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Sun-Free Beauties: 20 Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Sun

Sun-Free Beauties 20 Indoor Plants That Don't Need Sun

Who says all plants need sunlight? Today, we’ll be looking into growing beauties that still grow well even in dim conditions!

Here are our favorites:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Image by Pennington Seed
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeSucculent
Size (Height and Width)1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Temperature Requirements70-90°F (21-32°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining soil
WateringLow to moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested

The Snake Plant has a slow to moderate growth rate and is ideal for beginners. It thrives in low light, requires minimal maintenance, and can tolerate various conditions that other plants normally can’t. 

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Image by Gardeners World
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Herbaceous
Size (Height and Width)12-18 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
Temperature Requirements60-75°F (15-24°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, rich potting mix
WateringModerate; keep soil evenly moist
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

The Spider Plant has fast growth, featuring attractive arching leaves – making it ideal for all plant enthusiasts. It’s easy to care for, requires regular watering, and is pretty low-maintenance with occasional pruning.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Image by HGTV
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeVine, Epiphyte
Size (Height and Width)Up to 10 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, lightweight potting mix
WateringLow to moderate; allow topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Pothos, known for adaptability, grows fast, making it ideal for hanging baskets or as a trailing element indoors. Pruning controls its size, and monitoring yellowing leaves helps address any issues.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Image by Patch Plants
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
Plant TypeFern
Size (Height and Width)12-18 inches tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements60-75°F (15-24°C); prefers high humidity
SoilWell-draining, rich potting mix
WateringHigh; keep soil consistently moist
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

The Maidenhair Fern, known for its delicate fronds, has a moderate growth rate and a stunning but demanding addition to indoor spaces. Regularly check for drying or browning, and trim affected fronds. 

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Image by Real Simple
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeVine, Epiphyte
Size (Height and Width)Up to 10 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-75°F (18-24°C); prefers high humidity
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Monstera, with its distinctive split leaves, is easy to grow and has moderate growth. Pruning is optional but helps control size and shape – just watch for yellowing leaves, indicating overwatering or insufficient light. 

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Herbaceous
Size (Height and Width)1-4 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, rich potting mix
WateringModerate; keep soil consistently moist
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Peace Lily is an easy-to-grow houseplant with a moderate growth rate. Pruning is generally minimal, with the removal of yellow or brown leaves as needed. Just be cautious with chemical exposure, as they can be sensitive to certain substances.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial
Size (Height and Width)Typically 1-3 feet tall, can be trained to desired shapes
Temperature Requirements65-90°F (18-32°C)
SoilWell-draining; can grow in water or soil
WateringKeep the roots consistently moist, can grow in water or soil
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Lucky Bamboo is easy to grow, and suitable for beginners and enthusiasts as it has slow to moderate growth, can be shaped uniquely, and thrives in water or soil. Just note that yellowing leaves may signal water or sunlight issues, so monitor it regularly.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Image by Meristem Design
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePalm
Size (Height and Width)2-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, peat-based potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

The Parlor Palm, admired for its graceful fronds and easy care, grows slowly to moderately. Watch for brown leaf tips, indicating potential overwatering or water quality problems.

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Image by Nature & Garden
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial
Size (Height and Width)Up to 15 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Dragon Tree is an easy-to-grow plant with striking sword-shaped leaves, popular for indoor decor. It’s low-maintenance and adaptable to various indoor environments – just remember to watch for brown tips and prune to maintain shape and size.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Image by Geeky Greenhouse
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Rhizomatous
Size (Height and Width)1-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Temperature Requirements50-75°F (10-24°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, rich, loamy soil
WateringLow to moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

The Cast Iron Plant is a resilient, easy-to-grow plant with dark green leaves, making it ideal for low-light indoors. Cast Iron Plants are low-maintenance, tolerant of neglect, and prefer indirect light over direct sunlight.

Wax Plant (Hoya spp.)

Wax Plant (Hoya spp.)
Image by Planet Natural
Ease of GrowingEasy to Moderate ●●○○○
Plant TypeVine, Epiphyte
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; can be trailing or compact
Temperature Requirements60-80°F (15-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, airy potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Wax Plants, part of the Hoya genus, vary in ease of growth featuring waxy, often fragrant flowers and trailing growth. While generally hardy, routine pest checks are advised and pruning helps to control its size and shape. 

