Indoor Plants

Let’s face it… Not all apartments have fabulous, large, south-facing windows. There are plenty of dark corners and rooms that can still be fine for houseplants. And that’s what I’ve got for you today. A list of plants that do well with no sun… a list of the 16 best plants for dark apartments!

Some tips to help your low-light plants are to make sure that your pot has good drainage holes, such as these, and use light, well-draining soil such as this cactus potting soil! For an in-depth guide to growing plants in low-light situations, get the free guide, How to Grow Plants in the Dark!

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a small commission. However, I only add products that I sincerely LOVE! If you have any issues with any of these products, please let me know!**

#1: Rubber Plant – Ficus elastica

This is one of my favorite plants, as it needs very little light (it actually gets leaf damage in direct, afternoon sunlight!) It is also on my list of hard to kill plants! It can be found either as a smaller plant, or can grow to be a large tree. No doubt about it, this is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors and in low light. For care information, check out my post on Rubber Tree Plant Care! Or you can purchase one here!

#2: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnum aureum

Devil’s Ivy is one of the most common vines in the interior. This is because along with it’s low light needs, it is also very low maintenance and can grow in straight water. In soil, it prefers to stay a little moist, so it is a good choice for all you who tend to overwater your plants! It is also one of the best bathroom plants, as it does just fine with that extra bit of humidity. For care information, check out my post Pothos Vine Care! Or you can purchase one here!

#3: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata

This is also on my list of the best and easiest plants to grow indoors. Snake plant doesn’t need very much light, is extremely low maintenance, can withstand some watering neglect, and also has very few pest problems. If you are a beginner, or just enjoy low maintenance plants, this is definitely the best plant for you to have in your dark apartment! To learn how to care for this plant, check out Snake Plant Care. Or you can purchase one here!

#4: Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea seifrizii

Also known as the Parlor palm, this is a beautiful, large palm that actually doesn’t need a lot of natural sunlight. It does like for it’s soil to be kept moist, but make sure that you don’t give this plant too much water at a time, as this can cause root rot. But with light, frequent watering, this palm will look amazing in your dark space! For info on how to care for indoor palms, check out Indoor Palm Care! Or you can purchase one here!

#5: Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema spp.

Another drought-tolerant plant, the Chinese Evergreen can deal with a bit of neglect. Extremely low maintenance, it can also withstand low humidity levels that come from being placed near a heater vent. There are also some colorful varieties that can add a splash of brightness to the darker areas of the room! Find it here!

#6: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum

A great vine for the indoors, the Heartleaf Philodendron also comes in a few different varieties that can add new, unique looks to your space. My personal favorite is the ‘Brazil’ variety that adds a bright, neon green stripe down the middle of each leaf! Find it here!

#7: Dumb Cane – Dieffenbachia 

This is also a low-light and low-maintenance plant! Be careful though, as all parts of the plant are toxic and can cause difficulty breathing if swallowed. So it might not be the best choice for those with small children or pets. Also, this plant needs to dry out between watering in order to keep a healthy root system. Find it here!

#8: Janet Craig Dracaena – Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’

Out of all the dracaena species, I’ve found that the majority of them don’t do particularly well in low light. However, the Janet Craig dracaena I have found does the best. The plant doesn’t grow much at all in low light, but as long as it is not overwatered, then the plant can actually stay alive in low light for quite some time!

#9: Peacock Plant – Calathea makoyana

The Peacock plant is known for its distinct leaf markings, which can add a whole lot of texture and is a real show-stopper in any room. This plant can be a bit more of a challenge to grow, however, as it likes the soil to be kept consistently moist, as well as it needs higher humidity levels. A great choice for this guy would be in a low-light bathroom, where it would naturally receive higher humidity levels! Find it here!

#10: Bromeliad – Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads are another great addition to low-light bathrooms! They can survive on flourescent lighting alone and like to be kept in higher humidity levels. There are also many different varieties to choose from that can add loads of color to any indoor space! A great plant for any dark apartment that is also humid! Find it here!

#11: Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum

Peace lily plants are not only great in low light, but are also low maintenance plants that can do well if they run a little dry. As soon as the leaves start to droop, water thoroughly, and it will perk back up again, just fine! This plant is also on NASA’s list of most effective plants to clean the air. It was found to help reduce all five of the most common toxins found indoors. Now that’s one amazing plant! Find it here!

