Living in a city apartment with minimal sunlight might feel like a death sentence for indoor plants and the possibility of biophilic design. I thought so, too. Then, I began testing plants under borderline botanical dungeon conditions—picture north-facing windows, narrow hallways, and barely any direct and natural light.
The results? Unexpectedly lush. Today, my place feels more like a miniature rainforest than a shoebox apartment. As spring breathes new life into the world, I wanted to share some plants with you that you could add to your home, despite its lack of light.
These 12 plants are not only likely to survive in a dark apartment, but they’ll also thrive with a remarkable ability to adapt and flourish in dimly lit spaces. Below, I’ll break down the best low-light indoor plants that are worth the effort, even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs.
1. Snake Plant
Often dubbed the “set-it-and-forget-it” plant, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a NASA-approved air purifier and is practically immune to neglect. Despite its dramatic stripes and stiff, sword-like leaves, it’s a stoic survivor, able to photosynthesize in low light. In fact, it thrives in spaces with minimal airflow and fluctuating temperatures, making it ideal for hallways, bathrooms, or offices.
2. ZZ Plant
Want a plant that laughs in the face of darkness? The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is your guy. This plant thrives on fluorescent light, stores water, rarely demands attention and is known to remove indoor pollutants. It has waxy, lush leaves that stay glossy even in gloomy corners and is fairly pest-resistant. While it might grow slowly under these conditions, it doesn’t shed leaves or shrivel up. Its resilience makes it the ultimate low-maintenance plant, perfect for city dwellers.
3. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining beast that is adaptable to dim corners and known for its quick growth. It tolerates sporadic watering, making it perfect for experimental plant parents. It can grow in water, soil, or even mounted to walls with moss poles. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying benefits and thrives on neglect. Even in the darkest corners, this plant’s leaves remain vibrant and healthy.
4. Cast Iron Plant
This Victorian-era favorite earned its name for a reason. Used in 19th-century British parlors where sunlight was scarce, Cast Iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) shrug off dust, dryness, and dimness like a botanical tank. Its adaptability to poor lighting and neglect makes it ideal for hallway corners or shaded living rooms. If you want a plant that exudes old-world charm and modern-day durability, this plant checks every box.
5. Peace Lily
More than just a pretty face, Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) thrive in partial shade and purify the air. Their glossy green leaves and striking white bracts, which bloom in low light, albeit less frequently, bring a touch of class to shadowy interiors. Ironically, overwatering kills them faster than shadowy corners ever could. They will also tell you when to water them as their leaves droop dramatically when thirsty. If you want a dramatic diva with serious air-cleaning credentials, look no further.
6. Chinese Evergreen
Don’t let the tropical patterns fool you—this plant thrives in shade. Native to Southeast Asian forests, Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema) are incredibly versatile, tolerating everything from dry air to temperature swings. Their slow growth means less pruning, and they seldom attract pests. In low-light apartments, not unlike mine, this plant is one of the most visually exciting and resilient choices around.
7. Philodendron
With over 450 species, Philodendrons dominate the indoor plant game. Heartleaf Philodendrons, in particular, evolved under rainforest canopies, where ambient light filters through dense foliage. They’re fast growers and excellent climbers, making them perfect for vertical decor or hanging baskets. Its adaptability means it can handle both shady corners and the occasional burst of light without complaint. It also rebounds quickly if neglected. Think of it as the ivy of the indoor jungle—a reliable classic.
8. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhairs (Adiantum) are one of the most delicate ferns and prefer humid, shady spots akin to bathroom windowsills or steamy kitchens. While it’s notoriously fussy and doesn’t like drafts or dry air, it rewards diligence with graceful, fan-shaped fronds. Its dark, wiry stems and soft green foliage make it a standout. Think of it as the orchid of the fern world—finicky but worth it. If you enjoy a challenge with visually rewarding results, this is your fern.
9. Dumb Cane
The name refers to its toxic sap, which can cause temporary speechlessness if ingested—a nod to its dark, gothic charm. Despite that ominous backstory, Dumb Canes (Dieffenbachia) are a lush, upright grower ideal for corners. It tolerates low light well and bounces back from neglect like a champ. Its large, variegated leaves brighten up dark corners instantly. This plant is a surprisingly easy showstopper that adds verticality and visual interest in places you didn’t think could host life.
10. Prayer Plant
Native to Brazil, this plant folds its leaves up at night in a prayer-like motion, a circadian rhythm behavior called nyctinasty. Prayer Plants (Maranta leuconeura) adapt well to indirect light and crave humid environments, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Their bold leaf patterns resemble living art, making them a conversation starter as they remind you that plants are very much alive and react to their environment. In a dim apartment, they add a vibrant touch that brightens a dark corner or shelf.
11. Spider Plant
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are hardy survivors and excellent air purifiers. They love indirect light and grow “pups” that are easily propagated, making them economical and adorable. Spider Plants adapt quickly to different conditions and are great for hanging baskets or high shelves. They’re also pet-friendly, fast-growing, and require little intervention. They’re the overachievers of the plant world—cleaning your air and looking cute while doing it.
12. Dracaena
A genus spanning over 100 species, Dracaena varieties are tough as nails. The Corn Plant variant, in particular, thrives in offices and airports for a reason. It tolerates abuse, sporadic watering, and dim lighting like a pro. Some even have variegated leaves that stay vibrant without full sun. If you’re looking for architectural foliage and a plant that’ll forgive almost any mistake, Dracaena deserves a spot in your home. It’s the corporate ladder climber of the plant world—unfazed, adaptable, and low-key stylish.
Sources
30 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants