37 Indoor Plants That Grow Without Sunlight

It’s always a challenge to find plants for indoor environments because they aren’t prevalent. To begin with, these plants must be able to withstand a lack of sunlight.

I’ve put together 37 plants that can thrive in these types of environments, all of which are shade-tolerant and suitable for living rooms, stores, offices, and other places where other plants can’t thrive.

Plants with printed foliage, vibrant flowers, and strange shapes can be found. This article has been broken down into sections for air conditioning and dark environments.

The first 29 Indoor Plants!

This list contains 37 plants; however, these are less hardy than those listed at the article’s end.

They can, however, tolerate staying in the shade indoors without issue.

1- Maranta;

These plants are easy to grow, and their leaves come in various patterns, making them ideal for modern indoor gardens.

Maranta is a genus of plants that includes more than 30 species with beautiful foliage. There is a wide range of these species in humid tropical forests around the globe.

If you’re looking for a plant that can grow up to 50 cm in length, this is it.

This plant, native to tropical forests, does not like its foliage exposed to direct sunlight. 

However, a maranta will thrive if it gets 2 to 3 hours of indirect light per day shaded from the sun.

2- Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata);

They are awe-inspiring for their large, dark, and shiny leaves. This beautiful tree is native to the African forests. 

It can reach a height of 12 meters in its natural habitat, but in pots and indoors, this can take a long time with proper pruning.

The Fiddle-Leaf Fig can be grown in full sun or half shade indoors, but it needs a lot of indirect light, so it should be placed near the entrance.

The spiky foliage of the Ficus lyrata can act as a sound insulator when lined up, creating a quieter environment.

3- Chinese Money Plant

Also known as pancake plant, which explains all of the plant’s traits in one word: “pancake plant.” It is a native of China’s humid and tropical forests.

This short-statured plant can grow to a maximum of 30 cm in height. However, it must be cared for and staked even if it is short because it tends to fall over time.

Because it is a small plant, it can be grown in various locations for decoration. 

But keep in mind that this little plant needs attention because it prefers an environment with good air circulation and does not like to be suffocated by other plants or objects.

When it comes to lighting, it needs a lot of diffused light. It needs to be rotated constantly to evenly distribute illumination across all leaves. The plant’s leaves must be clean and dust-free to avoid suffocation.

4- Violets;

Who hasn’t received a violet as a gift? Despite their small size, these plants are extremely demanding, with soft leaves and long-lasting purple flowers. Because they prefer humid environments, they are indigenous to Africa’s cloud forests, where they thrive in their natural habitat.

They only grow to a maximum of 20 cm in height and don’t have profound roots, so they don’t get massive. Violets are a great option in indoor plants that bloom year-round, but there is a downside.

Inexperienced gardeners may find it challenging to grow violets indoors.

For the time being, all I can say is that they are soil and water-demanding plants that require very little indirect light.

5-Air Plants;

With so many ways to grow them, air plants quickly become a hot trend in home décor. A plant that does not require soil or a particular substrate would be a dream come true. Easy to maintain, right?

Thai tropical forests and neighboring countries are home to these enigmatic plants. They typically grow on trees, both living and dead, and rocks.

Some air plants are more significant than others and can grow up to 50 centimeters in length, making them one of the largest and most diverse genera.

There are countless options for decorating with them, including the shape of jellyfish, plants in glasses, and more.

The only thing they need is indirect light, and to water this type of plant, you simply need to spray its foliage.

6- Aloe vera;

There are a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes to choose from. Unfortunately, homegrown “Aloes” can only reach half the height of the native African species, reaching a height of 3 meters.

They can be used in various ways, but they are primarily potted plants when grown indoors.

They are incredibly hardy plants, able to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including indirect light and full sun, infertile soils, and long periods of drought.

7- English Ivy;

Its star-shaped leaves can be used as a pendant plant or a climber. This plant has spread throughout the world due to its ability to thrive in various climates.

This 12 meter-long mat is made of a super-resistant material. So, it is widely used in trellises, fences, and mulch.

However, if properly pruned, it will always remain small in a pot.

You can use English ivy in various ways because it can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade.

Pinterest is an excellent place to look for inspiration.

8- Dragon Tree;

In Africa, where this plant is native, it can grow into a large tree with a dense crown reaching 15 meters in height.

