What’s the problem?
We moved house two years ago, and some rooms in our new home have very little natural light. The plants we brought with us aren’t thriving. What houseplants can cope with low light levels?
The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Diagnosis
Many popular houseplants, especially those that need bright, indirect light, will struggle in dimly lit spaces. Symptoms like yellowing leaves, leggy growth and overall decline are common when plants aren’t getting enough light to photosynthesise properly. But all is not lost. Several houseplants are far more tolerant of low light and can thrive in shadier spots. The key is selecting species that originate from environments where filtered light is the norm.
Prescription
For rooms with very low light, opt for things like snake plants (Sansevieria), ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior), pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum wallisii). These are all very resilient. Shade-tolerant plants usually have a higher concentration of chlorophyll, allowing them to tolerate lower light levels without showing immediate stress.
Prevention
Even low-light-tolerant plants need some light to survive. Rotate them regularly to encourage even growth, and consider supplementing with a small grow light if natural light is minimal. Water little, as low light levels slow down a plant’s water usage, increasing the risk of root rot.