20 Top Houseplants That Need Next to 0 Sunlight

Not every home is flooded with sunlight. Some apartments face brick walls. Some rooms sit far from windows. Some of us simply don’t want to rearrange furniture just to keep a plant alive. The good news? You don’t need a bright, sunny space to enjoy lush greenery indoors.

Many houseplants naturally thrive on forest floors, under dense canopies, or in shaded environments where sunlight is minimal. These plants have adapted to survive—and even flourish—with very little light.

If you’ve ever been told you “don’t have a green thumb,” chances are the problem wasn’t you. It was the lighting.

This guide introduces 20 of the best houseplants that need next to zero sunlight, explains why they work so well in low-light conditions, and shares simple care tips to help them thrive.

Why Low-Light Plants Exist (and Thrive)

In nature, not all plants grow in open fields under direct sun. Many evolved beneath tall trees where sunlight is filtered, indirect, or scarce. These plants developed larger leaves, darker pigments, and slower growth patterns that allow them to make the most of limited light.

Indoors, these same plants are perfect for:

• Apartments with small or north-facing windows
• Offices with fluorescent lighting
• Hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms
• Shelves, corners, and shaded rooms

Low-light plants don’t need darkness—but they don’t demand sunshine either.