Shade lovers: 11 low light indoor trees that flourish in your dimmest corners
Explore our curated list of top low light Indoor trees grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the care and maintenance tips, along with how we keep them safe with our furry animals that we have learnt from cohabitating with them over the years.
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Imagine the subtle rustling of leaves, the soothing green hues of your indoor trees that are thriving even in dimmest, low light corners of your living room, or your office. This is not just an aesthetic choice – it’s also a lifestyle upgrade supported by studies like the one from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign which highlights the benefits of indoor plants in restoring attention and reducing stress in offices and living rooms.
Over the years of living in our Brooklyn community home, we have brought in a variety of low-light indoor trees: from the tall corners of our living room to the shaded windows of our kitchen, and also in some rooms on our top floor where we don’t allow our furry animals to roam around.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Evaluate Room Conditions And Dimensions: Opt for trees like the Rubber Plant to enhance modern interiors, focusing on the impact against neutral backgrounds and considering the space required as the tree grows.
- Ensure Plant Safety For Pets And Children: Double-check plant safety on the ASPCA’s website and use tall plant holders to prevent pets from accessing plants.
- Adapt to Seasonal Changes: Adjust tree placement closer to light sources during darker months and supplement with grow lights while avoiding placement near heat sources.
- Consider Room Traffic and Air Flow: Keep trees in stable, low-traffic areas away from direct drafts or heat, using reflective surfaces to enhance available light.
- Rotate Your Trees Regularly: Turn pots regularly to ensure even light exposure and prevent trees from leaning toward the light source.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Money tree
2. Ponytail palm
3. Monstera
4. ZZ plant
5. Snake Plant
How to choose the low light indoor trees for your needs?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Evaluate Room Conditions and Dimensions:
Consider the overall design and color scheme of your room when selecting a tree. For example: the Rubber Plant can complement modern and minimalist decors with its dark, glossy leaves. Think about the visual impact the tree will have when placed alongside existing furniture and decorations. Avoid green painted walls if you want your large trees to stand out – they work well with neutral colors in the background, and neutral colored planters. Investing in a good planter might be worth it because this tree is going to get big and think of this investment as an investment you’d do for a furniture – except that this is a living, vibrant being that is only going to give more as it grows :). (Refer our list of plants best for bedrooms for more info)
Ensure Plant Safety for Pets and Children:
Check the ASPCA’s website to be doubly sure of pet safety for the plant you choose. We also have colated the information below in the list. These indoor trees not able to be hanged – they are big, obviously, so you need to be very sure this will not harm your pets before you bring them in. A tall plant holders may be useful, but it all depends on how agile your pets are. Our pets don’t really bother with plants that have broad rough textured leaves so we are safe there, but if your pets are prone to eating all leaves, rely on the ones that are absolutely pet safe.
Adapting to Seasonal Changes:
Be proactive about the changing light and temperature conditions throughout the year. In darker winter months, consider moving your trees closer to windows or adding a grow light to supplement the reduced natural light. For example: we avoid placing these large beings in front of the heaters or AC’s, or even near the stove in the kitchen. We have lots of tips for each plant below that will help you care for them on an ongoing basis..
Integrating Trees with Your Home Décor:
Consider the overall design and color scheme of your room when selecting a tree. For example: the Rubber Plant can complement modern and minimalist decors with its dark, glossy leaves. Think about the visual impact the tree will have when placed alongside existing furniture and decorations. Avoid green painted walls if you want your large trees to stand out – they work well with neutral colors in the background, and neutral colored planters. Investing in a good planter might be worth it because this tree is going to get big and think of this investment as an investment you’d do for a furniture – except that this is a living, vibrant being that is only going to give more as it grows :). (Flowers are an amazing addition to, refer to our list of flowering houseplants for more info)
Here are our 11 Top low light Indoor trees
1. Corn plant
Toxic
Low light
Grows upto 6 feet
North/west/east facing windows
Toxic
low light
grows to 6 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The Corn Plant (aka Dracaena fragrans) is a low light indoor tree from the Asparagaceae family. It has broad, glossy leaves arch elegantly, and feature green centers bordered with lighter green or yellow. This plant thrives in low/medium light so we’ve placed ours in the east-facing reading room.
