Low-Light Plants

Every plant needs some light. In a plant shop, "low light" means a room where you could comfortably read during the day without switching on a lamp, but where the sun never falls directly on the plant. North-facing rooms, the far side of a bright room and offices with a single window all count. A windowless bathroom does not, unless the light stays on for most of the day.

The four plants in this collection were chosen because they keep their color and shape in those conditions. They will grow more slowly than they would in a bright spot, and they will need less water as a result.

The plants

Snake plant

Upright, architectural leaves and the best tolerance for neglect in the shop. The snake plant is the one to choose for a dim corner that needs some height. Toxic to cats and dogs.

ZZ plant

Glossy, dark leaves on arching stems, grown from potato-like rhizomes that store water. The ZZ plant handles the darkest spots on this list and can go a month without water. Toxic to cats and dogs.

Golden pothos

A trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that looks good on a shelf or in a hanging pot. In low light the golden pothos loses some of its yellow marbling and grows greener, but it keeps growing. Toxic to cats and dogs.

Parlor palm

Soft, feathery fronds and a relaxed shape. The parlor palm has been grown in dim rooms for more than a century, and it is the only plant in this collection that is safe around cats and dogs.

Getting the most from low light

• Put the plant as close to the window as the room allows. Light falls off quickly with distance, and two feet makes a real difference.
• Water less. A plant growing slowly uses less water, and wet soil in a cool, dim room is how roots rot.
• Dust the leaves every month or two. A film of dust blocks light the plant cannot spare.
• Give the pot a quarter turn each time you water, so the plant does not lean toward the window.

Not sure how bright your room really is? Our light guide shows how to judge it with nothing more than your hand and a sheet of paper.

Pets

Three of these four plants are toxic to cats and dogs. If you share your home with pets, start with the parlor palm, or browse our pet-safe plants for more choices. Keep any toxic plant out of reach, and call your vet if a pet eats part of one.