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27 Best Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight

Are you looking for a low-maintenance, hardy plant that can thrive in your home without requiring direct sunlight or bright light? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll show you the best indoor plants that don’t need sunlight and provide tips on how to care for them.

indoor plants
Huy Phan

These plants are easy to grow and won’t require much effort from you aside from providing them with adequate indirect sunlight or artificial light, moist soil, and occasional watering. These are the best plants that will add a touch of green to any room in your home!

Here’s the scoop on what plants dont need the sun!

Indoor Plants Guide

1. Snake Plant

Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata) or the common name, Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a type of succulent that is well-suited to growing indoors, as they are one of the best air purifying plants around.

This species of Dracaena has striking dark green leaves with yellow edges and a tolerance for low light or full shade. Its long, dark green leaves with yellow edges make it a popular choice for adding a touch of greenery and life indoors.

2. Spider Plants

spider plant on stool
Mathias Reding

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are a type of flowering perennial that is highly tolerant of low light and require very little maintenance. The perfect plant for beginners when it comes to taking care of house plants.

They have long, strap-like leaves that can reach up to two feet in length, with some varieties featuring variegated foliage. Spider plants have the ability to produce white flowers and offshoots that can be easily propagated while making a great addition to any living room.

3. Peace Lily

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are a type of flowering plant that is easy to care for, making them one of the best indoor plants that don’t need sunlight.

The white flowers they produce make them a popular choice for brightening up any room. Their glossy leaves will add a touch of green foliage indoors.

Peace lilies are also one of the best air purifying plants, as they can help to remove toxins from the air. But if you want this house plant, you will have to keep curious pets away from it.

4. Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a type of vining plant that is an excellent choice for low light conditions.

Its lush green leaves make it an attractive addition to any room and its trailing leaves can be trained along trellises or even grown in a hanging basket. If given the proper care, a Pothos can thrive as if they’re in its natural habitat.

This is a beautiful plant that can easily be placed in a shady spot or sunny window. Pothos is also known for its ability to tolerate neglect, making it one of the best indoor plants that don’t need sunlight.

5. Chinese Evergreen

chinese evergreen
Michel VIARD

The Chinese Evergreen is a popular type of tropical plant that is found in the warm, humid forests of Southeast Asia.

Chinese Evergreens or also known by its botanical name, Aglaonema spp, is one of the best indoor plants that don’t need sunlight and instead prefer bright indirect light. They also have a wide variety of leaf shapes and sizes.

As a low-light plant, this species of tropical plant can tolerate dim conditions, making Chinese evergreen plants an ideal choice for brightening up any room.

6. Cast Iron Plants

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a hardy, evergreen perennial that does not need direct sunlight to thrive and can grow in low light conditions. Its long, glossy leaves make it an attractive addition to any room, as well as its ability to tolerate neglect.

Cast iron plants have a tolerance to humid conditions and low temperatures, making them perfect for growing indoors. They need to be watered with distilled water.

7. Dumb Cane

Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia spp.) is a type of tropical perennial that is highly tolerant of low light conditions and can easily be grown indoors.

This plant has large, glossy green leaves that are variegated with white and yellow stripes, which make it stand out in any room.

Dumb cane also has the ability to thrive in areas with little humidity and low temperatures, making it an ideal choice for growing indoors.

8. ZZ Plant

zz plant on windowsill
photostocker

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a type of ornamental perennial that has become popular for its ability to tolerate low light conditions. Place the plant in a window with partial shade.

This species of tropical plant has tall, glossy green leaves and its tolerance of neglect for a long time, making it an ideal choice for growing indoors.  The ZZ plant also has the ability to purify the air and remove toxins.

9. Parlor Palm

The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea spp.) is a type of tropical perennial that is known for its tolerance of low light conditions and its ability to thrive in indoor environments.

This species of the palm tree can reach up to four feet tall, with some varieties featuring variegated foliage. The parlor palm also has air-purifying properties.

10. Bromeliads

bromeliads red flower
Renan Ramos de Oliviera

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae spp.) are a type of tropical flowering plant from South America that is easy to care for and can be grown in low light conditions.

This species of plant is known for its bright, colorful flowers and its ability to thrive in humid environments on the jungle floor. Bromeliads also have air purifying properties and bold foliage. These tropical plants are an attractive addition to any room.

11. Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) is an easy to care for evergreen fern that grows in low light conditions, so you don’t have to worry if the plant is getting enough light.

This species of plant has delicate, lacy fronds and the ability to thrive in humid environments. The Maidenhair Fern also helps to purify the air and remove toxins, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardens.

12. Sago Palm

sago palm
Flander

The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is a unique and versatile plant that can thrive in many different environments. Native to Southeast Asia, this species of cycad is an evergreen, ornamental houseplant that is popular for its ease of care and lush foliage. The distinctive leaves are fan-like and deep green.

Unlike many other plants, the Sago Palm does not require direct sunlight. It can be grown indoors in low-light conditions and even in rooms with no natural light.

If you do want to provide your Sago Palm with some extra sunshine, make sure it is indirect or filtered as they are not like regular outdoor plants that need all the bright sunlight.

