If you need some low-light plants like I do, then please check out this list of 15 plants that grow without sunlight.
In a home with low-light conditions, a would-be plant lady like me needs plants that grow without sunlight. Of course I don’t mean plants that grow in the dark, but those that tolerate a lack of bright sun well enough to grow inside the house. If you need some low-light plants like I do, then please check out this list of 15 plants that grow without sunlight.
Plants That Grow Without Sunlight
Bromeliads
This plant is great for indoor growing because it survives in small pots and with little sunlight.
Maidenhair Fern
I think this is one of the most gorgeous varieties of ferns out there. Not only that, but it’s great for indoor and/or low-light growing!
Sword Fern
This plant does well in lower light conditions, but it does love humidity. Take care that the soil drains well, and you’ll have a happy Sword Fern on your hands.
Peperomia
Next on the list of plants that grow without sunlight is the South American native Peperomia. Like the Sword Fern, it also loves humidity. Keep it on a pebble tray and mist once a week for best results.
Parlour Palm
If you are interested in larger plants that you can grow with little sunlight, try this beauty. Plus, it doesn’t require a whole lot of work from you, so it’s perfect! Who doesn’t love low-maintenance plants?
Philodendron
These plants come in both the vine and shrub variety, so choose what you like best. This is often used in studies and other low-light areas.
Snake Plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue (don’t get me started on that name!), this is a great and popular option for lightless growing. It can survive even the darkest corners of your home!
More Plants That Grow without Sunlight
Creeping Fig
These plants have dark and glossy foliage, which makes it very classy and elegant. It will grow quite a bit, so keep an eye on it!
Peacock Plant
If you couldn’t tell from the name, this plant has gorgeous foliage. So, if you’re looking for flashy plants for the shady areas of your home, then try this.
Japanese Sedge
This is a shade-loving ornamental grass. Because of that, it is fantastic for indoor growing. I just love how soft and lush it looks!
Prayer Plant
This tropical plant actually does better in cooler environments, so it’s great for indoor growing. Plus, it can’t even handle direct sunlight or it will shrivel up! Big oval leaves that turn upward at night. Keep evenly moist.
Devil’s Ivy/Money Plant
Don’t you just love either of this plant’s names? This vine is super low maintenance, doesn’t need direct sunlight, and thrives in indoor growing environments. One of the easiest houseplants to grow. Excellent for beginners.
Spider Plant
Unlike its name, this plant that grows without sunlight is actually really pretty. It has striped foliage and works as an air-cleaning plant.
Silver Queen
This is a great plant for beginners because it is one of the most durable houseplants available. The only thing that kills this durable beauty is cold temperatures.
Peace Lily
If you’re someone who always forgets to water the houseplants (me), then this is a great option. Not only does it grow with low light, but it also doesn’t need much watering or attention. Water with one cup of water per week.
For plants that tolerate shady conditions in your garden, see my shady tips for shade gardens.
Jonathan William Blaine says
These plants are all so great, and I don’t know just who to start first: Bromeliad, maidenhair, or sword fern, prayer, peacock or snake plant, devil’s ivy, silver queen or peacock-lilly, Japanese sedge, peperino, philodendron or parlor palm. Excellent choices!
SANDY says
Prayer plants need constant watering or they will wilt
Kathy says
The last one, the peace Lilly does need a lot of light. I got one from my dad’s funeral so I tried really hard to keep it alive. Somehow it got infested with Ant eggs and I managed to kill them off while keeping the plant alive. I live in a town house & the sun light is not very good. The plant just kept going down hill. I gave it to my sister & she put it in her basement next to the sliding glass door. In no time it came back to what it originally looked like.
Mary says
Peace Lily does indeed need a lot of sunlight. We had one in church that was started from a small plant. With the sunlight it grew to be a very large beautiful plant.
stwitticism (@stwitticism) says
Very nice, but what are the names?
Joy says
The names are at the beginning of each slide! Hope this helps!
Auring says
please include the pictures after naming the plants. Some of them are just the names. Appreciate it!!
Marilyn says
Spider plant, she will die here on Puerto Rico if she is not with direct sun light. I killed three plants trying, the third one is doing great after I moved her to my living room