When living in an apartment, it’s challenging to get a dash of greenery added to your space. For those in a home, whether it be renting in Chicago or owning in the suburbs of Glenview, they have the benefit of selecting places around the house that have the best light. For most apartment renters, you’re subject to the light that comes in through your window and whatever direction it’s facing – which often means no direct sunlight. But why should apartment renters miss out on incorporating greenery into their space? ApartmentGuide has created a list of the top 10 plants for apartments with low light to help you in enhancing your space.
Our plant and flower experts are here to bring you a treasure trove of tips and tricks for growing hardy plants in less-than-stellar conditions. Before skimming the list and running out to the plant store, read on to learn more about tips in care, considerations, and decorating.
1. ZZ plants
By far the most recommended plants for apartments with low light were the ZZ plants. "ZZ plants (zamioculcas zamiifolia) are versatile and aesthetically pleasing plants, and they serve well in spaces with low light conditions,” shares Michelle Thomas of Michelle Thomas Design. “Their glossy, dark green foliage and upright growth make them eye-catching additions to any room.
Beyond their decorative appeal, ZZ plants also offer functional benefits such as air purification and stress reduction. Whether used as focal points, accents, or space fillers, their versatility makes them a popular plant that will thrive in low-light conditions."
For Casey of Tioga Gardens Inc., the ZZ is also a favorite. “Also known as EZ ZZ, ZZ’s bring industrial elegance with strong, upright form and shiny, intensely green leaves. Plus, with recent introductions like ‘Raven’ and its gothic aesthetic or ‘Lucky’ with its bubbly charm, there is likely a ZZ to please anyone.”
As for the care needed, ZZ plants are a breeze. “The ZZ plant is known for its ability to tolerate low light and is very drought tolerant,” shares Jennifer Hihn of River Plant Co.
2. Cast-iron plant
Cast-iron plants provide a vibrant shade of green and are perfect plants for apartments with low light. Native to Japan and Taiwan, this plant is often used as training material for the seika form of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
Similar in color and care to the ZZ plant, the cast-iron plant is another great addition to an apartment with low light. “Two beloved houseplants in my collection flourish in low-light settings: the ZZ plant and cast-iron plant,” says Melissa Ross of Modest Muse Interiors. “Not only are these plants incredibly resilient, but they also boast stunning beauty. The fresh leaves of both plants emerge in vibrant green hues, creating a striking contrast against the deeper green of their mature foliage and adding captivating depth to their appearance.”
Jennifer Hihn of River Plant also recommends the cast-iron plant, saying, “This plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light and is very hardy.”
3. Snake plant
Native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo, the snake plant has become a household favorite. Also known as sansevieria trifasciata until 2017 when it was recategorized under the genus Dracaena, snake plants have many names including mother-in-law’s tongue, Saint George’s sword, and viper’s bowstring hemp.
Emma McCue of White River Nursery believes snake plants are perfect for low-light conditions and are easy to care for. “Snake plants can be kept in rooms with very little light and only need to be watered lightly about once a month,” she says. Jennifer Hihn of River Plant seconds this by saying, “Snake plants are known for their ability to tolerate low light and be very low maintenance.”
4. Bromeliads
New York City interior designer Jarret Yoshida writes that bromeliads are a favorite indoor low-light plant. His grandparents were tropical farmers that raised bromeliads for sale in the shade of an enormous mango tree on the Big Island. Bromeliads thrive in shady environments at the bottom of the tropical forest canopy. They come in all kinds of colors and stripes, some with ombre fades, and their high contrast flair is fashion runway-worthy, making them the perfect accent for any room needing visual oomph.
Robert Robertson, owner of Expressions Flowers, seconds the idea of incorporating bromeliads saying, “These tropical beauties produce striking, long-lasting flowers and thrive on bright, indirect light.”
5. Peace lily
Native to tropical regionals of America and southeastern Asia, try the popular peace lily, also known as a Spathiphyllum, or "Spath," for a touch more of color with their pretty white flowers.
“It is believed that keeping this plant in your house makes your surroundings calm and positive,” advises Katie and Kerry of Ridgefield Floral & Gifts. “They also purify the air around them and regulate humidity. This plant is low in maintenance and feng shui approved! True lilies are poisonous to cats and dogs, but the peace lily is only mildly toxic to humans and other animals when ingested. If you forget to water once a week, the spath will droop slightly to remind you! They thrive in low-lighted areas.”
6. Anthurium
Anthuriums are also favorite plants for apartments with low light. “Known for its heart-shaped flowers, anthurium blooms in shades of red, pink, or white,” says Robert Robertson of Expression Flowers. Who doesn’t want blooming flowers in their space?
“With their large, shiny, heart-shaped blooms, your home will have a tropical feel,” shares Ridgefield Floral & Gifts. “Anthuriums typically enjoy a moderate, room temperature environment, or one that's a tad on the warmer side. They prefer indirect light, average to high humidity, and a well-draining potting soil to keep them moist. Under those conditions, anthuriums are quite easy to look after.”
7. Begonia rex
If you’re looking more for a plant with flowers and color, the begonia rex is a great choice. Native to Arunachal Pradesh and Southeast China, this plant is perfect for someone looking for vibrance without work. “They are extremely easy to care for,” says Emma McCue of White River Nursery. “Just put them in a spot that receives a small amount of light and water when the top layer of soil becomes dry.”
8. Calatheas
If you’re in the market for something a little more challenging to take care of, try a member of the Calathea genus. “There are multiple varieties, and their beautifully patterned leaves will bring a burst of energy and visual interest,” shares Jennifer Verruto of Blythe Interiors.
Mariah from Tioga Gardens is also a big fan of calatheas. “‘Rattlesnake’ to ‘rosy’ calatheas bring color and movement, along with rugged durability even in dark and dry conditions. Perfect for the on-the-go apartment lifestyle.”
When it comes to care for calatheas, Michael Sheek of Wing Haven has you covered. “Generally, these plants will require watering once a week, but let the top half inch to one inch of soil dry before watering again,” he says. “The key to success is keeping the soil moist, but not overly wet, and make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.”
9. Pothos
No longer part of the Pothos genus but still referred to as such colloquially, epipremnum aureum are great plants for apartments with low light. “Pothos is a versatile plant that can thrive in low light and is great for hanging or trailing” advises Jennifer Hihn of River Plant.
“For new plant owners and new apartment dwellers, my absolute favorite is the golden pothos or marble queen pothos. These are likely the best plants for any space in the PNW” says Shaun Murphy of Indoor Sun Shoppe.
Pothos plants don’t require much maintenance. In fact, one of the quickest ways to kill this plant is by watering too much and smothering it.
10. Aglaonema
Commonly known as Chinese evergreens, aglaonema is a genus of flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea. “Aglaonema is great in a low-light environment,” assures Jungle & Loom LLC. “They can adjust to fluorescent light and have lots of variety and color options. They don’t need water frequently so you can go on vacation for a while and this plant will make it out alright.”
About The Author
Jeremy Steckler
Jeremy is a Seattle-based writer and content marketer focused on creating content to learn more about the cities and communities around the United States. He enjoys traveling, playing bass, acting in movies, and finding the best hidden coffee shops.