Corn Plants are known for their adaptability and easy care needs, however, they are toxic to cats and dogs. In terms of aesthetics the Corn Plant can grow up to six feet tall, like a living pillar of lush greenery. We’ve styled ours in a black ceramic planter that complements its tropical vibe.
While it rarely flowers indoors, when it does, the Corn Plant produces clusters of white, fragrant blooms that add an unexpected delight! Bonus: This plant also produces more oxygen and engances air quality!
Care tip: thrives in low to medium indirect light. It prefers the soil to be slightly dry between waterings—usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity. Keep an eye out for brown leaf tips, which could indicate overwatering or too much fluoride in the water. Use distilled or non-fluoridated water to avoid this common issue or when this issue shows.
Propagation tip: cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy, mature stem just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with water – no leaves are to be submerged. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically begin to form in 4-6 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes endurance and perseverance due to its hardy nature. Virgos, for their meticulous and nurturing qualities, are well-suited to care for this one.
Pros and cons
($43)
($99)
($70)
$30
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
2. Money tree
pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The Money Tree (aka Pachira aquatica) is a low light indoor tree from the Malvaceae family. Its distinctive braided trunk and lush, green leaves fanning out like a plume, adds a visual punch to any room. But is also famed for bringing good luck and prosperity.
We’ve placed ours in the west-facing room on the first floor where our cats roam free. This hardy plant is wonderfully easy to care for. It thrives with just moderate watering and can grow up to six to eight feet tall. We’ve chosen a sleek, golden planter that complements its vibrant green leaves – this one no doubt is a house favorite!
Care tip: Aim to water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which might indicate overwatering. A standout feature of this plant is its braided trunk that not only adds to its visual appeal but also helps the tree store moisture, making it quite forgiving if you occasionally forget to water
Propagation tip: select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch piece just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves near the cut to prevent rotting. Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Refresh the water weekly and keep the glass in a spot with indirect sunlight. Roots typically appear in about 4 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and financial success. Capricorns, known for their practicality, patience, and ambition, are particularly well-suited to nurture this plant.
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($39)
$33
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
3. Parlor palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
The Parlor Palm (aka Chamaedorea elegans) is a low light tree from the Arecaceae family. It is a classic favorite for indoor plant enthusiasts, known for its lush, green fronds that arch from delicate stems. We have styled ours in a terracotta pot. Its completely non-toxic to pets. It’s a low-maintenance plant, requiring only occasional watering, and as it grows, the Parlor Palm can reach up to 6 feet in height. While it doesn’t typically flower indoors, we have heard it might surprise you with small, inconspicuous flowers! It brings in a bit of tropics into our home..
Care tip: Water it moderately—allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. It’s important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot – This palm is known for its resilience and low maintenance! Keep an eye out for drooping or yellowing leaves which can indicate that the plant is either too dry or too wet
Propagation tip: Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, barely covering them with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm environment; germination can take several months. While propagation by cuttings in water is common for many plants, the Parlor Palm typically does not root well from cuttings and is best propagated from seed.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes peace and tranquility, making it an excellent plant for creating a serene environment. Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its love of stability and natural beauty
Pros and cons
($43)
($38)
($35)
$28
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
4. Ponytail palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
The Ponytail Palm (aka Beaucarnea recurvata) is low light indoor tree from the Asparagaceae family. It adds a whimsical touch with its cascading ponytail-like leaves and bulbous trunk that is infact its water reservoir. It requires very minimal care and thrives in low light conditions. We’ve placed ours in a cream ceramic planter in the west-facing living room on the second floor where we let the cats roam. The Ponytail Palm grows slowly but can eventually reach impressive heights of up to 6-8 feet indoors.
Care tip: Water sparingly—allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, as its bulbous stem stores water. Watering every 2 to 3 weeks should suffice, but this may vary depending on your home’s humidity and light. Watch for drooping leaves, which can indicate overwatering or more likely too much direct sunlight.
Propagation tip: Collect seeds from a mature plant and sow them in well-draining soil, lightly covering them. Keep the soil moist and in a warm environment with bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to a few months. Honestly, we recommend buying a new tiny plant instead 🙂
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes resilience and eternal youth due to its ability to store water in its bulbous base. Aquarius, known for embracing uniqueness and resilience, would resonate well with this plant.
