10 low-light houseplants that actually thrive (not just survive)

No houseplant grows in the dark, but some cope far better than others with dim corners, north-facing windows and the short days of winter. These ten plants are tough, forgiving and look good even in lower light.

First, what counts as low light?

"Low light" usually means a spot a few meters from a window, a north-facing room, or a room shaded by trees or buildings. A good test: if you can comfortably read a book at midday without turning on a lamp, most of these plants will be happy. If it is too dark to read, even the toughest plants will struggle; add a small LED grow light.

The plants

1. Snake plant. The snake plant is almost indestructible. It tolerates low light, dry air and missed waterings. Water only when the soil is completely dry.

2. Pothos. Trailing pothos (devil's ivy) grows in almost any light and roots easily from cuttings. Variegated forms lose some color in deep shade.

3. Satin pothos. Silver-splashed satin pothos is slower than regular pothos but just as tolerant, and its velvety leaves are striking.

4. Peace lily. The peace lily flowers even in moderate shade. It droops dramatically when thirsty and perks up within hours of watering.

5. Cast-iron plant. As the name suggests, the cast-iron plant survives neglect, cool rooms and deep shade. It grows slowly but lives for decades.

6. Kentia palm. Elegant and slow-growing, the kentia palm is one of the best large palms for low light.

7. Parlour palm. Compact and graceful, the parlour palm has been a favorite indoor plant since Victorian times for good reason.

8. Dragon tree. The striped, spiky leaves of the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) add height and structure, and it copes with lower light well.

9. Swiss cheese vine. The holey leaves of the Swiss cheese vine (Monstera adansonii) look tropical and trail beautifully from a shelf.

10. Purple shamrock. For color, try purple shamrock. Its leaves fold up at night and open in the morning, and it flowers on and off all year.

Care tips for low light

• Water less. Plants in low light use water slowly, so overwatering is the biggest risk. Always check the soil first.
• Clean the leaves. Dust blocks light. Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
• Rotate pots. Turn plants a quarter-turn each week so they grow evenly instead of leaning toward the window.
• Move closer in winter. Light levels drop sharply from November to February. Move plants nearer the window and away from radiators.
• Skip the fertilizer in winter. Feed only from spring to late summer, when plants are actively growing.

Keep track of watering and feeding with our free printable Houseplant Care Tracker, and browse care guides for hundreds more plants in the plant library.