3 of the Best Houseplants for Low-Light Living

The future of housing is small-spaced units. Although they are perfect for people moving out from their childhood homes, it’s simply not enough for houseplants. However, there are types of plants that thrive well even in small spaces and low-light conditions.

Although bad lighting is terrible for indoor plants, low-light houseplants don’t necessarily require the sun to survive. Even if they don’t get direct sunlight, they should be fine as long as they’re in an east- or west-facing room. However, they might be in danger if the place you currently live in doesn’t have any windows or has a north-facing window. But don’t worry! They should be fine with artificial light for at least two hours a day.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Considered a low-maintenance plant, Lucky Bamboo is often found in most offices and homes. Due to its significance in Feng Shui, it’s known to symbolize growth, nobility, and flexibility. In western countries, it has become a symbol of sustainability. Giving Lucky Bamboo as a gift is considered a pleasant gesture.

The plant can grow in either water or soil, and it doesn’t require too much light. It prefers either a partial shade or diffused light—perfect for low-light houses. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to avoid burning its leaves. Make sure to water it regularly.

Observe the plant after a few weeks and try to notice if the leaves are turning yellow. If it does, it means that it’s time to transfer it to a new pot with a much bigger space. Even if you placed it in your house for good intentions, it isn’t lucky to have a dying Lucky Bamboo plant at home.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

For people always on the go, a Spider Plant is the perfect houseplant you could wish for. It’s the type of plant that tolerates a lot of abuse, which fits newbie gardeners or people without a green thumb. It doesn’t need too much water as it makes the plant too soggy, leading to root rot. Spider Plants are perfect for people who constantly forget to water their plants. They prefer the soil to dry out before the next watering session.

A Spider plant requires bright, indirect light. They can be grown hanging or trailing from baskets or pots. They are also likely to survive in less ideal lighting conditions, making artificial lighting perfect for them. Spider plants tend to develop brown leaves, but it isn’t something to worry about. All you need to do is water them as soon as brown leaves start appearing from the stalks.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are the best plants to keep at home or in the office. They can brighten up a space, even with only dark green leaves and a single white flower. Peace Lilies are popular low-light indoor plants that can take a lot of neglect. Like other indoor plants, they only require medium to low light. They also respond and change appearance depending on the amount of light provided to them. 

Peace Lilies given more light will produce lovely white spathes and flowers. Meanwhile, they will bloom less and give a more traditional foliage plant with a lesser amount of light.

Overwatering is the most common mistake in caring for Peace Lilies. They prefer being underwatered. It should be enough to check them once a week to see if they need water or not.

Conclusion

Other plants do well even in low-light conditions, such as Golden Pothos, The Spruce, Staghorn Fern, English Ivy, Cast Iron Plant, Maidenhair Fern, ZZ Plant, Philodendron, Anthurium, Chinese Evergreen, Swiss Cheese Plant, and Prayer Plant. All these require indirect sunlight and less water. Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t take care of plants anymore. Some plants still thrive even when they’re neglected.

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