However, as an indoor plant, it can maintain its 1.20 m. height for many years. It is a slow-growing plant.

Even in the African deserts, the Dragon Tree is a hardy plant because it can store water. Although they’re native to the desert, these plants thrive in full sun, but they can also thrive in the house.

Its stem can be manipulated and bent to create an excellent effect. It has only one set of leaves at the top of the stem.

9- Bromeliad;

Bromeliads are very colorful and lively plants, and their flowers can last for months. As a result, the rainforests are home to a wide variety of these plants, each with its own unique appearance, habits, colors, sizes, and shapes.

For example, some species prefer soil, while others, like orchids, thrive in bright sunlight. Therefore, the best plants to keep indoors are those that provide shade.

Bromeliads are relatively simple to grow, but they have some peculiar requirements, such as the need for fresh soil and watering the leaves, in addition to the fact that they die after flowering.

10- Jade Plant;

Succulents are easy to grow, and this one can grow into a miniature tree in your home without much effort!

It is native to South Africa, where it can reach a height of nearly 2 meters.

It’s typically grown in decorative pots indoors. Still, it can also be grown in full sun outside because it tolerates little direct light very well.

A sandy, well-drained soil is all that is needed for its cultivation, as it is unable to withstand waterlogged soils.

11- Kalanchoe;

You can have a steady supply of fresh flowers for many days with little effort. This succulent plant would be my first purchase if I were in your shoes.

They are native to warm countries like Africa, grow no taller than 40 cm, and are incredibly hardy. As a result, they can be put to many different indoor uses.

However, keep in mind that its primary function is to add color and life to the environment, making it best suited for a living room rather than an office.

There is no problem with the light, but if you want the plant to bloom, you’ll need to provide a lot of indirect light.

12- Ponytail Palm;

It looks like a palm tree, but it’s not even close to being a palm tree at all. More closely related to agaves than palm trees, this plant is succulent. It has long, elongated leaves, and the flattened base gives it its name.

Ponytail palms, also known as Elephant’s Foot palms, are native to Mexico’s deserts, where they can grow to a height of 6 meters. Still, indoors, they rarely go beyond 3 meters.

Even though it can grow to a height of three meters, this will take many years. But, like the dragon tree, it thrives in full sun.

The Ponytail palm’s short roots make it possible to grow it in small pots, even though it is a large plant.

13- Phalaenopsis Orchid

Who doesn’t adore orchids? The majority of orchids, like Phalaenopsis, are easy to grow and have a wide variety of flowers and beautiful blooms.

These orchids are native to the Americas, and they are known as epiphytic plants because they thrive on trees. However, this plant does not like direct sunlight and should be kept in the shade.

Phalaenopsis orchids require regular watering and well-drained soil, preferably made entirely of wood.

14- Philodendrons;

Numerous species of Philodendron can be grown as houseplants because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for.

Most of these plants’ beauty comes from their foliage, which varies significantly in shape and color among species.

Although Philodendrons are available in various forms, they can only grow up to 2.5 meters in length. Generally speaking, these plants thrive in shady or indirect light.

Philodendrons serve many functions in decoration and are thus appropriate as long as they are not kept in a confined space, as they are not small plants.

Philodendrons come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s something for everyone.

15- Begonia;

How wonderful that I discover a new species of begonia every day; they’re so beautiful! Some have beautiful and vivid flowers, while others have ornamental and patterned leaves.

Additionally, begonias can be grown in a variety of ways. Since there are more than 1400 species, you have a wide range of options for size. Most species prefer half-shade, but they can usually withstand direct sunlight.

They can be used as potted plants in areas where you want to add color and life, such as in the living room.

16- Crown-of-Thorns;

It is commonly grown in full sun areas as a shrub or living fence. However, few people know that this plant can withstand indirect light and maintain a nice size if appropriately pruned.

Originally from Madagascar, they thrive amid other plants. Ideally, they should be grown in medium-sized pots in areas that receive a lot of indirect light.

This plant’s only flaw is an overabundance of thorns on the stem.

17- Schlumbergera;

The schlumbergera is a cactus native to the rainforests of Brazil and the rest of Latin America. It is also known as the Christmas cactus. They only bloom once a year, always in mid-November to late January.

