A modern minimalist living room scene featuring a beige sofa beside a timber side table with a potted indoor plant, accompanied by a Bird’s Nest Fern and an Aglaonema in neutral pots against a soft beige wall.

No Sun? No Worries — These Plants Won’t Mind

Got a dim corner begging for a little green? Not every plant needs bright, beaming sunlight to flourish. Some are perfectly happy lounging in softer light, making them ideal for apartments, rentals, offices, and those shadowy spots your other plants side-eye. Here are some of our favourite low-light–friendly indoor plants that don’t just survive—they thrive.


Close-up of patterned foliage from Chinese Evergreen in neutral pots

🌿 Soft Shade Stars: Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema)

If your home is more "softly lit” than “sun-drenched", Chinese Evergreens are your new best friends. They're known for handling lower light beautifully, while still putting on a show with speckled, variegated foliage.

These Aglaonemas are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or workspaces where light is gentle rather than intense. Just keep them out of direct, harsh sunlight and let them enjoy that cosy glow.


🌿 Zanzibar Zenzii — Low Light Royalty

When it comes to durability in low-light homes, Zanzibar Zenzii is top-tier. Compact, sculptural, and glossy, it's a slow-growing ZZ variety that thrives on deep shade and minimal watering. The ideal “I forget to water you sometimes… sorry, babe" plant. Shop Zanzibar Zenzii →

Zenzii's compact growth makes it perfect for desks, shelves, bedside tables, and awkward corners that won't support anything else. Let the soil dry completely between drinks and enjoy its understated elegance.


🌱 Lush + Low Light: Philodendron Xanadu

For a plant that adds instant texture without demanding full sun, Philodendron Xanadu is a standout. Its split leaves give a soft tropical feel, even in rooms with gentle or filtered light. Shop Philodendron Xanadu →

Xanadu thrives in low to medium light, making it an excellent choice for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms without large windows. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, and you'll be rewarded with steady, sculptural growth.


🌱 Lush + Low Light: Bird’s Nest Fern

For soft, textural foliage that loves humidity and doesn't demand centre-stage lighting, the Bird's Nest Fern is a winner. Its fronds form a lush, full rosette, even in shadier spots. Shop Bird’s Nest Fern →

These ferns are brilliant for bathrooms, shaded bedrooms, or side tables out of direct sun. Keep the soil lightly moist and avoid watering into the central “nest”.


Low-light indoor plant corner with Calathea and ferns in neutral and sage pots

🌺 Patterned Foliage for Softer Light: Calatheas

If you're chasing drama without full sun, Calatheas are made for you. Their patterned leaves bring prominent personality to lower-light spaces, especially when styled with neutral pots and soft furnishings.

  • Calathea insignis — Rattlesnake Plant Long, wavy leaves with deep markings that look almost hand-painted. Shop Rattlesnake Plant →
  • Calathea makoyana — 'Peacock Plant' Round, patterned leaves that turn even a shadowy corner into a feature moment. Shop Peacock Plant →

Calatheas prefer bright, indirect to medium light (never harsh direct sun) and love a little humidity. They're perfect for shaded bedrooms, living rooms or a cosy reading nook.


💚 Compact + Pet-Safe: Silver Heart Peperomia

Need something small, sweet, and happy in gentler light? Peperomia marmorata' Silver Heart' is a compact cutie with silvery foliage that pairs beautifully with your neutral palette. Shop Silver Heart Peperomia →

It prefers medium to bright, indirect light, but happily tolerates soft ambient light as well. Bonus point: it's pet-friendly.


💡 Quick Tips for Low-Light Plant Success

  • ✨ Rotate occasionally: Plants grow toward the nearest light source—give them a fair go by turning them every few weeks.
  • 💧 Water less often: Lower light = slower growth = less thirst. Always check the soil first.
  • 🧼 Dust their leaves: Clean leaves absorb available light more efficiently.
  • 🔌 Add a grow light: A subtle boost works wonders in deep shade or winter months.


🌱 Final Thoughts

Just because a room is low on sun doesn’t mean it has to be low on style. With the right shade-loving plants, you can turn dim corners into calming, leafy moments that feel intentional—not accidental.

Ready to green up the softer-lit spaces in your home? Browse all indoor plants at Potted & Co.. →

The Leaf Library

Where our plant obsession becomes your personal guidebook to happier, healthier plants.