Pros and cons
($12)
($58)
($35)
$28
“I forget to water this plant for weeks, and it looks the same!”
5. Dragon tree (Dracaena)
Toxic
Low light
Grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
Toxic
low light
grows to 6 feet
East/west/north
The Dragon Tree (aka Dracaena marginata), is a low light indoor tree from the Asparagaceae family. It has slender trunk and sword-like leaves outlined in vibrant red or purple. We’ve placed ours in a sleek, white grow pot in the west-facing room on the top floor where we do not let the cats roam. Dragon Trees are wonderfully low-maintenance, thriving on neglect with only occasional watering needed when the soil feels dry. They can grow up to 6 feet tall, and offer a formidable air purifying benefit.
Care tip: Water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Keep an eye on the leaf tips. Browning may indicate that the air is too dry or that it’s getting too much fluoride from tap water.
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch stem section from a healthy plant, making sure it includes at least one leaf node. Strip the lower leaves and place the cutting in water. Ensure the node is submerged. Position the container in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to keep it clean. Roots typically begin to appear in about 4-6 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes strength, resilience, and fortitude. Scorpios who are known for their resilience are well suited for this plant!
Pros and cons
($178)
($43)
($35)
$44
“I water this plant once in three weeks in winter and it holds just great!”
6. Rubber tree
mildly Toxic
Low light
Grows to 10 feet
East/west/north
mildly Toxic
low light
grows to 10 feet
East/west/north
The Rubber Plant (aka Ficus elastica): This low light indoor tree, a member of the Moraceae family, has glossy, broad leaves that can range from deep green to burgundy. We’ve placed ours in the south-facing room on the top floor, where it gets medium bright, indirect light. This plant needs only moderate watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Definitely keep this one out of the reach of your pets. When mature, the Rubber Plant can grow up to 8-10 feet tall indoors, adds stunning height and drama to your space especially if you have tall ceilings. We’ve styled ours in a minimalist black ceramic pot to complement its bold foliage that in turn enhances its modern look.
Care tip: The Rubber Plant thrives in indirect light. Needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Mist occasionally to keep its bold foliage glossy!.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with at least two leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes abundance and good fortune — perfect for Taurus, known for their patience and love for nurturing greenery
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($19)
$43
“The Ficus is a statement piece in my living room. The variegated leaves are stunning and it’s very easy to care for”
7. Cast iron plant
Pet safe
Low light
Grows to 2 feet
East/west/north
Pet safe
low light
grows to 2 feet
East/west/north
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior): This low light indoor tree, from the Asparagaceae family has long, glossy, dark green leaves. This plant is incredibly tolerant and thrives in low light, surviving infrequent watering. We’ve placed ours in the dining room on the first floor where it handles the low light beautifully. Styled in a classic terracotta pot, it brings a warm and rustic feel to our eating nook. The Best thing is that this beautiful plant is non-toxic to pets! When it grows, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide — a perfect hardy and attractive plant that creates a sense of sanctuary with little to no effort.
Care tip: Thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil is dry — about every 2-3 weeks. Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. This is a hardy plant 🙂
Propagation tip: Divide the root clump with at least 2-3 leaves and healthy roots, and then plant divisions in well-draining potting soil. Keep in low to medium light. Watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. New growth will appear in a few weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Cast Iron Plant symbolizes endurance and resilience — it ideal for Capricorns who value perseverance and stability
Pros and cons
($49)
($78)
($90)
$44
“The Cast Iron Plant is perfect for anyone who wants a hardy, low-maintenance plant. Mine arrived in perfect condition and looks great” – thesill.com customer
8. Snake plant
Toxic
Low light
Grows to 4 feet
East/west/north
Toxic
low light
grows to 4 feet
East/west/north
The The snake plant (aka Sansevieria trifasciata): This low light indoor plant, from the Asparagaceae family, is a stunning and sturdy addition to any home. It has long, upright leaves with yellow edges and green banding. We have placed ours in one of the east-facing bedrooms on the top floor where it enjoys bright, indirect light.
These plants are also a breeze to care for – but they are mildly toxic to pets in that they can cause irritation and digestive issues, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of cats and dogs. We don’t allow our furry animals to the top floor at all. These plants thrive on infrequent watering and low attention. We have styled this plant in a sleek, white ceramic pot that has lines and is matte finish and is positioned near the window.
When fully grown, it can reach up to four feet tall, and though it rarely flowers, when it does, it produces small but fragrant greenish-white blooms that are a an absolute treasure to watch.
Care tip: Water every 2-3 weeks, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Watch for drooping or yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a leaf into sections about 3-4 inches long, making sure each piece has at least one horizontal stripe – the node. Place the cut ends into a container filled with about an inch of water. No leaves should be submerged. Change the water weekly and roots will appear in about 3-4 weeks. When they are a few inches long plant in well-draining potting soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes good luck, purity, and positivity. It’s often associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, reflecting their steadfast and resilient nature.
Pros and cons
($43)
($58))
($28)
$17
“This plant is almost indestructible! Perfect for beginners and looks great”
9. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera)
Toxic
Low light
Grows to 7 feet
East/west/north
Toxic
low light
grows to 7 feet
East/west/north
The Monstera (aka Monstera deliciosa): This low light indoor tree, part of the Araceae family, has fenestrated leaves that develop splits and holes as they mature — giving the plant a distinctive and elegant appearance. We have placed ours in the west-facing rooms in the top floor where it thrives in bright, indirect light and styled it in a black ceramic pot to add to the contrast and its bold and dramatic vertical height. Monstera is moderately easy to care for—water it when the top inch of soil is dry and it will flourish. Do note, however, that the Monstera is toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals. While it can produce flowers and fruit, this is rare indoors. When it grows big, it will reach up to 8-10 feet tall, and its broad and glossy leaves will span up to 2 feet! No wonder it is one of the most purchased plant
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Its aerial roots can be trained to climb a moss pole for added support and growth
Propagation tip: Cut a stem just below a node with at least one leaf and aerial root. Place the cutting in water with the node submerged, keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks before you transfer it to soil!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Monstera plant symbolizes profound growth and ambition — ideal for Leos who appreciate bold, dramatic aesthetics!
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($27)
$32
“I love the dramatic look of the Monstera leaves. It’s been growing beautifully with minimal care.”
10. ZZ plant
mildly Toxic
Low light
Grows to 4 feet
East/west/north
Mildly Toxic
low light
grows to 4 feet
East/west/north
The ZZ Plant (aka Zamioculcas zamiifolia) from the Araceae family, is a low light indoor plant known for its resilience. We’ve placed ours in a gray ceramic planter in the north-facing bedroom. Its glossy, emerald green leaves can thrive even in low light to medium light conditions. We keep this plant out of pets reach, up in the shelf, just in case, though its mildly toxic. It rarely needs watering—just a sip every couple of weeks, and it can grow up to 3 feet tall. Simply close your eyes and buy this plan – you will never reget it.
Care tip: Prefers low to medium indirect light. Water it every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watch for yellowing leaves that indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with an inch of stem . Place it in a glass of water with only the stem submerged, not the leaf. Place the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water every week. Roots will develop in 3-4 weeks, then plant the cutting in well-draining potting soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often seen as a symbol of prosperity and endurance, this plant is best suited for taurus and capricorn!
Pros and cons
($43)
($41)
($18)
$24
“ZZ is a favorite in your house.. it sits in our bedroom next to lamp. We haven’t killed it in 3 years!”
11. Majesty Palm,
Safe
Low light
Grows to 12 feet
East/west/north
Safe
low light
grows to 12 feet
East/west/north
The Majesty Palm (aka Ravenea rivularis) is a low light indoor tree from the Arecaceae family. These lush green leaves fan out beautifully and create a soft, striking visual impact in our space. We have placed ours in the east-facing reading room, where it receives a perfect balance of medium, indirect light, which is ideal for its growth. This versatile plant also adapts well to varying light conditions.
The Majesty Palm can grow up to 10 feet tall, and caring for this palm is straightforward: it thrives with regular watering—and benefits from higher humidity. Majesty Palm is pet-safe! Trust us, this one is a keeper, a beautiful anxiety free addition to your space.We Styled in a large ceramic planter that complements its stately elegance. Bonus: this is one of those plants that also boosts indoor air quality
Care tip: thrives in medium to bright indirect light, making it perfect for east or west-facing windows. Water it deeply when the top inch of the soil feels dry, usually once a week, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging. This palm loves humidity, misting the leaves or using a humidifier can prevent the tips from browning. Keep an eye out for drooping fronds, which signals under watering or low humidity.
