Shade-tolerant houseplants for north-facing rooms, offices and cozy corners. From easy Aglaonema to sculptural Alocasia and trailing Epipremnum, choose greenery that still enjoys life away from direct sun.
This collection gathers shade-tolerant indoor plants that can cope with less direct sun, making them suitable for north-facing rooms, deeper shelves and many offices. They still need indirect light, but compared with sun-lovers they grow comfortably a few metres from a window. Choose Aglaonema for forgiving, colourful foliage, Alocasia for dramatic leaves, and Epipremnum if you want trailing greenery for high spots.
How to choose low light houseplants for your space
Use these simple steps to narrow down the plants in this collection:
Check your actual light: Most “low light” plants still prefer a bright room with no direct sun or a position 1–3 m from a window. For very dim rooms, choose the most tolerant species (often Aglaonema and Epipremnum) and expect slower growth.
Match the plant to your routine: If you sometimes forget to water, lean towards forgiving options like Aglaonema 'White Diamond' or 'Red Valentine' . Alocasia reward more attentive watering, humidity and checking for pests.
Decide on the look: For bold statement foliage, explore Alocasia such as Jacklyn , 'Dragon Scale' and 'Silver Dragon' . For softer, layered greenery, mix in trailers like Epipremnum 'Cebu Blue' and Neon Pothos .
Plan for growth and pot size: Baby plants are ideal if you enjoy watching them mature or have limited space. Medium plants give instant impact for living rooms, entrances and home offices.
Consider room type: For workspaces and rental flats, hardy-feeling, colourful Aglaonema work well. For moodier corners and collectors’ shelves, pair a character Alocasia with one or two trailing plants to add depth.
Still unsure? Compare with our easy care houseplants collection if you want the lowest-effort options, or browse Plant Circle’s top 5 houseplants for low light for more inspiration.
Common questions
Are low light houseplants suitable for complete darkness or windowless rooms?
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Most “low light” houseplants still need some indirect light to stay healthy.
They can cope a few metres away from a window or in rooms with bright artificial lighting, but they are unlikely to thrive in completely dark spaces or cupboards.
For windowless rooms, try to provide at least some daylight from an open door or strong artificial lighting and monitor how the plant responds.
Which low light plants are best for beginners or busy people?
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For an easier start, look for forgiving options like Aglaonema varieties (for example 'White Diamond', 'Red Zircon' or 'Red Valentine') or trailing Epipremnum such as Neon Pothos.
They tolerate a small range of watering habits better than many Alocasia, as long as the soil can dry slightly between waterings and the pot has drainage holes.
How often should I water low light houseplants?
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Watering frequency depends on temperature, pot size and soil, but low light plants generally use water more slowly than those in bright sun.
As a rule of thumb, feel the top 2–3 cm of soil: if it is dry and the pot feels lighter, you can water thoroughly and let the excess drain away.
In winter or in very shady spots, you may need to water significantly less often.
Can low light houseplants grow in north-facing rooms?
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Yes, many plants in this collection can cope well in bright north-facing rooms, as long as they still receive some daylight.
Place them close to the window or within a couple of metres, avoid direct contact with cold drafts, and expect slightly slower growth than in brighter exposures.
Are low light plants safe for homes with pets?
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Pet safety varies widely between species.
Some Alocasia, Aglaonema and Epipremnum can be irritating or toxic if chewed by cats or dogs.
If you live with curious pets, always check the individual product page and an independent pet-safety resource before buying, and consider placing plants out of easy reach.
Keep exploring
Browse related plant edits and care guides selected for this collection.
