9 shade-loving houseplants that thrive in low light conditions
There's a houseplant for every home environment — including shady spots that don't get much sunlight. From snake plants to Boston ferns, these indoor plants thrive in corners with low light.
"Shade-loving plants typically come from forest floors, rainforests, or other environments where direct sunlight is scarce. This means these plants have adapted to use light more efficiently, which makes them ideal for indoor conditions with low or indirect light," Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, tells Country Living.
"For example, their leaves are often broader or thicker, allowing them to maximise limited light absorption."
We asked the experts to recommend their suggestions to help you determine which shade-loving indoor plants are the best. Keep reading to find out which ones made the list...
Snake plant
"Snake plants are extremely tolerant of low light, thanks to their ability to store water in their thick leaves and their slow growth rate," says Chris.
They're also one of the most hard-to-kill houseplants because of just how low maintenance they are. They could be ideal if you're new to caring for plants or have ever struggled to keep yours alive in the past.
Philodendron
Growing well in low to medium indirect light, the philodendron comes in a few different varieties. They look wonderful when placed on a shelf or cabinet.
"They really don't need much attention to stay healthy. Just a little watering when the soil dries out, and they'll be happy," says Alex Biggart, Brand Manager at 123 Flowers.
Pothos
If you'd like to add a trailing plant to a room that doesn't get a lot of natural light, a pothos should be at the top of your list. It also grows relatively quickly and only needs watering once the soil is dry.
Boston fern
Given that they prefer filtered or indirect light, the Boston fern is another brilliant shade-loving houseplant. This particular variety does enjoy a humid environment, so they're perfect for adding some greenery to your bathroom where it's naturally more humid.
Peace lily
As one of the best air-purifying houseplants, a peace lily can be a great addition to any room. It’s also one of only a handful of plants that bloom well in low light.
While it does "tolerate indirect light, it will bloom better with a bit more brightness," according to Beards & Daisies's Founder, Jo Lambell. If you're able to move it from time to time or on particularly sunny days, that will certainly help it.
Spider plant
The spider plant is another brilliant option for shadier spots in your home, particularly if you're looking for a hanging plant or want to elevate it in your bathroom or bedroom. They don't like direct sunlight at all, which lends them quite nicely to the Great British weather.
Cast iron plant
As the name might suggest, the cast iron plant (or aspidistra elatior), is an incredibly tough plant that can handle almost any condition, including low light.
"It's also great for those who want a long-lasting plant that can tolerate neglect. Even if you don't have a green thumb, this plant will survive," says Alex.
Parlour palm
Looking to add some tropical flair to your home? The parlour palm is the perfect plant to consider. Not only are they ideal for low-light rooms or corners but they only need occasional watering, making them one of the easiest to care for.
Swiss cheese plant
The Swiss cheese plant (monstera deliciosa) is one of our personal favourites. "While it does prefer bright, indirect light for faster growth, it’s resilient enough to withstand lower-light areas, making it a favourite for shaded living rooms or home offices," says Jo.
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