For those who wish to add greens to their dim living room but are very busy, I recommend some living room low light low maintenance indoor plants such as Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Golden Pothos, Cast Iron Plant, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, and Snake Pipe. Keep reading to find out which is best for your living room.
Before diving into these houseplants’ world and finding their caring points, let’s speak about low-light conditions. I’m a horticultural consultant and found out most people don’t have the true definition of low light for indoor plants.
First, allow me to tell you there isn’t any No-light (Zero-light) house plant. If you have a room without any window, consider adding a grow light before buying any houseplant. Anyway, a lowlight place is a location where Light Intensity is less than 100 foot-candles (ft-c). For example, it can be a living room with a North-facing window or a place in your room that is several feet away from a South-facing window.
Another point is almost all Low-light plants prefer living in bright indirect sunlight. Hence, it would be good to help them by putting your low-light indoor plant in a medium or indirect sunlight place every several weeks.
Best Living Room Low Light Low Maintenance Indoor Plants
Here are some low-light, low-maintenance indoor plants that you might like:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): A Tall Low Light Indoor Plant
Nicknamed the “indestructible plant,” the snake plant is known for its sword-like, upright green leaves with yellow edges. It thrives in low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for forgetful plant owners.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Water: Water deeply only when the soil dries out completely. Overwatering is a bigger threat than underwatering.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with cactus mix or perlite for good drainage.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilizer: Not essential, but a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied once or twice a year during the growing season (spring and summer).
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): A Low Light Succulents
Another low-maintenance option, the ZZ plant has dark green, glossy leaves and a upright, clumping growth habit. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Light: Adapts to various light levels, including low light, but thrives in medium, indirect light.
Water: Water very infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilizer: Not necessary, but a weak dose of balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year during spring or summer.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A Low Maintenance House Plant
This vining plant is known for its heart-shaped, variegated leaves. It’s a fast grower and can tolerate neglect, making it a great beginner plant. Golden Pothos also helps purify the air.
Light: Enjoys medium, and indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Allow for drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): A Very Low Light House Plant
As the name suggests, the cast iron plant is tough and can survive in low light and underwater. Its dark green, leathery leaves add a touch of elegance to any space.
Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in medium, and indirect light.
Water: Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Adapts to a wide range of temperatures, between 60-80°F (16-27°C).
Fertilizer: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year is sufficient.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A Low Light Hanging Plant
This easy-to-care-for plant produces long, cascading leaves with white margins and sends out baby spiderettes that can be propagated into new plants. It does well in low light and enjoys moderately moist soil.
Light: Prefers medium, indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Provide good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii): A Flowering Low Light Houseplant
Known for its air-purifying properties, the peace lily has beautiful white flowers (actually modified leaves) that rise from glossy, deep green foliage. It prefers low to medium light and moist soil.
Light: Prefers medium, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out and the leaves start to droop. Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid soggy soil.
Soil: Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
This versatile plant comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It thrives in low light and doesn’t require frequent watering.
Light: Prefers medium, indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Snake Pipe (Dracaena deremensis): Low-Light Indoor Tree
This small tree-like plant has long, slender leaves that come in green and variegated varieties. It does well in low light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water when the top two inches of soil dry out. Allow for drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures between 65
Conclusion
Now you can choose the best living room low light low maintenance indoor plants from flowering like Peace Lily to Hanging such as Golden Pothos and Spider Plant, succulents like snake plant and ZZ plant to indoor trees such as Snake Pipe (Dracaena deremensis).
I also told you about their caring for and pro tips about keeping them healthy in low light conditions. please note that plants in low-light places need less water and fertilizer compare to plants that thrive in a bright place. It’s due to low light conditions the soil stays wet for a long time and your plant growth is slower.
Do you think which one of the above low-light low-maintenance plants is more proper for your living room? Please share your ideas and experiences with my readers and me below this page. you can also ask your questions. I will answer them as soon as possible.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.