Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Apartments

I want to live in a jungle of home, or at least be confident about keeping alive the plants I do have. Here’s a quick guide to low-light, low-maintenance plants for your dark living arrangement.

I’ll list ten plants, with additional information after to provide a bit more detail depending on the plant(s) you pick.

Plants That Thrive in Low Light

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Watering: Water every 2–3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Soil: Use well-draining potting soil.
• Humidity: Average home humidity is fine.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Soil: Regular potting soil with good drainage.
• Humidity: Thrives in average to high humidity but adapts to low humidity.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

• Watering: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, roughly every 2–3 weeks.
• Soil: Well-draining, standard potting mix.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity well.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Watering: Keep soil slightly moist but allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
• Soil: Potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but adapts to average levels.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
• Humidity: Average to high humidity is ideal.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; prefers slightly moist soil.
• Soil: Regular potting mix with good drainage.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity but tolerates average levels.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Plants That Tolerate Low Light

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Watering: Water every 3–4 weeks; it tolerates drought well.
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
• Humidity: Low humidity is fine; it’s very adaptable.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Watering: Water when the soil feels dry.
• Soil: Regular potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
• Humidity: Thrives in average humidity.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

• Watering: If in water, change water every 1–2 weeks; if in soil, keep soil slightly moist.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil or water.
• Humidity: Likes moderate humidity.
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
• Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity but can handle average levels.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.

Watering Basics

Proper watering is essential because it keeps plants’ roots healthy and allows them to take up nutrients effectively. Each plant’s native environment influences its water needs:

• Why Some Plants Prefer Less Water (Underwatering Tolerant): Drought-resistant plants (like succulents) are adapted to arid environments. They store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, so too much water can cause root rot, as they can’t use excess water quickly enough. They prefer soil that dries out fully between waterings.
• Why Some Plants Prefer Consistent Moisture (Overwatering Tolerant): Plants from rainforests or tropical regions, like ferns, are adapted to constant moisture and higher humidity. They have fine roots that need a steady, moist environment, and they can become dry or stressed if the soil dries out completely.

Signs of Overwatering vs. Underwatering

• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, mushy or blackened roots, a sour odor from the soil, and soggy soil that never seems to dry out. Plants may wilt or look limp, even though the soil is wet.
• Underwatering: Crispy or brown leaf edges, dry or curling leaves, wilting that improves quickly after watering, and soil that pulls away from the pot edges. The soil will feel dry to the touch and may appear cracked or compacted.

Soil Considerations

• Well-Draining Potting Soil: This type of soil allows water to flow through it easily, preventing water from pooling around the plant’s roots. It often includes perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
• Regular Potting Soil: Standard potting soil is an all-purpose mix that holds some moisture but also drains well. It’s suitable for most houseplants and typically includes organic matter like peat and compost.
• Potting Mix with Added Perlite: Perlite is a volcanic mineral that creates air pockets in the soil, enhancing drainage. Adding it to regular potting soil helps prevent over-saturation, which is great for plants sensitive to excess moisture.
• Well-Draining Cactus or Succulent Mix: Specifically designed for plants that need quick-draining soil, this mix is gritty and sandy to prevent moisture retention, reducing the risk of root rot for drought-tolerant plants.
• Rich, Well-Draining Soil: This soil is nutrient-dense and has good drainage, often containing organic matter like compost or coco coir. It provides ample nutrients while allowing excess water to escape easily.

Humidity

This is the hardest for me to define and draw a line in the soil, for myself, when thinking about indoor plants. My windows open and close every day, all year round, not to mention the use of an air conditioner or heater on any given day.

In general, the humidity in the U.S. varies quite a bit depending on the region and season, and this can affect how plants thrive indoors. Here’s a general/vague insight on

1. High Humidity (Southeast & Gulf Coast): States like Florida, Louisiana, and parts of Texas and Georgia experience high humidity because they’re close to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Indoor plants like Peace Lilies, Calatheas, and many tropical varieties love this moisture-rich air.
2. Moderate Humidity (Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest): The Northeast (like New York and Pennsylvania), Midwest (like Ohio and Michigan), and Pacific Northwest (like Washington and Oregon) have moderate humidity, especially in spring and summer. These regions can grow a wide variety of indoor plants. In winter, though, heaters can dry out indoor air, so plants like Chinese Evergreens and ZZ Plants may need occasional misting to stay happy.
3. Low Humidity (Southwest and Rocky Mountains): Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico are drier, especially in the desert and mountain areas. Low-humidity plants like Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Cast Iron Plants do well here since they can handle drier conditions. However, plants that prefer moisture may need extra misting or a humidifier.

Toxic to Pets

If a pet ingests a toxic plant, follow these steps:

Stay Calm: Try to remain composed to assess the situation clearly.

Identify the Plant: Determine the type of plant ingested. Knowing the exact plant can help veterinary professionals provide appropriate care.

Check for Symptoms: Monitor your pet for any signs of distress, which may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or weakness
• Swelling of the mouth or throat

Contact Your Veterinarian: If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Provide them with details about the plant and any symptoms your pet is showing.

Follow Professional Advice: The veterinarian may instruct you to bring your pet in for evaluation or provide home care advice depending on the situation.

Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Guidance: Do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless directed by a veterinarian, as this can sometimes cause more harm.

Prevent Future Incidents: Once you’ve resolved the situation, remove any toxic plants from your home or keep them out of your pet’s reach to prevent future issues.