Ivy (Hedera spp.)

Ivy (Hedera spp.)
Image by Gardener’s Path
Ease of GrowingEasy to Moderate ●●○○○
Plant TypeVine
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; can be trailing or climbing
Temperature Requirements50-75°F (10-24°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, rich potting mix
WateringModerate; keep soil consistently moist
ToxicityToxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Ivy is generally easy to moderate to grow, depending on the specific species, and it’s known for its trailing or climbing habit and attractive, often variegated foliage. The growth rate can vary between different Ivy species. 

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
Image by Just Houseplants
Ease of GrowingModerate to Difficult ●●●●○
Plant TypeEpiphyte, Fern
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; can be substantial, with antler-like fronds
Temperature Requirements60-75°F (15-24°C); prefers high humidity
SoilEpiphytic mix or mounted on a substrate
WateringHigh; mist frequently, water thoroughly when substrate is dry
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

Staghorn Ferns vary in difficulty to grow based on the species though they’re known for their unique antler-like fronds and epiphytic growth. Use a substrate or mount that allows good air circulation and just Water thoroughly when the substrate is dry.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Image by Lawn.com.au
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeVine, Epiphyte
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on care; typically 6-10 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Heartleaf Philodendron, known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth, is easy to grow indoors with rapid growth. Prune to control size and shape as it’s generally low-maintenance but sensitive to prolonged direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Image by Gardener’s World
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeRhizomatous, Succulent
Size (Height and Width)2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Temperature Requirements60-75°F (15-24°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, lightweight potting mix
WateringLow; allow the soil to dry out between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The ZZ Plant, known for glossy dark green leaves, is highly tolerant to neglect, growing slowly to moderately. Low-maintenance, it tolerates various indoor conditions, but may be sensitive to direct sunlight, causing leaf burn with prolonged exposure.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Image by Garden Design
Ease of GrowingEasy to Moderate ●●○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Herbaceous
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; typically 1-3 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to partially dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Chinese Evergreen, admired for its appealing foliage and air-purifying traits, is easily grown with a slow to moderate growth rate. Prune for size control even though it’s low-maintenance but sensitive to prolonged direct sunlight, causing leaf burn.

Dracaena Janet Craig (Dracaena fragrans ‘Janet Craig’)

Dracaena Janet Craig (Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig')
Image by Plants are the Strangest People
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial
Size (Height and Width)3-10 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); can tolerate lower temperatures
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

The Dracaena Janet Craig is an easy-to-grow indoor plant with dark green, sword-shaped leaves and adapts well to different light conditions, including lower light. It’s also low-maintenance and can handle neglect.

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Image by The Spruce
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Herbaceous
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; typically 1-6 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-75°F (18-24°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; keep the soil consistently moist
ToxicityHighly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Dieffenbachia is an easy-to-grow, air-purifying plant with attractive foliage that adapts well to indoor environments, tolerates various light conditions, and prefers consistent but not waterlogged soil. Caution though: all parts are highly toxic if ingested.

Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’)

Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil')
Image by A-Z Animals
Ease of GrowingEasy ●○○○○
Plant TypeVine
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on care; typically 6-10 feet tall, trailing
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, aerated potting mix
WateringModerate; allow the topsoil to dry between waterings
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Philodendron Brasil, known for its vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves, is an easy-to-grow plant with rapid growth. While generally low-maintenance, it’s sensitive to direct sunlight, leading to leaf burn. 

Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Image by Grow It
Ease of GrowingModerate ●●○○○
Plant TypePerennial, Herbaceous
Size (Height and Width)Varies based on species; typically 1-2 feet tall, spreading
Temperature Requirements65-80°F (18-27°C); prefers higher humidity
SoilWell-draining, peat-based potting mix
WateringModerate to high; keep soil consistently moist
ToxicityNon-toxic to pets

Calathea, known for its decorative and intricately patterned leaves, is a moderate-to-grow plant with a moderate growth rate. Pruning is minimal, primarily focused on removing brown or damaged leaves. 

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