Discover the 10 Best Small Indoor Plants for Low Light 2024

Ready to brighten up those tricky low-light areas in your home? Discover the best small indoor plants that flourish even in the dimmest corners. Did you know that nearly 30% of homes have spots where not much sunlight sneaks in? That’s exactly where these plants come into play.

These plants are not just decorative; they also enhance air quality in shaded conditions. Studies show that certain plants adapted for low light can effectively filter indoor toxins, making them more than just visually appealing. This guide will help you transform those dark spots into vibrant, lively areas with ease.

Meet the 10 Best Small Indoor Plants for Low Light

Here are our top ten small indoor plants that thrive beautifully even in low-light areas!

Moss Amigos

• Size: Ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches
• Water Needs: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: Super EASY

Moss Amigos is one of the best small indoor plants for those who need low-maintenance plants that do well in low-light areas.

These small spheres fit right into any corner that doesn't see much daylight. If you're the type to be on the go or have too much on your plate, don't worry, Moss Amigos won’t add to your stress. To keep them happy, switch out their water every few weeks. 

These little champs are known for sticking around, a few have even hit the 200-year mark! They’re perfect for adding lively charm to your home's darker spots without fussing over them.

Peace Lily

• Size: Typically reaches 16 to 24 inches in height.
• Water Needs: Water approximately once a week; keep soil consistently moist.
• Care Level: Easy.

Peace Lilies are not only visually appealing with their glossy leaves and striking white spathes but are also adapted to thrive in low-light environments. This makes them ideal for areas away from direct sunlight, such as office spaces or interior rooms.

A study from ScienceDirect indicates that Peace Lilies can significantly improve indoor air quality by reducing levels of indoor VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are common in office environments. This dual benefit of aesthetics and air purification makes them valuable for indoor settings.

Yana Iskayeva | Getty Images

ZZ Plant

• Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet tall.
• Water Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Care Level: Very easy.

ZZ Plants are a top choice for low-light conditions due to their ability to thrive with minimal natural light. Their glossy, dark green leaves not only enhance any corner but are also efficient at utilizing whatever light is available, whether indirect or artificial.

A study from the University of Florida confirms the ZZ Plant's resilience in low light, emphasizing its suitability for indoor environments where natural light is scarce, thus maintaining its aesthetic appeal without frequent care.

Alexandr Kolesnikov | Getty Images

Spider Plant

• Size: Grows up to 12-24 inches wide.
• Water Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
• Care Level: Easy.

Spider Plants are incredibly adaptable and thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, including low light. Their grass-like leaves and arching stems can brighten up any space without needing direct sunlight.

According to Chicago Botanic Garden, Spider Plants are excellent at performing photosynthesis under minimal light, which helps them remove toxins such as carbon monoxide and xylene from the air, thus contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Snake Plant

• Size: Grows tall, up to 4 feet.
• Water Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks, more sparingly in winter.
• Care Level: Very easy.

Snake Plants are among the toughest houseplants you can find, making them perfect for low-light conditions. They are not only striking with their upright, sword-like leaves but also highly efficient in low-light environments.

The snake plant has the ability to improve indoor air quality by continuously absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during the night, unlike most plants that do so during the day. This unique trait makes them ideal for bedroom settings to enhance air quality while you sleep.

Philodendron

• Size: Vines can trail or climb up to 4 feet.
• Water Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Care Level: Easy.

Philodendrons are cherished for their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines that can add a touch of the jungle to any corner. They are particularly adept at growing in low-light conditions where other plants might languish.

According to a study from NASA, Philodendrons can absorb and break down pollutants found indoors, especially formaldehyde. Their efficiency in air purifying makes them a popular choice for indoor spaces needing a touch of nature without the hassle of strict light requirements.

Pothos

• Size: Trails up to 10 feet long.
• Water Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Care Level: Very easy.

Pothos are perhaps the quintessential plant for low-light conditions and beginner gardeners. Their trailing vines can grow long and lush even in the dimmest corners of an apartment or office.

Pothos plants have the ability to remove indoor air pollutants such as benzene and xylene. This capability, combined with their aesthetic appeal and low maintenance, makes Pothos an excellent choice for enhancing indoor environments with limited light.

Calathea

• Size: Typically around 2 feet tall.
• Water Needs: Water every week, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Care Level: Medium.

Calatheas are favored for their ornate leaf patterns and vibrant colors, which flourish even under low-light conditions. These plants are perfect for adding a splash of color to dimly lit areas.

Calatheas are effective in improving indoor climates by increasing humidity levels. Their transpiration rates help balance indoor air conditions, making them not only a visual delight but also a beneficial presence in homes and offices.

Orchid

• Size: Varies, generally small to medium.
• Water Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks; less frequently in the winter.
• Care Level: Medium.