13. Monstera

The Monstera plant is a tropical plant that can be grown with little sunlight. This is one of the most popular low-light plants with its iconic swiss cheese shaped leaves. You can also place them under fluorescent lighting as well.

This species of plant has giant, glossy leaves and the ability to survive in dry or humid environments. With about 50 species of Monstera, only a few are available to the public.

14. Prayer Plant

The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a type of ornamental perennial that can be grown in low light conditions and can tolerate some neglect. Its bright green, red-veined leaves make it an attractive addition to any room.

As low-light houseplants, prayer plants have their air purifying properties and the ability to bloom in the summer months.

15. English Ivy

english ivy
bauhaus1000

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions.

Additionally, its known for its dark green, glossy foliage and its ability to climb walls or other surfaces. English ivy is an excellent choice for indoor gardens because they require very little maintenance and don’t need much light.

16. Heart-Leaf Philodendron

When it comes to what plants don’t need sun, the Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is a top contender.

This beautiful plant is native to Mexico and the West Indies but can be found all around the world. It is a member of the Araceae family and has stunning, dark green, heart-shaped leaves.

Heart-Leaf Philodendrons are a great option for urban gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of natural light in their homes. It does not require direct sunlight but instead can thrive on low to medium indirect light.

17. Boston Fern

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a type of evergreen fern that grows in low light conditions and is a very low maintenance plant.

The fronds of this species have a soft, feathery texture to help purify the air. The Boston Fern is an excellent choice for indoor plants.

18. Aloe Vera

aloe vera by a window
Florin Daniel

This is a great plant to have in your home since it has so many uses! Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) is a type of succulent and slow-growing plant that can be grown in low light conditions and is very easy to care for with little water.

This beautiful plant also loves high humidity with not too much water and should have well-drained soil to prevent the plant from rotting.

This species of plant is known for its thick, spiky leaves and its gel-like sap which has many medicinal benefits.

19. Devil’s Ivy

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) is also known as Golden Pothos and it is a type of evergreen vine that can be grown in low light conditions and is one of the best air-purifying plants.

This species of plant has bright, heart-shaped leaves and the ability to thrive in dry or humid environments. Devil’s ivy is an excellent choice for indoor gardens, as it does not require much sunlight and purifies the air.

20. Money Plant

money plant
Anurag Tripathi

Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions. This species of plant has lush, glossy foliage and the ability to purify the air.

The money plant is an excellent choice for indoor gardens as they do not require much sunlight or maintenance. However, playing it in the full sun will help to create fuller foliage.

21. Dragon Tree

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions. This species of plant is known for its thick, glossy leaves and its air-purifying abilities.

The dragon tree is an excellent choice for indoor gardens as it does not require much sunlight and is very easy to maintain.

22. Corn Plants

Corn Plants (Dracaena fragrans) is a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions.

These shade-loving plants have thick, upright leaves and the ability to purify the air. Corn plants are an excellent choice for indoor gardens as they don’t require much sunlight or maintenance.

23. Feng Shui Plants – Bonsai Tree

bonsai tree plant
Good Life Studio

Feng Shui plants are a type of plant that can be grown in low light conditions. The Bonsai tree species is known for its beautiful foliage and unique shape. Feng shui plants are a great option for indoor gardens as they do not require much sunlight. The Bonsai tree is a great choice for beginners and thrives with low humidity.

24. Lucky Bamboo Plants

Lucky bamboo plants (Dracaena sanderiana) are a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions.

This species of plant is known for its thick, glossy leaves and its air-purifying abilities. Lucky bamboo plants is a low-maintenance plant and makes a great addition to any indoor garden. They can also bring good luck to any aspect of your life.

25. Calla Lilies

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions. This species of plant has bright, exotic blooms and air-purifying abilities. Calla lilies are low-maintenance houseplants and are great for adding color to any indoor space.

26. Creeping Fig

creeping fig in window
Michel VIARD

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) is a type of evergreen vine that can be grown in low light conditions. This species of plant has small, heart-shaped leaves and air-purifying abilities.

The creeping fig is a good choice for indoor gardens as it does not require much sunlight or maintenance.

27. Perennial Plant – Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig plant is a type of evergreen perennial that can be grown in low light conditions. This species of plant is known for its lush, glossy foliage and its air-purifying abilities. The plant is native to western Africa where it grows in tropical rainforests. Perennial plants are a favorite for those with or without a green thumb.

What Plants Dont Need Sun Guide

No matter what kind of indoor environment you have, there are plenty of plants that don’t need a lot of light or direct sunlight to thrive.

The Heart-Leaf Philodendron and Sago Palm are just two examples of low light plants that can add life to your home without the worry of having too much or too little light exposure.

With a bit of research on houseplant care, you can find an array of beautiful plants suitable for any low-light setting.

Whether it’s in your bedroom or office space, adding some greenery is sure to brighten up the room and make you feel more connected with nature!

That’s the scoop on what plants dont need sun!

what plants don't need sun

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Stephanie Rafuse

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

Snake plant and Mother-in-law’s tongue are the same plant (sansevieria trifasciata).

Aubrey

Friday 3rd of February 2023

@Stephanie Rafuse, Lol I was reading this thinking the exact same thing! Also, love how they have a monstera in the photo but not in the list. :)

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