If your bedroom doesn’t get much natural light, you might think keeping plants alive is impossible—but that’s far from the truth! Plenty of plants thrive in low light conditions in nature, and you can use them to add a touch of foliage to your home.
The best plants for low light bedrooms are hardy species, including the Cast Iron Plant and ZZ Plant, are perfect for adding greenery and improving air quality without needing much sunlight. These low-maintenance options will keep your space vibrant and fresh, no matter how dim.
Have you got your potting soil and secateurs ready? Let’s explore the best plants that will thrive in your low-light bedroom and transform your space into a green haven.
Top 9 Low Light Plants for Bedrooms
Tropical plants are a great addition to a low-light bedroom, as they thrive under dense tree canopies in dim conditions. Here are nine excellent options for a darkish bedroom.
#1. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
With a name like Cast Iron, you can imagine this plant is almost indestructible—regardless of poor light conditions.
Also dubbed the bar room plant, the Cast Iron plant got its name in the 19th century when homes started using gas lighting. It was often the only house plant that could survive in poor lighting and air conditions.
The Cast Iron plant has dark green leaves and can tolerate neglect, so it’s a good option for a dimly lit bedroom.
You don’t need to water it often, and it’s not fussy about temperature and humidity changes, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a low-maintenance plant.
#2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens have stunning, speckled leaves and can thrive in the shadiest corners. For instance, I have one in a windowless guest bathroom, and it’s doing well!
These eye-catching plants are ideal for adding texture and a pop of color to your bedroom without requiring much light.
They don’t need much water either—just a sprinkle here and there will suffice. It’s a great decorative plant without the high maintenance.
#3. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Dracaenas have tall, slender trunks and sword-like leaves, making them striking additions to a low-light bedroom. The one alongside my bed has been growing steadily for years without my avid attention.
Dracaenas are ideal plants for adding height and structure to minimalistic bedroom decor without taking up too much space. Just be mindful not to overwater as it prefers its soil on the dry side—this prevents root rot.
#4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
If you’re looking for a tropical plant that adds a touch of elegance to your low-light bedroom, the Peace Lily is a great choice.
It has glossy leaves all year round and produces stunning white flowers (spathes) in the Spring if it’s thriving.
Peace lilies thrive with a bit more moisture, so keeping the soil slightly damp and misting the leaves occasionally will help them thrive.
My boyfriend once gave one to my teenage daughter for her room, and it coped very well despite the dim light and mild neglect.
While peace lilies have benefits, such as purifying the air of toxins like smoke and formaldehyde, it’s pertinent to note that they are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
#5. Philodendron (Heartleaf)
The Heartleaf Philodendron is one of my favorite indoor plants, and it happens to enjoy low-light conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves add a pop of greenery to any bedroom, sending out trailing vines that give it a boho feel.
Philodendron is a Greek word that means “loves trees” because it typically sends vines up a tree trunk in nature.
Philodendrons are easy to care for because they are such forgiving plants.
They enjoy a little humidity but aren’t picky, and you need only water them when the top inch of soil is dry. Furthermore, the heartleaf proliferates, so you’ll have a lush, full plant in no time.
#6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a lush plant that seems to thrive regardless of where you put it. While the name has different etymologies, I like the ancient Greek version where Pothos was one of Aphrodite’s erotes who would carry vines.
The plant is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves, making it a meaningful addition to a love nest or happy place.
Pothos is a forgiving plant when it comes to watering (or lack thereof), but it does like spells of dry soil between watering. Its rapid growth rate and ease of care make it a favorite for anyone looking to add greenery to their bedroom.
#7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are the perfect beginner plant, and it’s easy to see why. They’re incredibly resilient, thriving in most light conditions—including dim bedrooms.
I’ve seen these plants thrive inside the corridors of my local shopping mall with only artificial light, and they have a minimalist look about them.
Snake plants (also called mother-in-law’s tongue) can exceed six inches in height. They require minimal watering and relatively dry soil, making them a top choice if you’re prone to neglecting your plants.
Plus, they purify the air, removing pollutants and boosting your bedroom environment with fresh air.
#8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a fun and lively addition to any bedroom. They do incredibly well in low-light conditions. Their long arching green and white leaves give them a playful look, and they look cute in hanging baskets.
What I love about mine is that it produces baby spider plants despite the low lighting in my room. I propagate it regularly and repot the babies.
It’s a joy to watch it grow and spread, plus it’s super easy to care for—requiring regular watering to keep it happy.
#9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamifolia)
Our last resilient superstar is the ZZ plant. Its thick, glossy green leaves can add a modern touch to any space, including a dimly lit bedroom.
These plants don’t like direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. I kept mine in a north-facing bathroom with just a small window, and it looked as vibrant as ever.
ZZ plants are practically indestructible, as their waxy leaves help retain their moisture content for longer. Therefore, you only need to water it sparingly, as the ZZ plant prefers dry conditions. This plant is known for its hardiness and air-purifying abilities—it’s the gift that keeps giving!
Tips for Caring for Low-Light Bedroom Plants
Caring for low-light plants in your bedroom is easy once you understand their needs.
One of the most important things to remember is to avoid overwatering, as plants in enclosed, low-light conditions don’t dry out as quickly. Overwatering can lead to root tot, so always let the soil dry out enough between waterings.
If your space is extremely dark most of the time, you can supplement with indirect lighting or even grow lights to keep your plants healthy.
Also, consider rotating your plants every few weeks to ensure they get even light exposure, promoting balanced growth. With these simple steps, your plants will thrive!
Final Thoughts
Incorporating low-light plants into your bedroom is a simple way to bring nature indoors with minimal effort. Whether you choose the hardy Snake Plant or the elegant Peace Lily, these plants will thrive in low light and add a calming, fresh touch to your space.
With minimal care, like rotating your plants and avoiding overwatering, you can enjoy a lush, green bedroom that purifies the air and enhances your decor.
Related Home Decor Articles: