30 Plants That Grow Without Sunlight

There are Plants that Grow Without Sunlight and need indirect exposure. Some even thrive in artificial light and Grow Best Indoors!

While it’s widely understood that plants require some level of illumination to grow, it’s equally important to recognize that they can’t develop optimally without sufficient light. Fortunately, there are numerous species of plants that not only survive but actually thrive in low-light indoor environments. When searching for such plants, opt for those renowned for their ability to flourish in indirect sunlight.

These shade-loving plants have evolved to grow naturally in the partial sun, adapting seamlessly to reduced light levels and performing admirably. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of top-notch plants well-suited for indoor cultivation.

Check out our article on how to save dying houseplants

List of Plants that Grow Without Sunlight

While many plants can survive without direct sunlight, the ones mentioned here require a subtle yet consistent light source to reach their full potential. This means they won’t flourish in absolute darkness, but rather benefit from soft, filtered illumination.

Dracaena

Dracaena, a stunning indoor plant genus, boasts approximately 50 species that can thrive in your home. While many of these varieties are renowned for being low-maintenance houseplants, they still require some attention to flourish. A crucial aspect of dracaena care involves regular pruning and watering, with the added importance of providing indirect sunlight and avoiding overwatering.

Bromeliads

With its botanical name Bromeliaceae, the bromeliad family offers a range of indoor gardening possibilities. Many species within this group are well-suited to container growth and can thrive in shaded environments. In fact, with proper care, some bromeliads can even tolerate luminescent lighting conditions, making them an excellent choice for homes or offices where natural light may be limited.

Maidenhair Fern

The Adiantum species, also known as maidenhair ferns, are a popular choice for indoor spaces. One of their most striking features is the dark, glossy leafstalk that resembles human hair, adding to their aesthetic appeal. To keep these plants thriving, it’s essential to maintain the right watering schedule: wait until the topsoil feels dry to the touch before giving them a drink. Additionally, ensure they’re placed in indirect sunlight to prevent overwatering and promote healthy growth.

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly referred to as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, boasts a reputation for being incredibly easy-going and adaptable. This low-maintenance plant thrives in indoor environments, showcasing a remarkable resilience to lack of light, making it an ideal choice for spaces with limited natural illumination.

Philodendron

Philodendron, particularly the ‘Heartleaf’ variety, is renowned for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it a great match for indoor spaces. Its growth habits are also reminiscent of pothos, with which it shares many similarities. In terms of appearance, Philodendron varieties can take on either vine-like or shrub-like forms.

To ensure the optimal health and well-being of your Philodendron, it’s essential to maintain a consistently moist soil environment, but be cautious not to overwater – allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is ideal.

Calathea

When it comes to foliage plants, Calathea stands out as one of the most stunning options for indoor cultivation. This plant thrives in well-lit environments with partial shade, but it’s not without its demands. A minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C) is crucial to maintain, ensuring optimal growth and health. Watering should be regular, although adjustments may be necessary when exposed to low light conditions or cooler temperatures.

Prayer Plant

Maranta leuconeura, commonly referred to as a tropical plant, can be quite challenging to cultivate in cooler climates. However, when provided with moderate light conditions that do not involve direct sunlight, this species tends to thrive. In fact, exposure to too much light can cause the leaves to curl and wilt. Furthermore, it is essential to monitor for pests, particularly spider mites, which can quickly infest and harm the plant if left unchecked.

Boston Fern

The Nephrolepis exaltata, commonly known as the Boston fern, is a popular choice for indoor gardens due to its lush evergreen foliage. When cultivating this houseplant, it’s essential to provide it with bright indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that can cause damage. In terms of soil, the Boston fern thrives in acidic conditions and requires a well-draining mix to prevent waterlogged roots.

To keep the plant happy, maintain lightly moistened soil and consider regular misting to create a humid environment that suits its natural preferences.

Golden Pothos

The Epipremnum aureum, commonly referred to as the money plant in Southeast Asia, has gained popularity as a low-maintenance houseplant in many Asian countries. This adaptable vine thrives without direct sunlight, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. One of its most notable benefits is its ability to purify air by removing Carbon Monoxide, creating a healthier environment for occupants.

Chinese Evergreen

The botanical name of the Chinese evergreen plant is Aglaonema. This versatile and low-maintenance houseplant is perfect for indoor growth, thriving in a range of lighting conditions – including those without constant direct sunlight. New to growing houseplants? The Chinese evergreen is an excellent starting point. Interestingly, older green varieties tend to fare better in lower light environments. For a visually stunning experience, explore the diverse Aglaonema varieties available.

Cast Iron Plant

The Aspidistra elatior, commonly known as the cast iron plant, boasts a remarkably laid-back nature that makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals who tend to forget about maintenance. This adaptable plant thrives in indoor environments, even without direct sunlight, and requires minimal upkeep. To keep its leaves looking their best, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth once a week.

Bright indirect light is also sufficient, making this low-maintenance option perfect for those with hectic schedules.