#12: Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior

This plant is not only low maintenance, but it will also stay about the same size until transplanted into a larger pot. The Cast Iron Plant will be your steady and sure plant that does well in any situation. It can also take a fair amount of physical abuse by kids, pets, etc. Just make sure that it dries out between watering. Find it here!

#13: Scindapsus – Scindapsus spp.

Also known Often confused with pothos species, the Scindapsus plant is a beautiful vine with silver markings. This vine does great in low light, as well as in hanging baskets and draped along tables and countertops. Just remember to water your scindapsus less during periods of low light and this vine will look gorgeous for you for years!

#14: Prayer Plant – Maranta leuconeura

Prayer Plant is another plant known for its bright color! It will also raise and lower its leaves to adjust to the varying light levels from night to day! Such a cool plant, the Prayer plant is perfect for any dark apartment! Find it here!

#15: ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ plant is another of my personal favorites as I love the arching lines that each branch forms. The branches can be left to get large and curve downward, or they can be pruned and trained to stay upright and straight. Like the Cast Iron Plant, the ZZ plant is also a very low maintenance plant that can take a lot of abuse from children or pets, as well as can stand neglectful watering. Just be careful, though, as all parts of this plant are poisonous. Find it here!

#16: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum

This is a great plant for anyone who has a hard time keeping plants alive. The Spider plant needs little light, does well under low watering (or sporadic watering) conditions, and is also very low maintenance. It will also grow little plantlets (called pups) that can be repotted for even more plants! This is definitely a great choice for anyone wanting to expand (or begin) their houseplant collection. For care information, check out my post on Spider Plant Care! Or you can purchase one here!

That’s my list of plants that do well in low light conditions! I know there are more out there, but I tried to stick to the ones that are easy to find in any city, as well as are easier to care for. Feel free to comment on your own experiences in growing these plants, as well as if you have any favorites!

For any more tips on how to care for houseplants in apartments, check out this post, Pot it Like it’s Hot: Best Plants for Apartments!

Happy Digging!

Let’s face it… the number one reason why people don’t have indoor plants is because all of their plants die. But here’s a secret… anyone can keep a plant alive if they get one of these hard to kill houseplants! They are also all very low maintenance plants, so they’re great for those of us who are lazy and don’t want to take the time to worry about one more living thing! Fortunately, fitting the right plant to the right person is the very first step to having success. So if you’re one of those ‘I can’t ever keep my plants alive’ people, or even one of those ‘I don’t want to have to worry’ people, then please be willing to try one more time! Pick one of the plants listed below and enjoy the benefits that you can get from having an indoor plant (without the stress)!

This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps support this blog and allows me to keep providing awesome information to you!

#1: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnum aureum

I’ve mentioned in all my posts about Devil’s Ivy that this guy is so easy to keep alive. And it is! It can grow in straight water if you want, or it can go pretty dry without dying. I’ve had this plant go multiple times without water, leaving the leaves all wilted. But as soon as it gets another drink, it perks right back up and keeps on going! I’ve also seen chunks of the plant ripped out, leaving exposed roots in the dry air (a result of some very intrigued kids). I’ve just stuck them back in the soil and they’ve kept right on going! Now that’s one pretty tough vine! For care information, check out my post, Pothos Vine Care! Find it here!

#2: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum

Just like the Devil’s Ivy, Heartleaf Philodendron can also take a lot of abuse and neglect. Both vines do well in low light conditions, and both can either run a bit moist, or a bit dry. I’ve also seen them planted together and they both seem to do equally well. So if you want to buy one of these vines, just pick a variety that you like, then watch as it thrives in your care! Find it here!

#3: English Ivy – Hedera helix

The last of the vines on my list, English Ivy is also as tough as it comes. It does do better with a little bit of light, but even in low light conditions it will still grow extremely well. In low light it tends to spread its leaves a bit farther apart on the vine. This is also one I’ve seen pulled out by its roots (crazy kids!). It was even a bit dried up by the time I noticed it. But, with simply sticking it back in the soil and giving it a bit of water, it survived the whole ordeal. This is another tough vine! Find it here!

