I assumed basements were not ideal places for indoor plants, given the limited natural light, but I’m glad to say I stand corrected!
When I visited my friend, she took me to her basement studio—it felt like a cozy jungle and not like a dark, forgotten corner of her house. She’d carefully selected low-light plants that transformed her studio entirely; they added color, life, and a sense of serenity.
Plants that are ideal for basement living include nerve plants, silver satin pothos, bird’s nest ferns, spider plants heart leaf philodendron, prayer plants, Swiss Cheese plants, lucky bamboo, maidenhair ferns, and Chinese evergreens.
These plants can survive in low-light conditions, meaning they can thrive in your basement if you want to create a green space. Let’s explore why each of these plants is a great choice and how you can keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
10 Best Low Light Houseplants for Basements
Are you ready to create an oasis in your basement? I’ve carefully curated a list of indoor plants with unique qualities that make them stand out, including some with vibrant foliage and minimal care requirements.
#1. Nerve Plant
I’ll start with a small but mighty contender for brightening a basement: the nerve plant (mosaic plant). Its striking leaves, veined in white, pink, or red shades, make this little plant look like a living artwork.
Nerve plants reach a height of 6 in. and thrive in low light with a bit of humidity, making them a great choice for basements. Keep their soil moist but not soggy, and mist them occasionally to mimic their tropical home.
If your nerve plant starts to droop dramatically, don’t panic—it’s just thirsty! Give it a drink, and it’ll perk right up.
#2. Silver Satin Pothos
My sister loves the silver satin pothos because it’s a showstopper with its velvety leaves dusted in silver. This popular low-light plant is a distinctive alternative to typical pothos plants. It is also super forgiving if you forget to water it occasionally.
Silver satin pothos are ideal for trailing from a high shelf or climbing up a support. Water them when the soil feels dry, and give their leaves an occasional wipe to remove dust and reveal their sparkle.
This plant thrives on a little neglect—perfect for busy plant parents!
#3. Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern is a favorite for me because of its bright green frilly fronds that unfurl, leaving a “nest” at the center. Unlike most plants that take root in the soil, bird’s nest ferns are epiphytic, meaning they use other plants for support without feeding from them.
Bird’s nest ferns enjoy tropical conditions like indirect light and consistent moisture. To water them, spray their leaves and roots, but avoid letting water pool in the center (in their nest).
High humidity will keep this plant happy, so consider placing it close to a humidifier or misting it regularly.
#4. Spider Plants
Spider plants are survivors and can flourish under artificial light and with minimal water. These are great for basements because they like moist conditions and prefer indirect or lack of sunlight. And harsh sunlight will burn the Spider plant’s leaves.
A significant advantage of Spider plants is that they purify the air of the toxin formaldehyde, which is essential in any home.
#5. Heart Leaf Philodendron
Heart Leaf philodendrons are a classic choice for low-light rooms for a reason. Their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves are a simple but elegant addition to any space, especially basements.
Heart leaf philodendrons thrive in low light and are super easy to care for—just water them when the topsoil is dry. My friend has one trailing down from a high shelf, but it used to be in a hanging basket and grew in such a way that it resembled a leafy cylinder.
An advantage of heart leaf philodendrons is that they’re fast growers, so you’ll see progress quickly.
#6. Prayer Plant
I think of prayer plants as beautiful botanical miracle workers. They have stunning long, rounded leaves with light centers and pink veins. At night, their leaves fold up like hands in prayer, creating a dynamic display that changes throughout the day.
Prayer plants love bright, indirect sunlight, high humidity, and consistently moist soil.
Mist the leaves often and keep the plant in a warm spot. It’s a delightful companion plant because it has a different liveliness about it.
#7. Swiss Cheese Plant
Known for its eye-catching, holey leaves, the Swiss cheese plant is a funky tropical plant that thrives in low-light environments. What’s great about these plants is that they’re climbers that add depth to an indoor garden. Alternatively, you can grow yours in a hanging pot and let it trail.
Water Swiss cheese plants when the soil feels dry, and mist the leaves occasionally to keep the foliage looking lush. You’ll enjoy the artsy vibe a Swiss cheese plant brings to your basement and understand why it’s a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts.
#8. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo, but it sure looks like it. This low-light lover can grow in water or soil, making it versatile for any setup. If you’re growing it in water, keep it clean and fresh.
If growing your luck bamboo in a pot, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Some cultures believe keeping lucky bamboo will bring good fortune, so why not try it? A little good luck is always welcome.
#9. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns are one of my favorites, especially those with blackish stalks! Delicate and lacy, they bring a touch of elegance and intrigue to darker spaces. Their fronds are made of tiny bright green leaves, creating additional depth.
Maidenhair ferns love high humidity and consistently moist soil, so they’ll do well in a basement, provided they receive regular attention.
Keep them away from drafts and mist the leaves frequently. Yes, they’re a little finicky, but the payoff is worth it for such a graceful plant.
#10. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is another low-light superstar that will bring colorful, tropical vibes to your basement. Its lush, variegated leaves brighten a room, and my aunt with not-so-green fingers reckons the clincher is that this plant is nearly indestructible—she’s unintentionally proven that!
Water your Chinese evergreen when the soil feels dry, and avoid allowing it to sit in waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
This is a perfect option for new plant owners or anyone looking for a stress-free addition to their basement plant collection.
Final Thoughts
Aren’t you relieved to hear that, with the right plants, transforming your basement into a lively, green space is easier than you think? These low-light plants can bring light and energy to the darkest corners of your basement, creating a lush haven you’ll enjoy for years.
From the resilient Chinese evergreen to vibrant nerve plants and active prayer plants, there’s something for every style and level of care.
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