Low Light Plants

Look at the spot where the plant will sit during daylight hours, rather than judging the room as a whole. A position near an unobstructed window receives more light than a distant corner, and nearby buildings or trees can reduce it. A north-facing window may suit some lower-light plants, but window direction alone does not tell the whole story.

Check the plant’s light rating and watch its growth over time. Stretched stems or smaller new leaves can indicate that it needs more light, though other care issues can also affect growth. If you’re unsure, send us a photo of the spot and its window for advice.

Yes, if you provide a suitable grow light. A low-light label does not mean a plant can live in darkness. Choose the light’s placement and daily operating time for your plant and follow the grow-light manufacturer’s guidance.

ZZ Plant and Sansevieria Laurentii (Snake Plant) are labelled Low in our care guides and are useful starting points for dimmer positions. For a spot with more indirect daylight, consider Jade Pothos or Parlor Palm, labelled Medium - Low.

Compare the individual plant’s watering needs, available size, and pet considerations before choosing.

Check the soil, not the calendar. Lower light can mean slower drying, so follow your plant’s care guide and adjust for your room, pot, and season. ZZ and Snake Plant should dry fully between waterings; other plants have different needs. Slower growth does not automatically mean a plant needs more water.

Parlor Palm is labelled Pet Friendly in our care guide, with a Medium - Low light rating. Give it a spot with indirect daylight. ZZ Plant, Sansevieria Laurentii, and Jade Pothos are labelled Pet Caution.

Keep all houseplants away from pets that chew, and check each plant’s full care guide before choosing. You can also use the Pet Safety filter to narrow this collection. Browse our pet-friendly plants for more options.