#4: Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena braunii, a.k.a. Dracaena sanderiana

This is a great plant for all those who either love their plant to death (by constantly watering it), or for those who never notice that their plant hasn’t been watered in two weeks. The Lucky Bamboo can be grown in straight water with rocks or gravel to hold it upright. The benefits to this is that it can be put in a clear vase where you can see exactly how much water it has. So with a quick glance you can be assured that it either needs more water, or has had quite enough. No second guessing, and no overwatering or underwatering issues! So easy! For care tips, check out my post Lucky Bamboo Plant Care! Find it here!

#5: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum

The Spider Plant is a dorm room favorite as it has low light requirements, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and can fit a college student’s lifestyle. That being said, it is an easy go-to plant for anyone admiring its striped, grass-like foliage! The small shoots that it sends off (called pups) can either be left hanging, or cut off and individually potted. They also make great gifts for others who need an easy-to-take-care-of plant! For care information, check out my post Spider Plant Care. Or purchase one here!

#6: Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum

One of the highest rated by NASA for its air purifying abilities, this plant has it all! Not only does it reduce indoor toxins, but it also has low light requirements, is very low maintenance, and can also be slightly forgotten. Peace lily plants can survive on about one watering per week. Or you can play it by ear and once the leaves start to get droopy, water deeply. Then watch as it perks right back up! This is definitely a good choice for those who want cleaner air and also don’t want the hassle of maintaining a set watering schedule. Find it here!

#7: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata

This is one of the plants that is commonly found in shopping centers. And do you know why? Because it is extremely forgiving. I’ve seen some plants with leaves shredded, trash thrown into it, and incredibly dry soil. Yet they still survive! These ‘mall plants’ all have low light requirements, pretty drought tolerant, and can stand up to a lot of abuse. Plus, I just love the compact, sleek lines that this plant brings to any room! For care information, check out my post Snake Plant Care! Or purchase one here!

#8: Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior

Another of the ‘mall plants’, the Cast Iron Plant can be grown in a round pot for a bush effect, or (a personal favorite) in a rectangular pot as more of a separating hedge or a green wall. It is found widely used in commercial plantings, but can sometimes be a little harder to find at the local garden center. But it is still definitely worth looking for! Find it here!

#9: ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The last of the ‘mall plants’ on my list today, the ZZ plant has a very distinctive look that will add a modern type of architecture to any space! The only caution is do not overwater this plant. So if you are one of those people who love their plant to death (via constant watering), then I would suggest the Lucky Bamboo instead. However, if you’re one of those people who forgets about their plants, only to find them dried up and dead a few days later, well then this is the plant for you! Find it here!

#10: Aloe Vera Plant – Aloe vera

Just like the ZZ Plant, the Aloe Vera plant likes to stay a little more on the dry side. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be watered. Instead, notice that if the soil is still wet, then do not water it! This plant is also a great air purifier, as well as has various medicinal properties. A great plant for anyone looking for something that can handle a bit of neglect, as well as gives you many different benefits to having it. For care information, check out my post Aloe Plant Care! Or purchase one here!

Well that’s my list of top ten easiest plants to keep alive! Let me know how it goes! And remember, with a bit of knowledge, anyone can go from a ‘black thumb’ to a green one!

Happy digging!

*If you liked this post, check out my post with 10 More Hard-to-Kill Houseplants!

Interior plants will not only increase the oxygen levels in your home, but also will increase the humidity levels, and decrease the amount of air pollutants. These conditions have been scientifically linked to decreases in the amount of headaches, reduce stress, and brings an overall greater level of health! No wonder indoor plants are so great! But not all plants are equal. Here is a list of 15 awesome air cleaners for your home!

*For more details on the benefits of indoor plants, check out my post here!*

**Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased, I will receive a portion of the profits at no extra cost to you. This helps support this blog and allows me to keep providing awesome information to you!**

#1: English Ivy – Hedera helix

This vine does well individually, or as an ornamental ground cover in a larger pot. It comes in both a dark green, as well as an olive and cream variegation. It is very commonly found at most stores with a garden center.

English Ivy – Get it here!

#2: Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum

With beautiful, dark green leaves, this plant is a high favorite. Though it may not always be in bloom, this plant is very forgiving and is very hard to kill. And remember, the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant. Especially for this guy.

