Looking for the perfect plant but worry you don't have enough light to keep your green friend happy? Fear not! We got you covered, with this list for the perfect low-light plants to turn that dark space in your home into a leafy oasis.

Before we get to the list, let's first evaluate what low light really means! Low-light is a space that receives no direct light from the sun and is often a few feet away from a natural light source. Keep in mind that low light does not mean no light. Make sure that there is some natural light coming into the space you plan on placing your plant. If there is a space that is completely cut off from any natural light, consider grow lights as an alternative. 

A note on 'tolerating' vs 'thriving'

These two words are commonly used in plant lingo when discussing lowlight plants. Let’s talk about what they mean to understand your plant's needs.  A plant that thrives in low light will grow healthy without many noticeable growth changes compared to a plant growing in brighter conditions. They may grow a bit slower due to the lack of light, but overall, they won't appear that different. However, a plant that tolerates low light will also have slow to no growth, grow smaller leaves, and may become “leggy” ( when there is a large gap between the leaf growth on the stem). This can happen when a plant is “tolerating” low light, or the low light spot is too far from the natural light. You can leave a plant in that condition, but if you prefer fuller growth, consider moving the plant or supplementing with grow lights.

1. ZZ Plant (Zamifolia Zamioculas)

The ZZ plant is my personal favourite for a no-fuss plant that thrives in low light. They are known for their beautiful glossy leaves and large stocks. They make a great addition to any plant collection because of how easygoing they are. Little watering needs and little sun needs, this plant will thrive in the low-light conditions. Keep in mind that if the plant is in much lower light, keep the frequency of watering to a minimum. Shop our collection of zz plants here

2. Snake plant (sansevieria) 

Snake plants are extremely hardy, low-light, low-maintenance plants. There are so many different varieties to choose from. If you want a pop of yellow, go for the Laurentii. The classic green one is Zeylanica, and for a darker look, opt for the Black coral. Some varieties, like the Boncel, even come in different leaf shapes that can give you endless options for style. Their foliage grows from the ground, often straight and pointy like a sword. They love to dry out completely in between watering, so especially in low light, it's important that watering frequency is at a minimum. Shop our collection of sansevierias here

3. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) 

Also known as devil's Ivy, these plants make great additions to low-light spaces because their trailing vines look great draped over a shelf or propped up along the wall or a moss pole. There are also many great options to choose from, such as the jade pothos, golden pothos, marble queen pothos, or neon pothos. Keep in mind some variegated pothos may revert more to green in lower light due to the lack of chlorophyll in their coloured parts. Shop our collection of pothos here.

4. Ferns 

This is another category for lowlight plants with so many great options. Keep in mind that ferns can be a bit of a tricky plant for some because they require more water (only drying out 25% in between waterings) they also need a lot more humidity which can be solved with the use of a humidifier, pebble tray or keeping them near other plants in order to create a micro climate for them. At Scrims we have a love for the bluestar fern, and staghorn fern because they are much hardier than most ferns. However a candystripe fern makes a beautiful addition to the home where sometimes the extra work is worth it. Shop our collection of ferns here.

5. Prayer plant

The prayer plant, also known as maranta, can bring a cool pop of colour to the home. Although it's hard to choose between the bright yellows of the lemon lime maranta or the deep foliage of the red maranta, either way, these veiny leaves are such a unique plant to add to the collection. The prayer plant gets its name from its ability to move its leaves into different positions throughout the day. They move to maximize sun exposure in the day and fold them up to conserve water and energy at night. Keep this plant moist but not soggy by watering it when it's 25% dry. 

Shop Maranta plants at Scrim's Florist here.

6. Philodendron

Most philodendrons can tolerate low light. Some, however, can thrive much better, such as the brasil philodendron, philodendron rojo congo, heartleaf philodendron, and mican philodendron. These varieties will grow a lot fuller and happier; however, you can still choose some other classic philodendrons, such as a monster. You may just notice it will grow much smaller leaves, and some won't produce the fenestration in low-light 

Shop philodendrons here.

7. Calathea 

Calatheas naturally grow on the jungle floor, so they are naturally made to tolerate some dappled shade. They do best in bright indirect- medium light, but will still grow in lower light settings just at a slower pace.  Calatheas can come in many different colours and styles, making them a great plant to collect. They love lots of humidity and can often crisp at the edges, getting the stereotype of being a bit of a plant diva. Same with their watering needs being moist but not soggy, but it can be a very rewarding plant when they are happy in their home. Many of the calatheas tolerate lowlight, but these varieties will do the best: rattlesnake calathea (lancifolia), and Freddie calathea.

Shop calatheas here.

8. Peace lily 

Peace lilies are another low-light tolerator. They will do a lot better in medium light, but if you just can't resist their beautiful glossy foliage, this plant can still work in that low-light spot. Keep in mind that in lower light, their leaves will grow smaller, and the peace lily may be unable to grow its iconic white flower. However, they can still look beautiful in their low-light spot. Be sure to water them when the first couple of inches are dry to ensure a healthy and happy plant. 

Shop peace lilies here.

9. Ivy

Ivy makes a great hardy trailing plant for that lowlight spot. They will tolerate low light but may grow a bit spindly if it's particularly dark. Pro tip: The pure green ivy will do better in the lowlight spot than the variegated type. 

10. Aglaonema

These plants are another great, easy-going plant that doesn't need much water or attention. Aglaonemas come in a variety of colours, which are great when you want a pop of colour in a space. They tolerate low light, and certain varieties that are greener will do a lot better than the red and pink varieties. If you notice the colours on the leaf fading, that would be a sign to turn up the light.

Shop aglaonemas at Scrim's Florist here.

11. Spider plant 

Spider plants make great beginner plants. They can easily adapt to their lowlight settings and thrive! They make especially great plants in low-light bathrooms because they will thrive in the humid environment. 

That concludes our list of the top low light plant picks!