16 Best Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight
Have you ever wanted to fill your home with lots of green plants but thought you couldnt because your rooms are too dark?
I felt that way too, until I found out about indoor plants that dont need sunlight to grow! Yes, its true there are Houseplants for Dark Rooms that can survive, and even do really well, without direct sunlight.
Let me share with you 16 of the best indoor plants for those dark corners of your home.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant, also called Mother-in-Laws Tongue, is one of the best Plants That Can Live In The Dark.
It has tall, upright leaves that add height to your space. It doesnt just tolerate low light, it actually likes indirect, filtered lighting. Its also one of those Tall Floor Plants Indoor gardeners like me love because its so easy to care for.
- Light needs: Low light to full shade
- Water: Water sparingly, let the soil dry between waterings
- Why its great: Its almost impossible to kill perfect for people who are new to plant care or forget to water their plants.
I love styling my snake plant in a tall, clean-looking pot to match its upright shape. Minimalist pots really let it shine.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is perfect for low-light spaces. It has thick, shiny, dark green leaves that look really nice in any indoor area.
It can be a floor plant or a table plant, and it grows well in low-light rooms.
- Light needs: Full Shade Indoor Plants friendly
- Water: Water every 2-3 weeks
- Why its great: ZZ plants can handle a lot of neglect, making them great for dark rooms.
ZZ plants look stunning in matte or stone-textured pots. Their dark green leaves really pop.
3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is as tough as its name sounds. This plant can handle a lot of neglect and grows well in dark corners where other plants cant.
Its one of the best Houseplants For Dark Rooms.
- Light needs: Great for Indoor Plants Dark Room setups
- Water: Moderate watering
- Why its great: Very strong, even if you forget to water it sometimes.
Since these are tough plants, I keep them in heavy-duty, rustic-style planterssomething that matches their hardy vibe.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a classic plant, and for good reason! It has beautiful white flowers and deep green leaves, which can bring life to a dark room.
Peace Lilies like indirect light but can still grow well in lower light.
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Water: Keep soil moist, but not too wet
- Why its great: Its great for Indoor Plants With Low Light, and it also cleans the air.
A Peace Lily will reward you with flowers even in low lightjust be sure to use the right potting mix and fertilizer.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
If you want a plant that trails or hangs down, Pothos is a great choice. Its perfect for dark corners and can handle almost any type of light.
- Light needs: Indirect light, can handle low light
- Water: Moderate, let the soil dry out between watering
- Why its great: Perfect for Full Shade Indoor Plants lovers who want some green.
For trailing plants like Pothos, I hang them in macramé holders or let them cascade from a bookshelf.
6. Philodendron
Philodendrons are great plants with heart-shaped leaves that love low light. They can be climbing plants or trailing plants, and they grow well in most rooms.
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Water: Let the soil dry between watering
- Why its great: Very easy to grow and adds a tropical touch.
These do great on plant stands or in hanging basketssomething that lets their vines show off.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen plants are some of the easiest to grow indoors, even in dark rooms. They have colorful leaves with shades of silver and green that brighten up low-light spaces.
- Light needs: Low light
- Water: Moderate
- Why its great: They are very easy to take care of, even if you dont have much experience.
Chinese Evergreens have bold leaves, so I go with neutral planters to let the colors stand out.
8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a popular choice for Tall Floor Plants Indoor settings. It has a gentle, elegant look and grows well in low-light areas. Its great for adding height to a living room or bedroom.
- Light needs: Low light, no direct sun
- Water: Light watering, keep the soil slightly moist
- Why its great: Perfect for adding height without needing sunlight.
These palms like light moisture. I use a moisture meter to keep things just rightno guesswork.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider Plants are great for hanging baskets or high shelves where their leaves can spill over. They are easy to grow and can handle dark rooms.
- Light needs: Indirect light, can handle low light
- Water: Moderate, let the soil dry slightly between waterings
- Why its great: They grow fast and are easy to grow more of.
Great for propagation! I clip the baby offshoots and root them in a cute glass setup.
| Plant Name | Light Needs | Water Needs | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Low light to full shade | Sparingly | Almost impossible to kill |
| ZZ Plant | Full shade | Every 2-3 weeks | Handles a lot of neglect |
| Cast Iron Plant | Full shade | Moderate | Strong and low maintenance |
| Peace Lily | Low to medium light | Keep moist | Air purifying |
| Pothos | Indirect light | Moderate | Trails and hangs beautifully |
| Chinese Evergreen | Low light | Moderate | Colorful leaves, easy care |
| Parlor Palm | Low light, no direct sun | Light watering | Elegant, great for living rooms |
| Spider Plant | Indirect, low light | Moderate | Fast growing, easy to propagate |
10. Dracaena
Dracaena plants are some of the best Dark Room House Plants. They have long, strappy leaves and can adapt well to low light.
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Water: Let the soil dry slightly between watering
- Why its great: Adds a bold touch of green and is easy to care for.
Ive found Dracaena looks best in minimalist floor plantersit gives them that sleek, sculptural look.
11. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
This delicate fern adds a soft touch to any room. It does well in low light but likes humidity, making it great for bathrooms.
- Light needs: Low light
- Water: Keep consistently moist
- Why its great: Adds texture and likes humid spaces.
These ferns are picky about moisture, so I like to mist them regularly. A fine-mist spray bottle does the trick.
12. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Even though its called bamboo, Lucky Bamboo is actually part of the Dracaena family. It loves low light and is easy to grow.
- Light needs: Low light
- Water: Keep roots in water
- Why its great: Adds a bit of good luck and greenery to low-light rooms.
For lucky bamboo, I use glass containers filled with pebbles and waterit keeps it happy and stylish.
13. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a vining plant that works well in hanging baskets or on plant stands. It grows fast and can handle low light.
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Water: Keep soil moist
- Why its great: Grows quickly and works well in low-light spaces.
Ivy looks fantastic climbing a trellis or dangling from a high shelf. I use adjustable plant stands for this one.
14. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb Cane has pretty variegated leaves and is really easy to grow in low light. It adds a tropical look to any room.
- Light needs: Low to medium light
- Water: Moderate
- Why its great: Easy to care for and brightens up indoor spaces.
This ones a show-off, so I pot it in something bold and modernsomething that complements the patterned leaves.
15. Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)
This fern has wavy, bright green leaves that look really unique. It likes humidity and low light, making it great for bathrooms.
- Light needs: Low light, no direct sunlight
- Water: Keep soil moist
- Why its great: Its interesting leaves make it a cool addition to any room.
Because they love humidity, I like to place these in bathrooms or near a pebble tray to keep the moisture up.
16. Heartleaf Philodendron
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a classic plant for Indoor Plants Dark Room setups. It has heart-shaped leaves and grows well in low light.
- Light needs: Low light
- Water: Let the soil dry between watering
- Why its great: Easy to care for and looks beautiful in any space.
I keep this one on a wall-mounted bracket with a trailing basketlets the vines flow beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I love how indoor plants can bring life and calm to any room, even if you dont have much sunlight.
These plants are perfect for anyone who wants to add greenery to their dark rooms without worrying about sunlight. From tall floor plants to hanging houseplants, there are so many options to choose from.
So go ahead, embrace your green thumb, and turn those dark corners into lush, vibrant indoor gardens!
Do you have a favorite plant that grows well in the dark? Let me know in the comments below!