20 Best Low-Light Indoor Plants That Actually Survive Indoors

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True low-light survivors are few, but they exist. Snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, cast-iron plant, and Chinese evergreen lead the list. Here are 20 that actually tolerate dim corners and north-facing windows.

Low light means no direct sun and often no bright window nearby. Even tough plants grow slower there, so set realistic expectations. The Penn State Extension and RHS agree: match the plant to the light you have. Use ePlant to confirm any plant and get care notes in our encyclopedia. For more on light levels, see our lighting guide.

20 Low-Light Indoor Plants That Survive

• Snake plant (Sansevieria) – Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Handles neglect and dim corners.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Very forgiving; trails or climbs.
• Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra) – Old-school tough; survives low light.
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) – Colorful leaves; tolerates low light.
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) – Prefers medium but can manage low; avoid overwatering.
• Philodendron (many species) – Heartleaf and others adapt to low light.
• Dracaena (e.g. marginata, fragrans) – Upright; moderate to low light.
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum) – Easy; arching leaves; adaptable.
• Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) – Grows in water or soil; low light OK.
• Parlor palm (Chamaedorea) – Classic palm for indoors; low to medium light.
• Peperomia – Many varieties; compact; low to medium light.
• Schefflera (umbrella plant) – Tolerates low light; keep away from pets.
• Boston fern – Loves humidity; medium to low light in moist air.
• Peace lily – Repeat for emphasis; one of the best for low light and bloom.
• Calathea (e.g. rattlesnake) – Some tolerate low light; need humidity.
• English ivy (Hedera) – Trailing; cool spots; keep away from pets.
• Prayer plant (Maranta) – Patterned leaves; medium to low light; humidity.
• Sansevieria (other varieties) – All snake plants are low-light tolerant.
• Aglaonema (more cultivars) – Red, pink, or green; all tolerate low light.

For pet-safe options in low light, see our pet-safe guide and beginner-friendly plants.