Not all of us are blessed with sun-drenched living rooms or north-facing windows that bathe our homes in golden light. Many Australian homes—especially apartments and older houses—can feel more like a cave than a conservatory.
But don’t despair! You don’t need to live in a glasshouse to enjoy the lush, calming presence of indoor greenery. There’s a whole world of low-light indoor plants that thrive in the shadiest corners, bringing life, colour, and even a touch of the tropics to your home.
Let’s face it: not every room gets the sun it deserves. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lifeless, drab space. Low-light plants are specially adapted to thrive in the understory of forests, where sunlight is filtered or scarce.
They’re perfect for:
- Apartments with small or shaded windows
- Offices with fluorescent lighting
- Bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways that rarely see the sun
- Anyone who wants greenery without the fuss of daily sun-chasing
The best part? Many of these plants are forgiving, low-maintenance, and can survive neglect—ideal for busy lifestyles or those still developing their green thumb.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best low-light indoor plants—some virtually indestructible, others with show-stopping foliage or flowers—that will brighten your home, purify your air, and even boost your mood. Let’s dig in!
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often confused with philodendron, pothos is a superstar for dim rooms. Also known as the Devil’s Ivy, it comes in various colours and patterns, from deep green to marbled white or yellow. However, it’s toxic to pets, so hang it high if you have furry friends.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The ultimate beginner’s plant, the snake plant, tolerates almost any condition. Its upright, sword-like leaves look great in modern interiors and make it one of the best air-purifying plants.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ultimate ‘set and forget’ plant, the ZZ tolerates low light, dry air, and even neglect. Its glossy, upright leaves look great in any modern space. Just don’t let pets chew on it—it’s toxic.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Elegant white blooms and glossy leaves make the peace lily a favourite. It’s easy to care for and even helps purify the air. However, if ingested, it can be toxic to pets and humans.
5. Philodendron
A staple in Australian homes, philodendrons are almost impossible to kill. Their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves thrive in low light. Keep them away from pets and children—they’re toxic if nibbled.
6. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This slow-growing palm has been a favourite since the Victorian era. It’s perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to your lounge or office and is safe for pets.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives on neglect, tolerates low light, and rarely needs repotting, making it perfect for the forgetful gardener.
8. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The corn plant adds a touch of drama with its broad, arching leaves. It’s easy to care for and tolerates low light, but it is toxic to pets.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Don’t let the name put you off! Spider plants are cheerful, easy to grow, and produce baby ‘spiderettes’ on long runners. They’re safe for pets and thrive in low light.
10. Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina)
Ficus trees are tropical beauties that prefer warm, humid conditions. They can grow quite large indoors, but regular pruning keeps them manageable. Their sap is toxic to pets.
Looking to green up your space? At a glance, here are Australia’s top 10 indoor plants that thrive in low light and bring life to even the shadiest corners.
Caring for your low-light plants
- Watering: Most low-light plants prefer their soil to dry out a little between waterings. Overwatering is a common killer—when in doubt, check the soil with your finger or use a moisture meter.
- Humidity: Many of these plants hail from tropical regions and love a bit of extra moisture. Mist regularly, group plants together, or use a humidifier—especially in winter.
- Feeding: A monthly feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser will keep your plants happy during spring and summer.
- Repotting: Most low-light plants are slow growers and don’t need frequent repotting. When roots poke out of the pot, they need a new home.
- Pet Safety: Many popular houseplants are toxic to pets and children. Always check before buying, and keep poisonous plants out of reach.
Do you have a favourite low-light plant that’s not on our list? Have you had any plant disasters or surprising successes? Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below—we love hearing from our green-thumbed (and not-so-green-thumbed) community!
Also read: Three easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plants that look after themselves
