As strange and impractical as the topic of this article might sound, it’s actually true that there are houseplants out there that can grow without sunlight.
Yes, these particular types of indoor plants prefer shade rather than direct sunlight!
Today, we’ll take a look at shade-loving houseplants in detail and shine some light on what makes them so unique and perfect for low-light homes. Let’s jump right into it, shall we?
Houseplants That Can Grow Well Without Sunlight
Just a quick note before we dive in, “without sunlight” doesn’t mean you can stick them in a pitch-dark room and forget about them. These plants thrive in shade or low light, but they still need a gentle glow from a window or lamp to keep them happy.
1: Peacock Plant (Zones 10-12)
Peacock plants have a very unique look, where their leaves fold up during the nighttime and resemble praying hands. This plant truly loves shaded conditions and prefers both high moisture and humidity for optimal growth.
Quick tip: This one’s a bit dramatic when it’s thirsty, the leaves droop fast, but bounce right back after a good drink.
2: Nerve Plant (Zones 10-11)
Nerve plants have a uniquely beautiful look of white nerves on the surface of their foliage. They thrive in both sunny conditions and deep shade as long as they’re given sufficient moisture and humidity to counter leaf drop.
3: Rattlesnake Plant (Zones 9-12)
Rattlesnake plants grow leaves that resemble the skin of an actual rattlesnake. They are an absolute shade-loving beauty and can be planted strategically darker corners or near softly lit windowsills.
4: Golden Pothos (Zones 10-12)
While the pothos is a popular, reliable houseplant, the golden pothos isn’t much different, except it has some golden variegation on its leaves that makes it stand out.
It isn’t a very needy plant and can do well in both sunny and shaded conditions. Just make sure not to overwater this one since it does tend to develop root rot a little too fast.
Quick tip: This one’s my go-to for every dark corner. If the vines get too long, I just snip them and pop the cuttings in water, they root like magic.
If you’ve got a pothos that’s growing healthy roots but refuses to push out new leaves, this article on why pothos sometimes grow roots but no new leaf growth might be exactly what you need.
5: Peace Lily (Zones 10-12)
Peace lilies are absolute classics when it comes to low-light plants. Their dark green leaves and crisp white flowers make any dull corner look elegant in seconds.
This one truly loves the shade and grows best in rooms with filtered or minimal light. Keep the soil slightly damp, and it’ll reward you with that fresh, peaceful vibe all year long.
Quick tip: This one’s great at telling you what it wants, the leaves droop when it’s thirsty, then bounce right back after a drink.
And if your peace lily isn’t putting out those crisp white blooms lately, here’s a helpful read on why your peace lily isn’t blooming (and how to fix it fast).
6: Money Tree (Zones 10-12)
The braided trunk is a very unique visual feature of the money tree, and that’s typically what most people find striking about it.
However, the miniature tree also has great adaptability and can adjust to low-light conditions pretty well, as long as you don’t overwater it.
7: Heartleaf Philodendron (Zones 10-12)
Heartleaf philodendrons are easygoing vines with glossy green leaves that stay bright even in shade. They’re the kind of plant you can hang, forget about, and still find thriving months later. Just a touch of indirect light is all they ever ask for.
Quick tip: When mine starts looking leggy, I pinch off the tips to keep it bushy, it grows back fast.
8: Cast Iron Plant (Zones 7-11)
Now here’s a plant that lives up to its name. The cast iron plant can handle just about anything, low light, skipped waterings, you name it.
It grows slow and steady, and the deep green leaves look great even in the darkest corners of your home. Honestly, it’s the kind of plant that thrives on a bit of neglect.
9: Chinese Evergreen (Zones 10-12)
Chinese evergreens are easy-going beauties that thrive where most plants give up. They love low light, steady warmth, and just enough moisture to keep their colorful leaves glossy. A perfect pick for those hard-to-fill shady spots.
10: Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Zones 10-12)
This dwarf tree is named after its foliage that fans out in the shape of tiny umbrellas. It prefers medium shade (some infrequent sun exposure only) for ideal growth and should be provided with plenty of moisture to keep the growth strong and vigorous.
11: Lucky Bamboo (Zones 10-12)
In certain Asian cultures, lucky bamboo actually symbolizes harmony and the coming of bountiful events.
Keep this one in a spot that receives medium to low light, and make sure the roots stay submerged in clean water that’s ideally changed every week. Yeah…it’s a needy one…
Quick tip: I change its water once a week and give the stalks a quick rinse. But I learned the hard way not to use tap water, filtered or distilled keeps it looking happier.
12: Swiss Cheese Plant (Zones 9-12)
If it isn’t already obvious, the Swiss cheese plant gets its name due to its dramatic foliage that has holes in it, making it resemble thin cuts of Swiss cheese.
While the houseplant does prefer some sunlight, it can tolerate mild shade. In other words, you can grow this one as long as you’re not planting it in a completely pitch black, humid basement.
13: Snake Plant (Zones 9-11)
Snake plants are almost impossible to kill. They handle dark rooms, skipped waterings, and still look like you actually take care of them. Perfect for hallways or bedrooms that never get much sun.
Quick tip: This one’s practically indestructible and thrives on neglect. I lightly water mine about once a month (maybe less), it actually prefers to be ignored.
Snake plants are easy, but even the tough ones act up sometimes. If yours has curling leaves, here’s how to fix it, snake plant troubles: why leaves curl and how to straighten them.
14: ZZ Plant (Zones 9-11)
The ZZ plant is every busy person’s dream. It stays glossy, green, and cheerful even if you forget about it for weeks. This shade-loving gem doesn’t ask for much, a little water every now and then and a cozy, low-light spot are all it needs. It’s one of those plants that just keeps going, no matter what.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your ZZ plant can actually flower indoors, take a look at how to make a ZZ plant flower. It’s rare, but totally possible.
Can Plants Really Grow Without Any Sunlight At All?
Well…I hate to break it to you, but…not entirely… Unfortunately, all plants do need some amount of sunlight to be able to photosynthesize properly and survive.
That said, the ones we talked about above require significantly less light and will thrive even in medium to low-light rooms, as long as you care for them properly.
Which Plants Do Well In Bathrooms Or Rooms With No Windows?
If you’re in search of plants that will do well in your bathroom or windowless bedroom, look into ones that can handle artificial light and high humidity levels well.
ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, and cast iron plant are all great choices for low-light spaces I can mention right off the bat.
How Often Should I Water Low-Light Plants?
The simple answer would probably be…not a lot. Plants that grow well in shade generally need less water since the soil tends to dry out more slowly.
As a general rule of thumb, stick your finger into the top inch or two of the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s probably time to water.
If you’re not sure how often to water your plants or feel like you’re constantly guessing, you might like this guide on the perfect watering schedule for your favorite houseplants. It’s simple, practical, and works for most indoor plants.
Let’s Conclude
And if you’d love to try something different, a few plants actually grow faster in water than in soil. You can check them out here: houseplants that grow faster in water than in soil. It’s a fun, low-mess way to grow greenery indoors.
Having lived in an apartment where the windows never get much sun, I understand what it’s like to have a burning passion for gardening and growing plants, but never having sufficient light.
Thankfully, we have shade-loving houseplants, and working with them strategically is the best bet for us low-light gardeners. Best of luck!
