Low Light Houseplants

Creating a greener home is possible even if your space does not get strong sun. In this guide, you will learn how to choose and care for low light houseplants, why they succeed in dimmer rooms, and which Plant Proper options are ready for delivery from our nursery to your door. By the end, you will know how to set up light, water, and humidity so your plants settle in and thrive.

Plant Proper grows and ships from the Redlands, Florida. Our shade houses mimic natural understory light, which means your low light houseplants arrive acclimated, healthy, and packaged to travel safely.

What counts as low light houseplants

Low light houseplants are species that grow well in bright shade or indirect light away from a window. They tolerate north or east windows, interior shelves, or rooms with filtered daylight. They do not need direct sun to maintain color and shape, but they still require ambient brightness for steady growth.

How to succeed with low light houseplants

• Place plants near an east, west, or north window where direct sun does not hit the leaves

• Water only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, then water thoroughly and let excess drain

• Keep temperatures stable and avoid drafts

• Mist selectively for humidity if a plant prefers it

• Dust large leaves so they can photosynthesize efficiently

Featured Plant Proper picks for low light

Philodendron Moonlight care and placement

• Light: Prefers low indirect light and tolerates moderate light. Keep out of bright direct sun to prevent scorch.

• Water: Allow the top two inches to dry before watering. Underwatering is safer than keeping the mix constantly wet.

• Care notes: Easy to grow with minimal care. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Wipe broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.

• Why we like it for low light: Neon new growth brightens dim corners without requiring strong sun.

Australian Mother Fern care and placement

• Light: Moderate indirect light is best. Too little light slows growth. Too much light can yellow fronds.

• Water: Mist every few days in warm or dry conditions. Soak the root ball every one to two weeks and let it dry between waterings.

• Care notes: Enjoys high humidity. Mounted or basket culture works well. Do not remove dried shield fronds since they protect the roots. Fertilize in spring and summer at half strength.

• Why we like it for low light: Ferns are adapted to the forest understory and pair well with north or filtered windows.

Philodendron Painted Lady care and placement

• Light: Tolerates moderate light and should be kept out of bright direct sun. East, west, or north windows are suitable.

• Water: Let soil dry between waterings. Water when the top two inches are dry to the touch.

• Care notes: Monthly diluted feeding in the growing season. Normal household humidity is fine and occasional misting is welcome. Propagates easily by stem cuttings in water or soil.

• Why we like it for low light: Colorful foliage and climbing habit add height and interest in lower light rooms.

Light made simple

Not everyone chose a home for its window orientation. Use this quick guide to place low light houseplants with confidence.

• North window: Consistent gentle brightness that suits philodendrons and ferns

• East window: Morning light that is softer and safe for most foliage plants

• West window: Stronger afternoon light that should be filtered if it hits the leaves

• Interior shelf: Works if the room is bright overall or has supplemental ambient light

Watering and humidity in low light rooms

Plants use water more slowly when light is lower. Check soil moisture with your finger before you water. Most selections above prefer the top one to two inches to dry between waterings. For ferns, keep humidity up and soak the root area on a schedule rather than watering lightly every day.

Why buy from Plant Proper

Our nursery in the Redlands, Florida is set up with shade houses that closely match the natural conditions of many indoor plants. This reduces transplant stress when your order arrives. We ship directly from our nursery to you in protective, recyclable packaging. Our goal is to deliver healthy plants that are prepared to settle in at home, without the wear and tear of big box racks.

How to build a low light collection

1. Start with one centerpiece like Philodendron Moonlight

2. Add texture with Australian Mother Fern on a stand or wall mount

3. Train a climber like Philodendron Painted Lady on a small pole for vertical interest

4. Keep a simple log of light, watering dates, and any fertilizer to learn what works in your space

Frequently asked questions

Do low light houseplants grow in rooms with no windows?
They need ambient light. Interior rooms can work if the door stays open to a bright area or if you use room lighting during the day.

How often should I water in low light?
Less often than in bright sun. Use touch to check the top inch or two and water only when it is dry.

Can I use a grow light?
Yes. A modest LED grow light placed above the plant for several hours daily can supplement natural light.

Should I mist every day?
Misting helps ferns and can freshen foliage, but most philodendrons do well in normal household humidity.

Why are my leaves yellowing?
Often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry more and ensure pots drain well.

Is direct sun ever okay?
These plants prefer indirect light. Bright direct sun can mark leaves, especially on tender new growth.

Bring home easy color and texture that fit your real light conditions. Explore our ready to ship selection and choose plants grown in shade houses and packaged to arrive healthy.

Plant Proper makes it simple to create a thriving corner with low light houseplants that are matched to your windows and routine. Order today and enjoy long lasting greenery that works in your space.

You do not need a sunroom to grow beautiful plants. With smart placement, mindful watering, and the right choices, low light houseplants will settle in and look great year round. Shop our curated selection and get nursery direct plants delivered to your door so your low light houseplants can shine from day one.