Its length rarely exceeds 40 cm, but it usually takes the form of a hanging shade plant.

Being tropical cacti, these plants have adapted to their environment by growing in the middle of forests where light is scarce. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight at all costs.

18- Schefflera (Dwarf Umbrella Tree);

A shrub with many brightly colored leaves ranging from yellow to dark green. Originally from Asia, these shrubs can grow to almost 4 meters (13 feet).

However, if properly cared for and placed in enclosed and shaded areas, this plant will never grow to that height.

Although it is a shrub, it can thrive in half-shade and indirect light environments, resulting in yellow flowers.

19- Dieffenbachia (Dumb canes);

Although native to South and Central America, it can only grow to about 50 centimeters (1.6 feet).

If you want to grow it in your home or office, you don’t have to worry about it taking up much space. However, keep this plant away from children and pets because it is toxic.

It needs very little light and can withstand some degree of environmental change.

20- Aspidistra;

Its foliage exudes strength and lushness; they are native to the Asian continent and can grow nearly 1 meter in length.

If you’re just getting started with indoor gardening, this is a great way to go because it requires so little in the form of water, soil, and light. But, unfortunately, it can’t handle the sun’s rays.

This could be a good option if you’d like a plant in your office. Without losing its sparkle, it’s simple, organized, and resistant.

21- Pothos;

This plant comes in various forms, all of which have beautiful foliage. In addition, they are native to rainforests worldwide, so they require little or only indirect light.

They are climbing or hanging plants; they are easy to grow and usually do not exceed 3 meters. One of the most beautiful Pothos plants is the silver variety.

22- Anthurium;

Radiant red hues that last for months without fading are incredibly hardy and straightforward to grow, requiring only orchid-friendly soil and shady conditions.

The Anthuriums are native to the Amazon rainforest, where they grow in the shadows of other trees and can reach a height of 50 cm. They can remain vibrantly colored for an extended period depending on the environment.

23-Staghorn Ferns;

One of the most unusual ferns that can exist, or has ever existed, because this species has been on the planet since the dinosaurs.

They dislike sunlight, grow by leaning against trees, and grow to enormous proportions!

These plants are native to Australia, where they grow on trees in the same way that orchids do, despite being a prehistoric fern.

24- Lucky Bamboo;

Why not bring good fortune into your home with a lucky bamboo? These plants don’t even need much soil. They can also be carved in a variety of styles.

The lucky bamboos are native to Africa and can grow up to 2 meters in height, but they can be pruned to keep their size in check.

They are plants that can’t grow in full sun, requiring half-shade and indirect light to thrive. So the majority of the time, they are grown hydroponically.

As a result of its unusual requirements, this plant is straightforward to grow, and it performs well in office environments.

25- Kentia Palm;

Even though the Kentia Palm is one of the largest indoor plants, it does not necessitate a large pot to accommodate its roots. However, if you have a lot of room, this plant can grow up to 12 meters in height.

However, as I always point out, they will be much smaller in natural settings and small pots. This palm tree is native to Australia’s tropics and the coast.

It thrives in indirect light and partial shade and adds a tropical touch to any indoor space.

26- Monstera;

We think of Monstera when we think of indoor plants. Definitely, this is one of the most common indoor plants.

If you look at its leaves, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful and unique they are! However, it is not a low-maintenance plant, as it requires regular cleaning of the leaves to keep them glossy.

If you want your Monstera to thrive, you should place it in a location where it receives indirect light.

27- Elephant ear (Xanthosoma);

Large, flat leaves called Alocasia or Elephant Ears can come in many different colors, depending on the variety. For example, some have a white color.

Like the Monstera, its leaves can be enormous, but this depends on the species; many medium-sized plants exist. They can thrive in light that is either indirect or partially shaded.

They look great in offices, but they can also be used in bedrooms or living rooms. Make sure you know the variety you’re planting.

28- Fittonia;

The leaves of this plant are incredibly vibrant, ranging from dark green with white veins to light green and even pink.

Native to South America, they grow to 30 cm tall and require regular watering. They can be grown alone or in combination with other plants for decoration.

These plants need very few things, but they need a lot of water and can’t live in direct sunlight.

