As you may know, most houseplants need bright light to grow and thrive. Light is essential for photosynthesis—a process through which the plant's leaves use energy from the sun's rays to create sugars and other compounds that fuel growth and sustain life. Photosynthesis is what makes plants green (and provides us with oxygen).
However, not all plants require bright sunlight to survive; some can grow perfectly well in low-light conditions.
Here are the five best low-light plants that will grow well in low light.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
The ZZ plant grows well in a dry environment and pushes the low-light limit to its extreme. Native to East Africa and Tanzania, where it thrives in heat and drought, ZZ has become a popular houseplant because of its tolerance for less-than-perfect conditions.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake plant performs well in dry spells and easily handles moderate to low light. An ideal spot indoors is about 10 feet away from a west or south window. Pay attention to pot tags when buying snake plants. Some varieties, especially variegated ones, need a particular light level to retain the brightest leaf color.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema sp.) is a low-light plant that does best in medium-light levels. It grows well in moist to wet conditions but will also survive on dry soil as long as you water it regularly. Chinese evergreen is easy to grow, so it's great for beginners and experienced gardeners!
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Another plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors, pothos, is also known as devil's ivy. It has heart-shaped leaves and will trail along the floor or climb into trees, but it works well in low light.
Pothos grows best in indirect sunlight and does well in various temperatures. It will tolerate neglect, but regular watering and feeding will help it grow faster and look healthier.
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendrons should be at the top of your list if you're looking for an excellent low-light plant. The beautiful vines can grow up to 15 feet tall, are easy to care for, and thrive in just about any condition. Its versatility makes it a great addition to your home or office.
Philodendron is native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It has been cultivated from at least 1750 CE in French Guiana (French colonies in the Caribbean), where they were grown under arches or trellises with other plants like banana trees and coffee shrubs (hence "philodendron" meaning "tree climber").
