the better they tend to handle low light.

Why it stands out:
You’ll find varieties with silver, cream, or even pink tones in the leaves. They add interest without needing direct sun.

Care basics:
Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet. They appreciate consistent conditions, so avoid cold drafts or big temperature swings.

Dracaena (Especially Dracaena Janet Craig): Tall and Architectural

If you want height in a low light room, dracaena is a solid example of a low light indoor plant that looks like a small indoor tree.

Light needs:
Many dracaena varieties tolerate low light, especially the deep green ones like ‘Janet Craig.’ They’re common in offices for a reason.

Decor impact:
They bring vertical interest without taking up much floor space, which is perfect for corners or next to furniture.

Care:
Let the top few inches of soil dry before watering. They’re sensitive to overwatering and to fluoride in tap water; if you see brown tips, try using filtered or distilled water.

How to Choose Among These Examples of Best Indoor Plants for Low Light

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of best indoor plants for low light: 3 great examples plus a handful of supporting stars, let’s match them to your actual home.

Match Plant to Light (Not Just Vibes)

Stand where you want to put the plant and ask:

• Can I comfortably read a book here during the day without turning on a light?
  • If yes, that’s low to medium light. Snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, philodendron, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, and dracaena will all manage.
• Is it more like “dim hallway” or “back of the room far from a window”?
  • Focus on the toughest examples: snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant, and pothos.

Remember, very few plants do well in zero natural light long-term. Even low light plants still appreciate a bit of daylight.

Think About Your Watering Personality

Use these examples of best indoor plants for low light to match your habits:

• If you forget to water:
  • Snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant are your best friends.
• If you like to fuss and check plants often:
  • Peace lily, pothos, philodendron, and Chinese evergreen will appreciate a bit more attention.

If you’ve had issues with mold or allergies, it’s wise not to overwater any plant. Overly damp soil can contribute to mold growth indoors. For general allergy guidance, sources like the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) and CDC (cdc.gov) offer helpful information on indoor triggers.

Consider Pets and Kids

Some of the best examples of indoor plants for low light (like pothos, philodendron, Chinese evergreen, and ZZ plant) can be toxic if chewed on. If you have curious pets or young children, either:

• Place plants high and out of reach, or
• Choose safer options after checking toxicity on reputable sites such as the ASPCA’s plant list.

Styling Ideas Using These Examples of Best Indoor Plants for Low Light

You don’t have to be an interior designer to make these plants look intentional. A few simple combinations go a long way.

Corner Rescue

• Use a tall snake plant or dracaena in a simple pot to fill an empty living room corner.
• Add a trailing pothos on a nearby shelf to soften the lines.

Cozy Desk or Nightstand

• A small peace lily or Chinese evergreen in a neutral pot instantly warms up a work-from-home desk or bedside table.
• If the light is really low, swap for a compact ZZ plant instead.

Shelf or Bookcase Jungle

• Mix a pothos or philodendron (for trailing) with a small snake plant (for structure).
• Add a Chinese evergreen or cast iron plant on a middle shelf to break up books and decor.

These are all real examples of best indoor plants for low light that people use every day to make their homes feel more alive without needing a sun-drenched space.

Simple Care Routine for Low Light Indoor Plants

If you remember nothing else, remember this: low light usually means less water and slower growth.

• Water less often:
  In low light, plants don’t use water as quickly. Always check the soil with your finger before watering.

• Rotate occasionally:
  Turn your plants every few weeks so they don’t lean one way toward the light source.

• Dust the leaves:
  Dust can block what little light they’re getting. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every month or so.

• Watch the plant, not the calendar:
  Yellow leaves, mushy stems, and soggy soil usually mean too much water. Dry, crispy edges can mean too little water or very dry air.

For general indoor environmental health tips, the CDC’s housing and health resources are a good reference point: cdc.gov/healthyhomes.

FAQ: Real Examples of Best Indoor Plants for Low Light

What are some examples of best indoor plants for low light if I’m a total beginner?

Great beginner-friendly examples include snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, cast iron plant, and heartleaf philodendron. These are some of the best examples because they’re forgiving about both light and watering.

Can you give an example of a flowering plant that does well in low light?

Peace lily is the most popular example of a flowering plant that can handle low light. It may bloom more in medium light, but it still grows well and looks good in dimmer rooms.

Are there examples of low light plants that are safe for pets?

Many classic low light plants (pothos, philodendron, ZZ plant, Chinese evergreen) can be toxic if eaten. If you need pet-friendly options, check each plant on the ASPCA’s database and consider placing any toxic plants out of reach.

Do these examples of best indoor plants for low light grow in rooms with no windows?

They can survive for a while under artificial light only, especially ZZ plant, snake plant, and pothos. However, completely windowless rooms are tricky. Aim for at least some indirect light from another room, or supplement with a basic grow light if the space is truly dark.

What’s the easiest example of a low light plant for someone who overwaters?

Snake plant and ZZ plant are two of the best examples for people who tend to overdo it, as long as you train yourself to wait until the soil is fully dry. Cast iron plant is another solid option if you want something very forgiving.

If you start with these examples of best indoor plants for low light: 3 great examples (snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos) and then add a few supporting players like peace lily, philodendron, cast iron plant, Chinese evergreen, and dracaena, you’ll have a home that looks intentionally green—even if your windows are doing the bare minimum.