Imagine transforming your dimly lit apartment into a lush green haven, even without a sunny window—sounds impossible, right? Many plant lovers struggle to grow greenery in low-light spaces, watching their favorites wither due to insufficient sunlight. You need the best plants for low light to overcome this challenge and create a thriving indoor jungle. This guide simplifies your decision with a curated list of top picks, backed by Amazon data, expert insights, and user reviews as of August 2025, ensuring you confidently choose the perfect low-light plant for your home.
Why You Need Low Light Plants
Bringing low light houseplants into your space offers more than just aesthetic appeal. These plants enhance indoor air quality by filtering pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde, reduce stress with their calming presence, and add a touch of nature to dark corners where traditional plants fail. Many face challenges like limited natural light, frequent plant deaths, or cramped living spaces, making low-light options a practical solution. Choosing the right plant ensures minimal care while maximizing benefits, turning even the shadiest room into a vibrant oasis. Whether you’re in a north-facing apartment or a basement office, these plants thrive with just 1-2 hours of indirect light.
How We Chose the Best Plants for Low Light
Our selection process focused on plants that excel in low-light conditions (1-2 hours of indirect light), are easy to care for with minimal watering and soil needs, and boast Amazon customer ratings of 4+ stars. We prioritized air-purifying qualities, aesthetic appeal, and pet safety, analyzing data from Amazon best-seller lists, over 50,000 customer reviews, and insights from gardening experts as of August 2025. This rigorous approach ensures our recommendations meet diverse needs, from beginners to seasoned plant enthusiasts, offering reliable options for any low-light environment.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Plants for Low Light
| Plant Name | Price (Approx.) | Light/Water Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Farms Peace Lily | $41.99 | Low light, Moderate water |
| Costa Farms Snake Plant | $38.99 | Low light, Low water |
| American Plant Exchange ZZ Plant | $28.99 | Low light, Low water |
| Costa Farms Pothos | $44.99 | Low light, Moderate water |
| Costa Farms Cast Iron Plant | $44.39 | Low light, Low water |
| American Plant Exchange Aglaonema | $27.46 | Low light, Moderate water |
| Costa Farms Philodendron | $31.99 | Low light, Moderate water |
| American Plant Exchange Fern | $54.25 | Low light, Moderate water |
| Costa Farms Chinese Evergreen | $40.99 | Low light, Moderate water |
| American Plant Exchange Calathea | $28.99 | Low light, Moderate water |
Detailed Reviews: The Best 10 Plants for Low Light
1. Costa Farms Peace Lily
Product Description: The Costa Farms Peace Lily is a stunning tropical plant renowned for its glossy, dark green leaves and elegant white blooms that appear year-round with proper care. Standing about 15 inches tall in a 6-inch ceramic pot, this air-purifying powerhouse thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for shaded living rooms or offices. Its ability to filter toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, as proven by NASA studies, adds a health benefit to its decorative appeal. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil and requires weekly watering, with blooms enhancing its charm in dim settings.
Price: $41.99
Key Features and Benefits: Air-purifying (removes common indoor pollutants), tolerates low light (1-2 hours indirect), produces white blooms, easy to maintain with moderate watering.
Pros: Enhances air quality, elegant blooms add beauty, forgiving of occasional neglect.
Cons: Toxic to pets and children if ingested, ceramic pot lacks drainage (requires careful watering).
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (8,500 reviews). Users praise its air-purifying ability and lush appearance, though some note minor leaf damage during shipping and stress the need for proper watering to avoid root rot.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Perfect for improving indoor air and adding elegance to low-light spaces with minimal effort.
Ideal Use Case: Homeowners or apartment dwellers with shaded rooms seeking a functional and attractive plant.
2. Costa Farms Snake Plant
Product Description: The Costa Farms Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria, features striking, upright leaves with green and yellow variegation, growing up to 2-3 feet tall in a 4-pack of 8-inch pots. This hardy succulent thrives in near-dark conditions, requiring minimal watering (every 2-3 weeks), making it a top choice for neglect-tolerant greenery. Its air-purifying properties, backed by NASA research, help remove toxins like formaldehyde. The plant’s sleek design suits modern interiors, from bedrooms to offices, and it adapts to low humidity, ideal for dry climates.
Price: $38.99
Key Features and Benefits: Extremely low light tolerant, air-purifying, drought-resistant, minimal watering needs, variegated leaves for aesthetic appeal.
Pros: Nearly indestructible, low maintenance, improves air quality.
Cons: Slow growth, toxic to pets if ingested.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.6/5 stars (9,200 reviews). Customers love its resilience and versatility, with some mentioning slow growth as expected for a low-light plant.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Ideal for beginners or busy individuals needing a tough, stylish plant.
Ideal Use Case: Offices or homes with minimal light and care time, perfect for plant novices.
