With more and more people looking to brighten up their indoor and outdoor spaces, it can be challenging to find the right plants for your space.
While we often think of plants bathing in the bright glow of a windowpane, many plants are able to survive, and some even thrive in areas where there is very little or no light.
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Living in a place with low lighting is no reason to live without plants, which is why we’ve compiled this list of 45 plants that will grow just fine without sunlight.
Jump to:
- 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- 2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
- 3. Peacock Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- 4. Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorem)
- 5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
- 6. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
- 7. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
- 8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- 9. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- 10. Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia insignis)
- 11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 12. Japanese Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
- 13. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
- 14. Alocasia Silver Dragon (Alocasia baginda)
- 15. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
- 16. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- 17. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- 18. Silver Satin (Scindapsus pictus)
- 19. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
- 20. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- 21. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- 22. Laceleaf (Anthurium spp.)
- 23. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
- 24. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
- 25. The Paper plant (Fatsia Japonica)
- 26. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
- 27. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- 28. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
- 29. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- 30. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
- 31. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
- 32. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia attenuata)
- 33. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 34. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
- 35. Wax Plant (Hoya)
- 36. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- 37. Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
- 38. Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
- 39. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
- 40. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- 41. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- 42. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- 43. Fuschia (Fuschia)
- 44. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- 45. Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia rex)
- Final Thoughts
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, belongs to the agave family comes in several varieties, all of which snake outward and end at a sharp point.
These plants are unbelievably tolerant of neglect and can grow in nearly any condition. They tolerate virtually no sunlight, although they may grow more slowly or not without access to natural light.
If you’re looking for an easy beginner plant that can handle little to no sunlight, the snake plant might be for you!
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
If you’re looking for a plant that can withstand even the darkest corners of your house or the harsh fluorescent lighting of your basement, then the ZZ plant is for you.
ZZ plant, short for its botanical name Zamioculcas zamiifolia, has tall stems with deep green, shiny leaves. This beauty is a low-maintenance plant that loves deep, dark, shady areas and requires very little watering.
3. Peacock Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Calathea, also commonly referred to as a peacock plant, is a real showstopper and a popular choice among houseplant lovers.
The peacock plant is also commonly called the prayer plant because it tends to curl inward and point upwards toward the sky in the evenings.
Be warned that the peacock plant is a slightly higher maintenance plant than most plants on the list and may benefit from being regularly misted and watered with distilled water.
4. Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorem)
Wax begonias are beautiful plants that have the ability to flower nearly all year long in the right conditions.
They are petite plants with small, pink flowers that are sure to add some cheer to your living or outdoor space.
While wax begonias thrive in bright, indirect light areas, they will do fine in lower light areas, especially when it’s particularly warm outside.
5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
If you’re looking to add a delicate and understated plant to your collection, the nerve plant is an excellent choice.
Its small green leaves have beautiful veins that look almost drawn on and come in several colors.
Your nerve plant will require regular attention, as the soil should be kept moist, and multiple instances of leave wilting may result in permanent damage.
6. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia is a large family of plants that includes several popular houseplants. While its ideal growing conditions offer access to medium or bright indirect light to keep the plant healthy and the foliage colorful, peperomia is relatively tolerant of low-light conditions and is susceptible to damage if exposed to direct sunlight.
7. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The rubber tree has soared to one of the top houseplants used today and thrives when grown indoors.
Although it will grow well outside in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, most people choose to keep it inside, and with adequate natural light, it’s a relatively quick grower.
Don’t be surprised if the lower levels of leaves begin to fall off if your rubber tree never sees sunlight, but it does well in partial shade, so even if it’s not getting direct sunlight, your rubber tree should continue to grow and stay healthy.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are great plants because they can adapt to various growing conditions and do just fine in low light conditions.
While the growth may be considerably slower, Chinese evergreens are already slow-growing plants, so you likely won’t notice a huge difference in their growth pattern.
Pick a nice shady spot for your Chinese evergreen, and it will continue to deliver consistent, beautiful foliage for years to come!
9. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Gorgeous when grown inside or outside, maidenhair ferns are delicate and beautiful plants that are rewarding to grow.
Like most ferns, the maidenhair fern tends to grow on the forest floor, underneath trees and larger plants, so it is well equipped to handle low-light situations.
If you’re looking to landscape darker areas of your yard, the maidenhair fern makes a great choice because it can thrive without direct sunlight and grow in various places, such as between rocks.
10. Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia insignis)
The rattlesnake plant is another type of calathea that is slightly fussy and completely beautiful.
Because of its tropical origins, this plant requires much more humidity than many plant owners have patience for.
However, if properly cared for, rattlesnake plants make extremely desirable houseplants because of their tall, striking foliage with distinct green markings on the top of the leaves and a purple-red hue making up their undersides.
11. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Another favorite among houseplant lovers, the golden pothos is beloved for its bright and cheery foliage and virtual indestructibility.
