Five easy houseplants that have thrived in low light and still looked great

If you’ve ever killed a plant and blamed your flat’s “miserable lighting”, you’re not alone. Lots of people assume houseplants need proper sunshine to survive, so they don’t even bother.

But that’s not really true - some plants actually prefer indirect light, and a few will tolerate surprisingly dim corners without throwing a tantrum.

Quick note before we get into the list: “low light” doesn’t mean pitch black. It means no direct sun hitting the leaves, but there’s still some natural daylight in the room - like a bathroom with a window, a hallway that isn’t a cave, or a bedroom that stays bright-ish but never gets sunbeams.

Five low-light winners for indoors

Here are five easy-care plants that have handled low light well, and won’t demand constant attention.

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

This one’s basically the indestructible option. It’s got glossy leaves, doesn’t mind low light, and doesn’t need much water. The main way people mess it up is overwatering - let the soil dry out and keep it away from direct sun.

Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

The classic upright “sword” leaves make it a favourite for modern interiors. It can handle lots of conditions, including low light (though it’s happiest in bright, indirect light). It’s also drought-tolerant, especially in winter, so you can water it less often than most houseplants.

Pothos / Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum pinnatum)

This one’s popular for a reason: it grows, it trails, it forgives. It likes light, but it’ll still do well in lower-light spots, and you can grow it as a climber or a hanging plant. It’s also often mentioned as an air-filtering plant for common indoor pollutants - handy, if nothing else, as a reminder to crack a window now and then.

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A small, slow-growing palm that fits neatly in tighter spaces. It adapts well to shade and doesn’t need loads of fuss. Keep it out of direct sun (it can scorch the leaves) and water about once or twice a week depending on your room and season.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Big, split leaves - instant “I live in a nice flat” energy. It prefers diffused light, and the key is consistent watering without waterlogging. Keep the soil lightly moist, let it dry a bit between waterings, and mist the leaves on dry days. Avoid direct sun unless you fancy crispy edges.

Reference of the news:

Estas 15 plantas gostam de sombra e são boas para criar dentro de casa, Adelina Lima, January 2026.

35 plantas para apartamento com pouco sol e dicas de cultivo, Casa Abril, January 2026.

11 plantas fáceis de cuidar que precisam de pouca luz, Aline Melo, March 2025.