Orchids may seem like high-maintenance plants, but certain varieties, like the Phalaenopsis, thrive in low-light environments. These orchids bloom with stunning flowers that can last for weeks.

Research from the Missouri Botanical Garden supports orchids' ability to adapt to less light than most flowering plants require. Their study explains how these plants are perfect for indoor settings with minimal direct sunlight, yet the desire for vibrant, blooming flowers is high.

Ferns

• Size: Varies; from small tabletop to large floor varieties.
• Water Needs: Water weekly, keeping the soil consistently moist.
• Care Level: Medium.

Ferns are the classic choice for low-light conditions, thriving in the humid, shaded understories of forests. This makes them particularly well-adapted to the less illuminated areas of homes and offices. Their ability to add moisture to the air while also filtering out common air pollutants makes them both a practical and picturesque addition to any indoor space.

Why Low Light Plants Are Ideal for Indoor Environments

Low light doesn't have to limit your plant choices. Even the darkest corners of your home can become lush, vibrant spaces with the right small indoor plants.

Thriving Without Direct Sunlight

Small indoor plants specifically suited for low light can prosper without direct sunlight, adapting to the light available in shadowed spaces. According to Dr. David Hessayon, author of the House Plant Expert series, plants like ZZ plants and peace lilies have evolved to survive under the canopy of dense forests, making them ideal for dimly lit indoor environments.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Many low light plants require less frequent watering and care, making them perfect for busy individuals or those less experienced with gardening. Tovah Martin, a renowned horticulturist, praises these plants for their resilience and low upkeep, which make them forgiving and easy to care for over time.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

Plants like the snake plant are celebrated not only for their ability to grow in low light but also for their air-purifying properties. A study led by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a former NASA researcher, found that these plants effectively remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air, improving indoor air quality even in poorly ventilated spaces.

Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits

Integrating plants into home decor not only beautifies the space but also enhances mental well-being. Dr. Edward O. Wilson’s theory of Biophilia suggests that connecting with nature, even through small houseplants, can decrease stress and boost mood and creativity, particularly in cluttered or artificial environments.

Cost-Effective Decoration

Besides their health and environmental benefits, small indoor plants offer an economical way to enhance indoor aesthetics. Martha Stewart, a prominent lifestyle expert, often recommends using plants as a cost-effective alternative to expensive decor, noting that they provide both style and substance to any interior design.

Conclusion - Best Small Indoor Plants for Low Light

So there you have it! You don’t need to have a sun-drenched home to enjoy a bit of nature. The best small indoor plants for low light are not just about making do in darker areas—they’re about thriving there. These hardy little plants can brighten up any space, improve your air quality, and even boost your mood without needing constant sunlight. 

If you're looking to freshen up your office or add some natural appeal to a cozy corner of your living room, these plants are up for the challenge. 

Remember, it's all about finding the right plant for your space and lifestyle, and hopefully, our guide has helped you do just that. Happy planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest small plant to take care of?

Moss Amigos are your go-to. Just keep them in water, and they're happy. Cactus are also pretty chill, just a sunny spot and occasional watering. Sansevierias, Monstera, ZZ Plants, and Pothos are almost as easy; they don’t need much fuss.

What is the easiest indoor plant to keep alive?

• Moss AmigosMoss ball (Aegagropila linnaei)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) 
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) 
• Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

What plants are good for indoor house?

Spider Plants are great for cleaning the air. Areca Palms add a tropical touch and don’t need too much attention. Chinese Evergreens are perfect if your place doesn’t get a lot of light.

References:

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? | US EPA. (2024, March 5). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs#:~:text=Volatile%20organic%20compounds%20(VOCs)%20are,ten%20times%20higher)%20than%20outdoors.

ENH1219/EP480: Florida Foliage House Plant Care: ZZ Plant. (n.d.). Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP480

Denizens of the Dark: Indoor Plants for Low-Light Spaces | Chicago Botanic Garden. (n.d.). https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/smartgardener/denizens_dark_indoor_plants_low_light_spaces

Formaldehyde - Cancer-Causing substances. (2024, August 6). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde#:~:text=Formaldehyde%20is%20a%20colorless%2C%20strong,and%20other%20pressed%2Dwood%20products.

Wolverton, B. C. (1986, January 1). Houseplants, indoor air pollutants, and allergic reactions. NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS). https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930072972

Phalaenopsis. (n.d.). https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/phalaenopsis

Perrone, J. (2023, November 8). Episode 184: The Houseplant Expert by Dr David Hessayon - the book that launched my houseplant obsession — Jane Perrone. Jane Perrone. https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/5/12/episode-184-the-houseplant-expert-by-dr-dg-hessayon

Product benefits Cleaner greener solution. (n.d.). https://www.plantairpurifier.com/meet_the_inventor

E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. (2024, April 10). E.O. Wilson - E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation -. https://eowilsonfoundation.org/about-us/e-o-wilson/