29- Gloxinia;

Although the foliage of gloxinias is sparse, the flowers on these plants are a sight to behold. Despite their rarity, they are native to South America and are well cultivated in the USA.

Gloxinias can grow to a maximum of 30 cm in height, making them tiny plants in comparison. It is in full bloom throughout the entire summer.

It is a plant that can only survive in partial shade. Therefore, pots are the best place to plant a Gloxinia as a centerpiece.

Plants for Closed and Dark Environments:

I’ve shown you a variety of indoor plants that don’t need direct sunlight to thrive. 

But now, I have a separate section for you to look at plants that can grow in dark places.

30- Spider Plant;

The Spider Plant looks a lot like grass, but it’s actually more closely related to agaves than to grasses. Native to Africa, these plants have leaves of varying hues.

There is a maximum length of 60 centimeters for the leaves of these plants. If you want to grow the Spider, you don’t have to be an expert. It can grow in dark places or full sun. It can also withstand not having enough water or air conditioning.

It can be used in pots on the ground or suspended from the ceiling for decorative purposes. Additionally, it traps a wide range of pollutants in the air.

31- Aglaonema;

Spectacular, multi-colored foliage from the tropics. Asian and Oceanic countries are home to more than 50 different species of Aglaonema, each with a distinct color.

Plants that grow up to 1.5 meters in height are known as herbaceous plants. It’s an excellent plant for offices and living rooms because it looks good anywhere.

In addition, they require good ventilation, humidity and can’t stand air-conditioning. You don’t need a lot of light for these plants to thrive.

32- Snake Plant;

Even though many people are familiar with the plant, very few are aware of the wide range of varieties it can come in. Succulent snake plants are hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance.

Snake plants are also indigenous to Africa’s continent, ranging from 20 centimeters to one meter depending on the species.

With a wide range of light levels, it can thrive in full sun and areas with a great deal of shade.

33- Peace Lily;

White flowers that can last for months and contrast well with the plant’s dark green foliage make it a popular choice among Americans.

It grows to a height of 60 centimeters in the forests of Venezuela and Colombia. When it’s not in the sun, it prefers to remain in the shadows, and it’s tolerant of almost no light at all.

Besides that, it’s a humidity plant, which means it’s easy to care for and grows quickly. In addition, the Peace Lily was considered by NASA as an air purifying plant, which is an interesting fact in and of itself.

Plants for Closed Environments with Air Conditioning:

Do you want to learn about some plants that can survive in air conditioning?

Only a few plants can withstand it, but they exist.

34- Peperomia;

Wow? The Watermelon Peperomia is the most popular Peperomia species today because of its leaves’ color resemblance to a watermelon.

They are native to South America and can grow to only 30 centimeters in height, making them ideal for growing in pots.

They’re incredibly hardy plants to tolerate air conditioning, shade, and even abandonment once they’ve been established.

35-Yucca;

It is a close relative of the Dragon Tree and has long foliage that grows from the top of the stem, but it can often cover the entire stem of the plant.

You can bring the feel of the beach into your home with the palm tree-like appearance of this piece of art. Being native to North America, yuccas have a high tolerance for varying temperatures and levels of shade.

Their natural heights can reach over 5 meters. Still, indoor plants are unlikely to get even half that height in their natural habitat.

36- ZZ Plant;

Foliage is both dense and glossy, with dark green, fleshy leaves. Plants like ZZ Plant are both cutting-edge and straightforward. Their natural habitat is a shady forest in Africa, where they are found.

They are hardy plants that can survive without water or air conditioning, but they are vulnerable to the sun. As a result, it is a plant that prefers to grow in places where few other plants can.

It’s an excellent plant for offices, living rooms, stores, and even the front door. Keeping the Zamioculcas in soil with quick drainage is the best way to grow it, as it can’t handle too much water.

37- Parlour Palm

The Parlour Palm is a small palm tree native to Central and North America that rarely reaches more than 2 meters in height. However, when it’s kept indoors, the plant grows much smaller.

Although it can tolerate air conditioning, it should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Aside from lighting and frequent watering, it’s a modern plant that’s simple to grow.

Did you know there are 37 indoor plants you can have in your home? Which one have you already got? To where do you plan to put these plants?? There must be something else I haven’t thought of. Let me by leaving a comment below. 

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