Low light doesn’t have to mean lifeless. In fact, your bedroom can become a vibrant, soothing retreat with the right selection of plants. Whether you’re new to indoor gardening or a seasoned plant enthusiast, these 25 varieties will not only enhance your décor but also help purify the air and boost your mood—all while thriving in the gentle glow of artificial or indirect natural light.
Contents
- 1 Why Choose Low Light Plants for Your Bedroom?
- 2 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- 3 2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- 4 3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- 5 4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 6 5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- 7 6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- 8 7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- 9 8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- 10 9. Dracaena Marginata
- 11 10. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- 12 11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- 13 12. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- 14 13. Calathea Zebrina
- 15 14. Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
- 16 15. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- 17 16. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
- 18 17. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
- 19 18. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- 20 19. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
- 21 20. Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
- 22 21. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
- 23 22. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)
- 24 23. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
- 25 24. Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
- 26 25. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- 27 Tips for Caring for Low Light Bedroom Plants
- 28 Final Thoughts
Why Choose Low Light Plants for Your Bedroom?
Plants in your bedroom do so much more than just beautify a space. Here are a few compelling reasons to invite them into your sanctuary:
- Air Quality Improvement: Many low light plants filter indoor pollutants, helping you breathe cleaner air at night.
- Stress Reduction: Studies show that the presence of plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Low Maintenance: These varieties are forgiving and thrive even when care is minimal—a perfect match for busy lifestyles.
- Aesthetic Variety: With a range of shapes, colors, and textures, there’s a plant here to complement any décor style.
Now, let’s explore the best low light picks for your bedroom!
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Known for its striking, sword-like leaves and near-indestructibility, the snake plant is the ultimate low-light survivor. It tolerates infrequent watering and is excellent for improving indoor air quality.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
With its waxy, hearty leaves, the ZZ plant thrives on neglect. It handles low light and infrequent watering with ease, making it an ideal choice for those who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is beloved for its elegant white blooms and its ability to flourish in shaded areas. While it prefers a gently moist soil, it’s forgiving enough to brighten up a dim corner and purify the air.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This versatile, trailing vine sports attractive variegated leaves and adapts well to low light. Whether draped over a shelf or hanging gracefully in a basket, pothos brings life and movement wherever it’s placed.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As its name implies, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It endures low light, low humidity, and infrequent watering, making it a dependable addition to any indoor environment.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens offer striking, variegated foliage in shades of green, silver, or red. They’re highly adaptable to low-light conditions and add a touch of exotic elegance to your space.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
With its trailing, heart-shaped leaves, this philodendron is a charming and forgiving plant that thrives in low to moderate light. It’s perfect for both hanging baskets and tabletop displays.
8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A compact and timeless tropical palm, the parlor palm tolerates low light exceptionally well. Its feathery fronds create an instant ambiance of tranquility and ease.
9. Dracaena Marginata
The slender, arching leaves of Dracaena marginata, often edged with hints of red, make it a visually striking plant. It thrives in indirect, low light while adding a vertical element to your room.
10. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Characterized by its broad, wavy fronds, the bird’s nest fern brings a lush, tropical feel to any space. It prefers indirect light and a touch of humidity, making it perfect for a cozy bedroom.
11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are classic indoor plants known for their delicate, arching fronds. They thrive in shaded areas with indirect light and help maintain a humid environment—ideal for creating a refreshing sleep space.
12. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
With its delicate, lacy fronds, the maidenhair fern is a visual treat. It does best in low light with higher humidity, so consider placing it near a humidifier or in the bathroom area adjoining your bedroom.
13. Calathea Zebrina
The dramatic, striped foliage of Calathea Zebrina makes it a natural work of art. It thrives in low light and adds a bold yet refined design element to your interior décor.
14. Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
This plant’s intricately patterned leaves resemble the iridescent feathers of a peacock. Calathea makoyana flourishes in low light and high humidity, making it both eye-catching and a bit of a conversation starter.
15. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Named for its unique habit of raising its leaves at night, the prayer plant offers mesmerizing, patterned foliage. It thrives in low light and humid conditions—a wonderful, interactive plant for your bedroom.
16. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
The arrowhead-shaped leaves of this plant offer an interesting texture that works well in low light. It’s exceptionally adaptable and can be grown upright or allowed to trail artistically from a shelf.
17. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Featuring lush, variegated leaves, dumb cane is a robust indoor plant that does well in low light. Remember: Its sap is toxic if ingested, so it’s best placed where pets or small children cannot reach it.
18. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Not a true bamboo, this plant is part of the Dracaena family and thrives in low light and even in water. Its graceful, twisting stems add a serene vibe and a touch of good fortune to your décor.
19. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
For a splash of floral elegance, consider the moth orchid. It adapts well to low light, preferring diffused, indirect brightness, and rewards you with long-lasting, elegant blooms.
20. Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
The baby rubber plant sports thick, glossy leaves that store water efficiently. Compact and adaptable to low light, it’s an excellent choice for desks, bedside tables, or any small space.
21. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
With its vibrantly veined leaves, the nerve plant delivers a burst of color even in low light. It thrives in humid conditions and can easily become a focal point on your bedside table or shelf.
22. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex)
Rex Begonias are celebrated for their extravagant, patterned foliage. They flourish in low to moderate light and make an excellent statement piece when you want to combine art with nature.
23. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The dwarf umbrella tree features clusters of glossy leaves that evoke a miniature tropical forest. It adapts to low light with proper acclimation and adds a striking vertical accent to your room.
24. Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
Admired for its textured, almost iridescent leaves, the ripple peperomia is a compact plant that thrives in subdued lighting. Its unique leaf pattern can inject subtle brilliance into your décor.
25. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
A truly distinctive option, the staghorn fern is an epiphytic beauty that can be mounted on walls. Its fronds, reminiscent of antlers, require consistent moisture and good airflow while performing admirably in low light.
Tips for Caring for Low Light Bedroom Plants
Even though these plants are low light–tolerant, they still benefit from a little extra attention:
- Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering is a common mistake.
- Humidity & Temperature: Many of these plants appreciate a bit of extra humidity. A room humidifier or occasional misting can help, especially in drier climates.
- Dusting Off: Keep leaves free of dust to ensure they can absorb all the available light.
- Rotation: Turn your plants every few weeks so that all sides receive equal light exposure.
- Observation: Watch for signs of stress—wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves—and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your bedroom into a verdant retreat is easier than you think—even if you don’t have access to bright sunlight. With these 25 low light plants, you can create a personalized oasis that not only elevates your décor but also enriches your health and well-being. Experiment with different textures, sizes, and arrangements to discover the perfect mix that speaks to your personal style.
Imagine soft, green leaves gently swaying in the dim light, purifying the air as you drift off into a peaceful night’s sleep. As you develop your indoor garden, you may even find new inspiration in the journey of nurturing life in your private space.