Orchids

The Orchidaceae family boasts a stunning array of colors, varieties, and captivating fragrances, making it crucial to understand the right growing conditions for these plants. A fundamental aspect of successful orchid cultivation is protecting them from direct sunlight. This may seem counterintuitive, given the importance of light in most plant growth. However, excessive exposure to direct sun can cause damage and negatively impact the overall health of your orchids.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) boasts stunning, glossy foliage that makes it a visually appealing addition to any space. What’s more, this plant is incredibly forgiving when it comes to its lighting and watering needs. It thrives in areas with indirect sunlight and has a special affinity for shaded spots around the house. While warmth is essential, the ZZ Plant is surprisingly adaptable and can tolerate a range of temperatures.

Peperomia

Peperomia, with its botanical name being Peperomia, is an ideal choice for a tabletop arrangement. What sets these plants apart is their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for spaces without direct sunlight. The Baby Rubber Plant and Watermelon Peperomia varieties, in particular, boast moderate growing requirements that are easily met by placing them near a window that filters indirect light throughout the day.

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia, with its botanical name as such, can bring a warm welcome to your home when kept out of reach from curious pets and children. But before you make it a part of your decor, be cautious about its placement. The plant’s sap is moderately toxic, containing calcium oxalate crystals that could cause some discomfort if ingested.

A clever spot for this houseplant would be in filtered light, where it can thrive in low-light areas – making it an ideal addition to rooms with limited natural illumination.

Spider Plant

The botanical name for this stunning plant is Chlorophytum comosum. Its variegated foliage, reminiscent of spider plant tendrils, drapes elegantly from hanging baskets, making it a must-have for any indoor space. What’s more, this adaptable plant thrives in indirect light conditions and boasts impressive air-purifying qualities, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their home’s ambiance.

While direct sunlight can be beneficial, excessive exposure can cause leaf burn, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced lighting setup.

Peace Lily

For those seeking a houseplant that not only adds aesthetic value but also provides health benefits, the Spathiphyllum, or peace lily, is an excellent choice. This plant is renowned for its ability to thrive with minimal care, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or those new to plant parenthood. Moreover, its low-maintenance nature means it can flourish in a range of environments, including shady locations, where other plants might struggle to survive.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, with its botanical name Aloe barbadensis Miller, is an adaptable medicinal plant that thrives in diverse lighting conditions. While it excels in direct sunlight, it can also tolerate low-light environments, making it a versatile addition to any indoor or outdoor space. To delve deeper into the specifics of growing aloe vera, click here.

Rubber Plant

The Ficus elastica is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a statement-making foliage plant. Its striking features include glossy and rubbery leaves that make a bold impression. This versatile plant thrives in bright indirect light, but also tolerates shade with ease. One of its most attractive qualities is its ability to adapt to various lighting conditions. Additionally, the Ficus elastica offers several benefits that can be explored further at [link].

Hoya

Hoya, a versatile and aesthetically pleasing plant, thrives in various environments. Whether your space is cozy or expansive, Hoya’s trailing leaves will beautifully cascade from shelves, adding a touch of elegance to any room. One of the plant’s greatest advantages is its adaptability to indirect light, making it an ideal choice for rooms without direct sunlight.

English Ivy

Asparagus Fern

Air Plants

Tillandsia, commonly known as Air Plants, is an intriguing type of indoor plant that defies conventional growing methods by not requiring soil. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, allowing them to flourish under a variety of lighting conditions – from the faintest indirect glow to more intense illumination. This adaptability makes them a captivating addition to any room, sparking conversations among visitors and adding an air of uniqueness to one’s interior space.

Parlor Palm

Bird’s Nest Fern

The Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is a striking addition to any indoor space, boasting crinkled leaves that mirror the shape of a bird’s nest. This unique plant can grow up to 2 feet in width, making it an ideal statement piece for living spaces with low light and high humidity conditions.

American Rubber Plant

The Peperomia obtusifolia, also known as the American Rubber Plant, boasts striking features that set it apart from other houseplants. Its thick, fleshy leaves display a range of green hues and a glossy sheen, making them a standout characteristic. This low-maintenance plant thrives in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for small indoor spaces with limited natural light.

Devil’s Backbone

Umbrella Tree

Arrowhead Plant

African Violet

Additional Tips

When it comes to green houseplant varieties with minimal color and variegation, they tend to thrive better in low light environments. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect their watering needs. In fact, it’s crucial not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, aim for a drier soil condition when growing houseplants without sunlight. Even if your indoor plant prefers moist soil, be cautious with watering in low light conditions.

Always check the soil moisture level before giving it another drink. This will help prevent any potential issues. For optimal growth during the growing season, fertilize your houseplants with a weak-strength all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month. Additionally, regular leaf cleaning is essential to boost photosynthesis rates. Simply dust off those pesky particles from plant leaves regularly. Lastly, be on the lookout for pests like spider mites that can wreak havoc in dry indoor conditions.

By being proactive about these potential issues, you’ll be well-equipped to provide the best environment for your low-light houseplants.