Peace Lily – Get it here!

#3: Areca Palm – Dypsis lutescens

The Areca Palm, or Parlor Palm, is one of the most common palm trees used in interior decorating. And it’s no wonder! This beautiful palm adds softness and balance to any room. Then add in the health benefits, and it’s a no-brainer!

Areca Palm – Get it here!

#4: Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata

This classic fern purifies the air at a surprisingly fast rate. It is also very common and easily found at local garden stores. While it can be used in a very wide variety of interior designs, as well as on porches and balconies, be careful of any dead leaves that this guy is famous for shedding.

Boston Fern – Get it here!

#5: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnum aureum

Devil’s Ivy is one of my personal favorites. And who knew it was such a good air purifier?! There are several different varieties, including the Golden Pothos, the Marble Queen Pothos, and the Neon Pothos, giving you plenty of different looks to choose from.

Devil’s Ivy – Get it here!

#6: Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera

This daisy has been getting more and more popular in the interiors. Known for its bright flowers, this plant is often discarded as it finishes flowering. However, the daisy plant will actually live for quite a while afterwards and may even flower again, leaving a lot of time for it to do its job cleaning the air in your home!

Gerbera Daisy – Get it here!

#7: Ficus tree – Ficus benjamina

Also known as a Weeping Fig, this plant can range from a small bush to a rather large tree! There is also a variegated ficus available that adds a bit more artistic flare to your home. Be careful though, as these plants don’t like drafts and also don’t like to be moved. To keep a ficus alive, one needs to find a good spot for it, and then keep it there.

Ficus tree – Get it here!

#8: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata

Another one of my favorites, the Snake Plant (also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is extremely easy to grow. Very forgiving and with bold lines and colors, it brings a modern statement to any room.

Snake Plant – Get it here!

#9: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum

Another awesome vine, the philodendron is often confused with the Pothos. However, the heart-shaped leaves give it a more cascading, classical look. There are also other common varieties as well, in particular the Velvet and Brazil varieties. These will also give you very distinctive looks with each variety.

Heartleaf Philodendron – Get it here!

#10: Aloe Vera – Aloe vera

The Aloe Vera plant is not only visually intriguing, but also a great air purifier, as well as has healing properties as well. Talk about one powerhouse plant! It can also flower, but from my experience the indoor aloe vera plants tend to not flower as often. This is one plant that I think every home should have!

Aloe Vera – Get it here!

#11: Umbrella Tree – Schefflera actinophylla

This plant is another one of my favorites! (Did I mention I LOVE plants?!) Though it may sometimes be a bit harder to find, the Umbrella tree, also simply called Schefflera, can come in sizes from a small plant to a large tree. It is also very hard to kill, as long as it isn’t over-watered.

Umbrella Tree – Get it here!

#12: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum

A great choice for a small space, the Spider Plant won’t ever get too large. Instead, it will send off small shoots (called pups) that you can cut off and plant into a new pot! This causes it to be very hard to kill as you will always have plenty of little plants to replace it.

Spider Plant – Get it here!

#13: Dracaena – Dracaena

There are many different types of dracaena out there and they all seem to be very good at cleaning the air. So feel free to choose a type of dracaena that will fit your space. From bushes to trees, from greens to reds, this is one plant that never gets old! Just make sure to not over-water this guy…

Dracaena – Get it here!

#14: Jade Plant – Crassula ovata

This is a great plant for the indoors! With thick, succulent leaves it can deal with a bit of neglect. It is also very easy to cut back in order to keep it at the size you want.

Jade Plant – Get it here!

#15: Dumb Cane – Dieffenbachia

Also called Dieffenbachia, Dumb Cane can be toxic if eaten. However, it does do a fantastic job of cleaning your air and I’d say it looks pretty good while doing it! I love its dappled, large leaves. This can also be common in some garden stores, though it is usually only found in group plantings.

Dumb Cane – Get it here!

Well there’s my list of 15 indoor plants that will clean the air! There are several more that also do a good job, I just tried to keep the list to some of the most common and easily available plants. Please comment below if there are any more you’d like to share!

Happy Digging!

**For more plants that clean the air, check out NASA’s list of top plants that clean the air!**