3. American Plant Exchange ZZ Plant
Product Description: The American Plant Exchange ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) boasts glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that add a sophisticated touch to any space. Growing up to 2-3 feet tall in a 4-inch pot, this nearly indestructible plant thrives in low light with infrequent watering (every 2-3 weeks), making it a favorite for dark corners. Its water-storing rhizomes allow it to survive neglect, while its air-purifying qualities remove toxins. The plant’s compact size fits desks or shelves, and it tolerates low humidity, suiting a variety of indoor environments.
Price: $28.99
Key Features and Benefits: Thrives in low light, drought-resistant, elegant glossy leaves, air-purifying, low maintenance.
Pros: Extremely hardy, requires little water, adds elegance.
Cons: Toxic to pets, slow to propagate.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (6,300 reviews). Users appreciate its durability and look, with some noting the need to avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Great for dark corners with little upkeep, ideal for busy lifestyles.
Ideal Use Case: Urban dwellers with shaded apartments or offices needing a low-maintenance option.
4. Costa Farms Pothos
Product Description: The Costa Farms Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a versatile, trailing plant with heart-shaped, variegated leaves in green and yellow, growing up to 6-10 feet long in a 6-inch pot. This fast-growing vine thrives in low light with moderate watering (when the top inch of soil dries), making it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. Known for air purification, it removes toxins like carbon monoxide. Its adaptability to various conditions and easy propagation from cuttings make it a favorite for adding greenery to dim spaces.
Price: $44.99
Key Features and Benefits: Fast-growing, air-purifying, low light tolerant, versatile trailing habit, easy to propagate.
Pros: Adds lushness to shelves, easy to grow, air-purifying.
Cons: Toxic to pets, may need trimming to control length.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.4/5 stars (7,800 reviews). Customers praise its growth and versatility, though some report leaf yellowing if overwatered.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Adds greenery to low-light spaces with minimal care.
Ideal Use Case: Renters or decor enthusiasts with low-light areas needing a trailing plant.
5. Costa Farms Cast Iron Plant
Product Description: The Costa Farms Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) features broad, dark green leaves that grow up to 2 feet tall in a 10-inch pot, thriving in the darkest rooms with near-zero maintenance. This slow-growing, resilient plant requires watering only every 2-3 weeks and tolerates low humidity, making it perfect for neglected spaces. Its air-purifying ability removes indoor pollutants, while its tough foliage withstands occasional mishandling, ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways or home offices.
Price: $44.39
Key Features and Benefits: Extremely low light tolerant, tough leaves, minimal watering, air-purifying, slow growth.
Pros: Nearly indestructible, low maintenance, adds structure.
Cons: Limited variety, slow to grow.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (4,900 reviews). Users value its toughness and look, with some noting its slow growth as a trade-off for durability.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Ideal for neglected, low-light areas needing a sturdy plant.
Ideal Use Case: Busy professionals or shaded home offices requiring minimal care.
6. American Plant Exchange Aglaonema
Product Description: The American Plant Exchange Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, showcases vibrant, variegated leaves in shades of green, silver, and pink, growing up to 2-3 feet tall in a 6-inch pot. This low-light plant thrives with moderate watering (when the top inch dries) and adds a colorful focal point to dim rooms. Its air-purifying properties remove toxins, while its tolerance for low humidity suits dry climates. The plant’s decorative appeal makes it a standout for living rooms or bedrooms with limited light.
Price: $27.46
Key Features and Benefits: Colorful leaves, low light adaptability, air-purifying, moderate watering needs.
Pros: Enhances decor, easy to care for, vibrant colors.
Cons: Moderate watering required, toxic to pets.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.4/5 stars (5,200 reviews). Customers love its colors and resilience, though some note the need for consistent care.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Enhances decor in dim rooms with a splash of color.
Ideal Use Case: Interior designers or plant lovers with style focus in low-light spaces.
7. Costa Farms Philodendron
Product Description: The Costa Farms Philodendron features lush, heart-shaped leaves in deep green, growing up to 3-4 feet long in a 6-inch pot, thriving in low light with moderate watering (when the top inch dries). This fast-growing vine is perfect for hanging baskets or trellises, offering air-purifying benefits by removing toxins like formaldehyde. Its adaptability to various conditions and easy propagation make it a versatile choice for dim corners, adding a tropical feel to homes or offices.
Price: $31.99
Key Features and Benefits: Low light tolerant, fast-growing, air-purifying, versatile trailing habit.
Pros: Adds lushness, easy to propagate, air-purifying.
Cons: Toxic to pets, may need pruning.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (6,700 reviews). Users praise its growth and look, with some noting pet safety concerns.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Adds lushness to low-light spaces with minimal effort.
Ideal Use Case: Apartment dwellers or casual plant enthusiasts with dim areas.
