“Low light” is one of the most stretched phrases in plant labelling. Every plant needs light to live; what differs is how little it can get by on. If you can comfortably read a book in the spot during the day without a lamp, a handful of plants will be happy there.
Our shortlist
ZZ plant. The most forgiving plant we stock. It grows slowly in dim light, but it stays glossy and upright, and it barely needs water.
Snake plant. Tough, sculptural and slow. In lower light it loses a little of its yellow edging, and that’s fine.
Parlour palm. A soft, feathery option for a cool, dim room. It’s also safe around cats and dogs.
Peace lily. The rare plant that flowers in modest light. It’ll bloom more near a window, but it won’t give up in a hallway.
What to skip
Fiddle-leaf figs, string of pearls and most succulents need bright light, often with some direct sun. In a dim room they stretch, drop leaves and slowly decline, however well you water them.
Getting the most from a dim spot
- Keep the leaves dust-free: a layer of dust blocks a surprising amount of light.
- Water less than you would in a bright room. Less light means slower growth and less thirst.
- Move plants a little closer to the window in winter, when the sun is lower and weaker.
Not sure how much light you have? Send us a photo of the spot at midday and we’ll suggest something that will last.