Propagation tip: Majesty Palm is typically propagated by seeds rather than cuttings. To propagate, plant fresh seeds in a well-draining soil mix, about 1 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 80°F). Germination can take several months, so patience is key. Water propagation is not suitable for this palm. We haver personally not tried this, in all honesty. But here is the information we have learnt from speaking to gardeners.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes victory and success. It aligns well with the ambitious and leadership-oriented qualities of Aries.
Pros and cons
($70)
($58)
($98)
$41
“Amazing low maintenance plant with broad leaves!”
How to create perfect environment for low light indoor trees to thrive
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Choose the Right Spot
Low light trees thrive in areas that get indirect or filtered sunlight. Place them in corners that are a few feet away from north or east facing or west facing windows. This protects them from direct sunlight and also ensures they get enough light required for photosynthesis. An area behind sheer curtains can also provide the necessary protection from too much sun. Sometimes the leaves of these trees burn with direct sunlight, so please be sure to rotate them around during summer when there is a lot more light.
Consider Room Traffic and Air Flow
Position your trees in parts of your home that have stable temperatures, and are also away from high traffic areas that could lead to damage from physical contact. Avoid placing them near air vents, doors, or drafty windows, as those positions could lead to leaf drop. Avoid heaters and AC’s air directly hitting these trees. Think of them as living beings as they are, and position yourself in the spot you imagine placing them, and you’ll know if its the right spot 🙂
Utilize Reflective Surfaces
To enhance the available light for your low light indoor trees, place them near surfaces that naturally reflect light: mirrors or light-colored walls. This can help increase the intensity of light available without direct exposure to sunlight. Low light doesn’t mean no light. Most plants need some light to stay alive, and these wondrous beings don’t need a lot, but certainly can’t do without any.
Group Plants to Create a Microclimate
Create a small indoor garden by grouping several low-light trees together – this will help increase the humidity levels around the plants which mimics their natural habitat. In general, plants are also happier grouped with other plants, just as we are 🙂 The truth is that there is no such thing as indoor plants or outdoor plants. Plants are plants. It is up to us what sort of optimal conditions we provide, required specifically for the plants we select, to thrive.(You can also refer to our list of trailing houseplants, and flowering houseplants to add to the mix)
Rotate your plants regularly
To promote even growth and prevent your trees from leaning towards the light source – especially your fiddle leaf figs, or monstera’s or umbrella tree – rotate your pots a quarter turn each week. This simple practice encourages more symmetrical growth. It also ensures all sides of the plant receive equal light over time and maintain their beautiful form.
FAQ
- What are the best low-light indoor trees for beginners?
- The Swiss Cheese Monstera is highly recommended for beginners due to its minimal light requirements and ease of care. But also snake plant and ZZ plant are great. Pony tail plms if you are into palm trees are great for beginners as well.
- How can I enhance the growth of low-light indoor trees in dimly lit areas?
- Utilize reflective surfaces – it amplifies light and position the plants near light-colored walls to effectively increase the available light for growth.
- What should I consider when choosing a large indoor tree for a low-light area?
- Assess the available space as larger trees like the Burgundy Rubber Tree need room to grow. Also, consider the plant’s light requirements to ensure the area provides enough indirect light.
- How often should I water low-light indoor trees?
- Watering needs vary, but these plants require less frequent watering. Check the soil moisture regularly – allow it to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Are there low-light indoor trees that are safes?
- Yes, the Money Tree is a popular choice that is safe for pets and also considered to bring good luck due to its aesthetic appeal and ease of care.
Conclusion
Selecting and maintaining low-light indoor trees requires careful consideration of both their environment and their specific needs, especially since these have the potential to become fixtures like furnitures in your space for years. By choosing trees that complement your home’s aesthetic and ensuring they are safe around pets and children, you set a great foundation for them to thrive. In our 4 storied brownstone where we live as a community, we have about 16 indoor trees spread throughout and we love seeing them as giant pieces of living furnitures that see through the flow of roommates coming and going from the space. Let us know in comments if you found this helpful, or if you have any questions, or if you have any tips that we have missed and help the plant community out!