Your golden pothos will likely survive in any conditions and will tell you when it needs to be watered through its slightly wilted leaves.
Tolerant of neglect, these common houseplants are also very tolerant of low light conditions; just expect slower growth!
12. Japanese Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
The Japanese Sago Palm is a beautiful addition to any indoor plant collection or outdoor garden and, despite its name, is not actually considered a palm.
This feathery plant has beautiful green foliage and can tolerate much shadier conditions than true palms.
Just be careful not to overwater as the sago palm is susceptible to root rot.
13. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
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Those fortunate enough to have seen a bromeliad bloom understand just why these gorgeous plants are so desirable.
There are many different varieties of bromeliads, and they have different care requirements. However, many bromeliad types can do very well in low light conditions.
In order to bloom, most bromeliads need at least partial, indirect light, but your bromeliad may be perfectly healthy even if it never flowers!
14. Alocasia Silver Dragon (Alocasia baginda)
Although the gorgeous alocasia silver dragon requires some sunlight to survive, it made this list because of its sensitivity to too much light.
These plants simply cannot handle bright light and can grow and thrive so long as there is even a small amount of indirect, filtered light.
Just remember to rotate your alocasia regularly, as uneven plant growth can ruin the aesthetic!
15. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
While you may be surprised to hear that orchids made this list of plants that can survive without sunlight, orchids are very durable plants.
Orchids require a hefty amount of sunlight to thrive and bloom, but their growth pattern without sunlight emulates orchids that have entered dormancy.
The plant will continue to grow and show dark, hearty leaves, but no flowers will bloom. When you eventually move it somewhere more sunny, your orchid will happily bloom once again!
16. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Known for their ornamental braided trunks when grown as houseplants, money trees are low-maintenance and make great additions to your houseplant collection or outdoor garden.
These cheery plants tend to grow up to six feet when grown indoors but can reach heights upwards of 60 feet when planted outside!
Like the alocasia silver dragon, optimum growth requires you to regularly turn your money tree to ensure the plant is even on all sides.
17. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is a very popular indoor plant, and its delicate and beautiful foliage almost resembles a very large fern.
While it thrives in areas where it receives a generous dose of sunlight, the parlor palm can survive and tolerate areas where it receives significantly less light.
18. Silver Satin (Scindapsus pictus)
Like the golden pothos, the silver satin pothos thrives in areas where it’s receiving bright, indirect light and can grow abundantly.
Defined by their gorgeous green leaves with dotted silver-green variegation, these pothoses may simply grow less quickly without as much access to sunlight.
19. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The panda plant, also called chocolate soldier or pussy’s ears because of its fuzzy stems and dappled brown tips, is a precious succulent that grows well with very little light!
Like most succulents, the panda plant does best when you let the soil dry out completely, as they’re prone to root rot.
20. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns make great plants because of their versatility. While they do great as a part of your landscaped yard, they also thrive indoors or outside in hanging containers.
Like the maidenhair fern, it’s essential to keep the soil moist for your Boston fern to stay happy and healthy, but it is more tolerant of drought than its more delicate relative.
21. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
While you may think of English ivy as a trailing vine growing up the sides of trees or buildings, it also makes an excellent houseplant.
Easy to grow and very hardy, English ivy is sure to add some appeal to your home or garden and can grow even in the shadiest of conditions.
22. Laceleaf (Anthurium spp.)
Laceleaf is a family of plants that are known for their dark, glossy leaves and striking flowers, called spathes. The spathes come in various colors, with a conical spadix jutting out of it.
Be aware that your laceleaf may take longer to grow and flower less regularly when grown with less sunlight.
23. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb cane is a low-maintenance houseplant that is appealing because of its ability to grow in various lighting conditions.
While tolerant of low lighting, dumb cane still offers aesthetic appeal with its trademark dappled, variegated leaves.
24. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
A classic beauty and a plant that you are likely to see when looking at the forest floor, the sword fern is a hardy plant that can handle practically no sunlight.
When grown outdoors, they thrive in shady, moist areas, and so long as their soil is kept moist enough and they aren’t exposed to harsh sunlight, they make attractive houseplants.
25. The Paper plant (Fatsia Japonica)
Paper plants make excellent shade plants because, unlike many other plants, they actually thrive without bright sunlight.
While many of the plants on this list will grow in shaded areas, this growth may be significantly reduced compared to if they were given sunlight.
On the other hand, the paper plant will reward you with fast, beautiful growth, even in complete shade.
26. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The dwarf umbrella tree is an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant that resembles the money tree physically.
It offers plant owners fast growth and bushy foliage, although it’s best to turn it regularly.
While the dwarf umbrella tree tolerates lower light, the stems may get spindly without enough indirect light.
27. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is a beautiful and very low-maintenance plant, said to bring luck to the plant owner.
Assuming the roots have enough space to grow, the lucky bamboo can grow simply in water, so long as there are not too many chemical additives (such as fluoride).
28. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
The arrowhead plant is named so because of the arrowhead shape of the leaves. It is a small, bushy plant that can add charm to both indoor and outdoor gardening.
The arrowhead plant comes in several varieties, offering distinct colors.
29. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
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The swiss cheese plant, also commonly called a split-leaf philodendron or simply a monstera, is one of the top coveted houseplants.
Relatively easy to care for and tolerant of lower lighting, you can keep your indoor swiss cheese plant particularly happy by placing it in the shower for thorough waterings that emulate the tropical weather in the rainforests to which it is native.
30. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
Staghorn ferns are popular both indoors and outdoors because of their uniquely beautiful epiphytic nature.
The staghorn fern is often seen mounted on wall plaques because it emulates their natural habit of growing on trees.
31. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Creeping figs are known for their tiny, delicate foliage that can be a dark, rich green color or even variegated.
Outdoors this plant is a steady grower and can be seen creeping up the sides of buildings.
If you choose to keep your creeping fig indoors, prepare for its growth to be less impressive and only live a few years, although it is sure to be beautiful while it lasts!
32. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia attenuata)
The zebra cactus is one of the cutest and most visually stunning plants on the list. This succulent is defined by its dark green stems with white ridges, resembling the stripes of a zebra.
While it thrives with some sunlight, the zebra plant is somewhat tolerant of shade, but if you notice its green stems begin to fade, consider moving it somewhere with slightly more sun.
33. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant is for you if you possess the opposite of a green thumb. These plants are virtually indestructible, are incredibly tolerant of neglect, and require almost no sunlight to survive.
Whether you plant them inside or outdoors, feel free to choose any area that doesn’t receive too much sunlight, and your cast iron plant will continue to reward you with its rich, green foliage.
34. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The weeping fig is a stunning, petite tree with delicate weeping leaves. While beautiful, the weeping fig is one of the more high-maintenance plants on the list.
Consistency is key when caring for a weeping fig, and they can tolerate uniform, lower levels of sunlight.
35. Wax Plant (Hoya)
Wax plants make great houseplants because of their woody stocks and beautiful, turgid leaves. They come in many varieties and are relatively easy to care for.
Depending on what type of wax plant you own, they may have different light requirements, but many hoya varieties can handle partial shade.
36. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s nest ferns are lovely and unique, and while their care is similar to some of the other ferns on this list, they are distinctly tropical.
Their bright green leaves are broad and wavy, and in their natural habitat, they grow on trees, like the staghorn fern.
Find a nice, shaded area for your bird’s nest ferns to thrive.
37. Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
The elephant ear, also called taro, is a fun plant that will add appeal whether planted indoors or outside.
They have broad, striking leaves that grow quite large, and these plants thrive in lower light conditions.
Elephant ears thrive in moist soil, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to overwater their plants!
38. Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
Dragon trees make spectacular houseplants because they’re low-maintenance and typically grow with sharp, brightly-colored foliage to nearly six feet tall.
Dragon trees grow slowly but don’t require much sunlight and are relatively drought tolerant.
39. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
The Christmas cactus is so named because it is the Schlumbergera variety that blooms closest to the Christmas holiday!
If you’ve seen Easter cactuses and Thanksgiving cactuses, these plants are in the same family but bloom closest to the holidays they’re named after.
40. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are common when grown indoors and outdoors. They’re known for their dark, deep leaves and beautiful white flowers. Best of all? They’re very low-maintenance!
Be cautious when growing peace lilies if you own pets, as they’re toxic to both cats and dogs.
41. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are whimsical and easy to care for, often seen growing in hanging baskets. The plants grow smaller “baby” plants that hang from the parent plant and can be easily propagated and shared with friends!
42. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Chinese money plant is an adorable, petite plant known for its light stalks and coin-shaped leaves.
When it has access to sunlight, regularly rotate the plant so it doesn’t look unbalanced. The Chinese money plant can survive with very little sunlight, but it may develop fewer, smaller leaves.
43. Fuschia (Fuschia)
Fuschias are often seen in hanging planters outside of people’s homes and in commercial landscaping.
Their gorgeous, bright-colored flowers are deeply alluring, and unlike many other plants, sunlight is not required for these beauties to bloom.
44. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Did you know that aloe vera can be applied to your skin directly from the plant? If you have an aloe plant growing, it can offer you many benefits and save you a trip to the grocery store after a day in the sun!
45. Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia rex)
While many begonia varieties require more sunlight, the painted leaf begonia makes a fantastic, low-maintenance option because this plant is far more tolerant of low light conditions.
Painted leaf begonias are aptly named for their gorgeous, colorful mottled leaves.
Final Thoughts
If your home or apartment doesn’t get a lot of natural light, but you’re a plant lover, don’t fret! There are plenty of plants that can survive or even thrive in lower light areas.
While many houseplants prefer bright light, every plant on this list can do just fine in areas without access to direct sunlight.
Consider picking up one of these 45 plants today to brighten up and add some greenery to your space.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
