10 Of The Best Indoor Plants That Dont Need Sunlight

While it’s wonderful to let the sun shine in every day, some rooms in our home may not receive sufficient natural light for many indoor plants. While artificial lamps can certainly help supplement the lack of sunlight, most plants require direct sunlight due to their reliance on chlorophyll to generate energy. The key is finding a balance between providing adequate lighting and ensuring plant health.

One simple solution is to choose plants that don’t require direct sunlight or can thrive in low-light conditions, allowing us to bring some greenery into our homes even without an abundance of natural light.

BEST INDOOR PLANTS THAT DON’T NEED SUNLIGHT

Indoor plants can thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for those who don’t receive sufficient natural light or are new to plant parenthood. These versatile greens come in a range of species that can tolerate very little sunlight, from the darkest corners of your home to even artificial lighting.

CAST IRON PLANT (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast iron plants are renowned for their adaptability and resilience. They can flourish in a range of conditions, from dimly lit spaces to moderate light environments. In fact, direct sunlight can be detrimental, causing leaves to scorch and burn. Despite being notoriously slow-growing, these plants require minimal upkeep to thrive, making them an ideal choice for busy or forgetful plant enthusiasts.

The rich green foliage adds a touch of natural elegance to any room, while also providing pet owners with peace of mind: the ASPCA has deemed cast iron plants safe for pets. With their low-maintenance requirements and non-toxic nature, they’re a great option for households with furry friends.

DRAGON TREE (Dracaena)

The Dragon Tree, also known as Dracaena Marginata, has become a staple in many homes due to its remarkable resilience and adaptability. Its ability to thrive in various sizes and forms makes it an excellent choice for low-light spaces such as office areas or cozy living room nooks. The larger varieties of the Dragon Tree can command attention as floor decor, while smaller ones can be easily placed on shelves or tabletops.

One of its most notable features is its ability to withstand neglect – almost impossible to kill, the Dragon Tree requires minimal watering and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from medium to low light environments. However, direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent scorching or damage to the leaves.

SNAKE PLANT (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant, also known as the Mother in Law’s Tongue, boasts an impressive combination of aesthetic appeal and practicality. Its striking green and white stripes add a vibrant touch to any room, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms where a calming ambiance is desired. The plant’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, as demonstrated by NASA studies, further solidifies its value.

Moreover, its tall stature makes it suitable for floor or tabletop display, allowing for maximum visual impact. What’s more, Snake Plants are incredibly resilient and can thrive even in the face of neglect, surviving weeks without attention. They’re also adaptable to various lighting conditions, but prefer low indirect sunlight.

With proper care, this hardy plant requires only occasional watering – approximately once a month or when the soil feels dry to the touch – as overwatering can lead to rotting. Overall, the Snake Plant is an excellent choice for those who want a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to their home.

‘ZZ’ PLANT (Zamioculcasi)

The ZZ Plant’s reputation as an extremely hardy and low-maintenance species precedes it. Its vibrant foliage can instantly brighten up any room, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces. What’s more impressive is its adaptability to various light conditions. While it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can also tolerate low-light environments or even areas with no natural light sources.

One of the ZZ Plant’s most notable characteristics is its ability to survive without regular watering.

In fact, it’s more forgiving if you forget to water it than if you overwater. This makes it a perfect fit for busy owners who tend to forget (or struggle) with plant care. To keep your ZZ Plant happy and healthy, simply wait until the potting soil is almost completely dry before giving it a drink.

MONSTERA (Monstera deliciosa)

The Monstera’s similarity in appearance to the split leaf philodendron can be deceiving. However, this adaptable plant has some notable differences that set it apart. For instance, it requires minimal sunlight, making it an excellent choice for rooms with limited natural light or even indoor spaces without direct sunlight. Furthermore, research suggests that Monstera is a natural air purifier, effectively removing formaldehyde and other toxins from the air.

Its large, spreading leaves make it an ideal option for filling open spaces, adding a touch of greenery to any room.

SILVER QUEEN (Aglaonema)

Silver Queens, a type of evergreen plant, have adapted to thrive in low-light environments due to their unique light green speckled leaves. As a result, they’re particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, making them an ideal addition to any indoor space. With the ability to grow between 8 inches and 4 feet tall, these medium-sized plants can easily be found in offices, homes, or anywhere else where a touch of natural beauty is desired.

Furthermore, Silver Queens are renowned for their remarkable hardiness and durability, making them an excellent choice for novice plant enthusiasts looking for a low-maintenance yet striking addition to their indoor space.

SWORD FERN (Lomariopsidaceae)

Transform your indoor space into a prehistoric paradise with the sword fern, an intriguing houseplant that thrives in conditions reminiscent of Jurassic Park’s lush jungle floor. This versatile fern prefers a damp, low-light environment with earthy undertones, making it an ideal choice for humid areas like bathrooms and wet rooms. Its vibrant green leaves and ancient appearance have earned it widespread popularity among indoor plant enthusiasts.

What’s more, the sword fern is surprisingly low-maintenance, requiring only occasional sprays of acidic fertilizer to keep it happy. With its unique blend of style and simplicity, this houseplant is sure to delight even the most novice green thumbs.

DUMB CANE (Dieffenbachia)

Looking for an indoor plant that can thrive in low-light conditions? The Dumb Cane is a stunning option that’s perfect for home and office spaces. Despite its toxic nature, this plant has gained popularity due to its striking, striped leaves and impressive height of up to 5 feet. What’s more, it’s surprisingly adaptable, capable of growing well in filtered light or even low-light conditions on its own.

Just remember to keep it out of reach of pets and children, as all parts of the plant are poisonous.

PEACE LILY (Sathiphyullum)

Despite their name, peace lilies don’t belong to the true lily family. The characteristic white ‘petals’ are actually modified leaves that envelop the yellow spadix. This unique feature allows them to bloom a few times a year, adding a touch of elegance to any room. With a penchant for medium to low light conditions and an ability to thrive under fluorescent lighting alone, peace lilies make ideal office or home companions for those seeking low-maintenance greenery.

Their modest watering needs, hardiness, and air-purifying properties only add to their appeal. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when introducing this plant to your space, as the sap can cause skin irritation in pets and children.

ZEBRA CACTUS (Haworthia attenuata)

The Zebra cactus, with its striking black and white stripes, is a succulent that requires attention to temperature, as it’s sensitive to cold temperatures. Its water needs are minimal, making it an ideal choice for busy plant enthusiasts. During the summer months, this low-maintenance plant bursts into bloom, showcasing beautiful white-brown flowers. Adding a pop of color to any room, the Zebra cactus is perfect for a bedroom shelf or desk arrangement.

While it can thrive in low light conditions, occasional relocation to medium light environments may be necessary to prevent yellowing leaves.