8. American Plant Exchange Fern
Product Description: The American Plant Exchange Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) features feathery, bright green fronds that grow up to 2-3 feet tall in an 8-inch pot, thriving in low light with moderate watering (keep soil moist). This humidity-loving plant is ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, offering air-purifying benefits by removing indoor pollutants. Its soft texture adds a natural look to shaded spaces, though it requires regular misting in dry climates to maintain vibrancy.
Price: $54.25
Key Features and Benefits: Thrives in low light, humid-friendly, air-purifying, soft feathery fronds.
Pros: Adds lushness, air-purifying, natural look.
Cons: High humidity needs, requires regular misting.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.4/5 stars (4,500 reviews). Customers appreciate its texture, though some note humidity challenges.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Perfect for humid, dim bathrooms or kitchens.
Ideal Use Case: Homeowners with bathrooms or humid rooms needing greenery.
9. Costa Farms Chinese Evergreen
Product Description: The Costa Farms Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) displays striking variegated leaves in green, silver, and red, growing up to 2-3 feet tall in a 10-inch pot. This low-light plant thrives with moderate watering (when the top inch dries) and adds a colorful accent to dim spaces. Its air-purifying properties remove toxins, while its tolerance for low humidity makes it versatile. The plant’s decorative appeal suits living rooms or offices with limited light.
Price: $40.99
Key Features and Benefits: Low light tolerant, colorful foliage, air-purifying, easy care.
Pros: Brightens dark spaces, easy to maintain, vibrant patterns.
Cons: Toxic to pets, moderate watering needed.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.5/5 stars (5,800 reviews). Users love its patterns and resilience, with some noting pet safety.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Brightens dark spaces with color and minimal effort.
Ideal Use Case: Decor-focused individuals with low-light areas.
10. American Plant Exchange Calathea
Product Description: The American Plant Exchange Calathea (Calathea burle marx) features vibrant, patterned leaves that move with light changes, growing up to 2-3 feet tall in a 6-inch pot. This low-light plant thrives with moderate watering (keep soil moist) and adds a dynamic look to dim rooms. Its air-purifying qualities remove toxins, though it prefers higher humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or terrariums. The plant’s unique leaf movement enhances its appeal in shaded spaces.
Price: $28.99
Key Features and Benefits: Low light adaptable, decorative moving leaves, air-purifying, moderate watering.
Pros: Adds movement and style, air-purifying, unique look.
Cons: High humidity needs, requires consistent care.
Amazon Customer Ratings and Reviews: ~4.4/5 stars (4,300 reviews). Customers praise its uniqueness, though some note humidity challenges.
Why It’s a Good Choice: Adds movement and style to dim rooms with proper care.
Ideal Use Case: Plant collectors or humid room owners seeking a standout plant.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Plants for Low Light
Light Levels
Low light means 1-2 hours of indirect light, typically from north-facing windows or interior rooms. Bright indirect light (e.g., east-facing windows) may suit some plants, but direct sun can scorch leaves. Assess your space to match plant needs.
Care Needs
Watering varies: low-light plants like Snake Plant need water every 2-3 weeks, while others like Peace Lily prefer weekly moistening. Use well-draining potting soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Humidity matters—misting or pebble trays help for Ferns or Calathea.
Safety
Check pet and child safety: Peace Lily, Pothos, and Chinese Evergreen are toxic if ingested. Opt for pet-safe options like Spider Plant or Cast Iron Plant if needed.
Aesthetic Fit
Choose based on decor: upright plants like Snake Plant suit modern spaces, while trailing Pothos fits bohemian styles. Consider leaf color and size for harmony.
Tips for Success
- Place near north-facing windows or use grow lights for extra support.
- Avoid overwatering—check soil dryness first.
- Dust leaves monthly to optimize light absorption.
FAQs
Can low light plants survive with no natural light?
A: Most need some indirect light (1-2 hours). For no-light areas, use grow lights for 12+ hours daily, though survival varies by plant (e.g., ZZ Plant adapts best).
Are low light plants safe for pets?
A: Some, like Snake Plant and ZZ Plant, are pet-safe, but others (e.g., Peace Lily, Pothos) are toxic. Research before buying if pets are present.
How often should I water low light plants?
A: Water when the top inch of soil dries—every 2-3 weeks for drought-tolerant types (e.g., Snake Plant), weekly for others (e.g., Peace Lily).
Which plant is best for a dark office?
A: The ZZ Plant or Snake Plant excels in dark offices due to their low light tolerance and minimal care needs.
Final Thoughts
The best plants for low light in 2025 offer solutions for every need—easy care with Snake Plant, air purification with Peace Lily, or decor with Aglaonema. Whether you’re a beginner or a plant enthusiast, these top 10 picks, priced from $15.98 to $29.99 on Amazon, cater to shaded apartments, offices, or humid rooms. Select based on your space, care ability, and style, and watch your dim areas flourish. Transform your home into a green sanctuary today with these reliable choices!
