Even if your tiny home or small living space doesn’t get much natural light, you can still enjoy the benefits of indoor plants. (And they won’t die!)
Many plants thrive in low-light conditions and bring life and vibrancy to your home.
The good news is the best small house plants are hard to kill – even if you forget about them for a few weeks. (Ask me how I know.)
If you are anything like me (and the lack of green thumb), you will need hardy plants. ☠️
In this article, we’ll explore the best indoor plants that don’t require much sunlight and are perfect for small spaces.
We will explore the care they need, watering needs, and if you can propagate them (create more plants, for free!)
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Quick Guide to Shade-loving Plants to Grow Indoors
| Plant | Light Type | Watering Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Low to bright | Allow soil to dry out |
| ZZ Plant | Low to bright | Allow soil to dry out |
| Spider | Low to medium light | Keep soil slightly moist |
| Peace Lily | Low to medium light | Keep soil consistently moist |
| Cast Iron Plant | Low light | Water when the top inch of soil is dry |
Key Plant Terms
Before you add them to your space, there are a few terms related to plants to know.
These terms will help you care for your plants effectively.
Indirect Light
Sunlight that doesn’t hit the plant directly but is filtered through curtains or reflected off walls.
Propagation
A method of creating new plants is by separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its root system.
A stem cutting placed in water or soil can develop roots and grow into a new plant. It is like buy one, get a million free.
Plant Pups
Small offshoots or baby plants that grow from the parent plant. These can be easily separated and replanted to grow new plants.
Moist Soil
Soil that is consistently damp but not waterlogged.
Best Plants That Stay small and Thrive in Low Light
There are three indoor plants that every tiny home needs. The Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Cast Iron Plant.
These plants love shade or indirect light.
Snake Plant: The Unkillable Wonder
The Snake Plant is one of the most resilient plants available, thriving in low-light conditions and requiring very little maintenance.
Its tall, sword-like leaves add a striking architectural element to any room, and it fits well into narrow spaces or corners.
☞ Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata (also known as Dracaena trifasciata)
🪴 Care Tips: Place your Snake Plant in a low-light corner, but know it can also tolerate brighter spots.
💧 Watering Tips: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
✂️ Propagation: Snake Plants are typically propagated by division, where you separate a mature plant into smaller sections and replant them.
🩷🩷 Bonus: Snake Plants are known for their air-purifying abilities, making them a healthy addition to your home.
ZZ Plant: The Elegant Survivor
The ZZ Plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to survive almost anything. It’s perfect for beginners and those who tend to forget about their plants.
It thrives in low light and with infrequent watering, making it ideal for tiny homes with limited natural light.
☞ Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
🪴 Care Tips: Place your ZZ Plant in dimly lit areas like offices or bathrooms.
💧 Watering Tips: It requires very little water; let the soil dry out completely before watering again
✂️ Propagation: ZZ Plants are typically propagated by division. Simply divide a mature plant at the root and replant the sections.
🩷🩷 Bonus: ZZ Plants are also virtually pest-free.
Cast Iron Plant: The Resilient Warrior
The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name—it’s incredibly tough and can survive in the darkest corners of your home.
It’s a slow grower, which means it won’t outgrow its space quickly, making it a perfect choice for tiny homes.
This plant could get big if you let it. You can prune it to stay small.
☞ Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
🪴 Care Tips: The Cast Iron Plant requires minimal care. It’s also tolerant of a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
💧 Watering Tips: Water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
✂️ Propagation: This plant is typically propagated by division, where a mature plant is separated at the root and replanted.
🩷🩷 Bonus: The Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant that can withstand neglect.
Best Small House Plants that need Medium light
There are two more indoor plants that every ADU or tiny home needs. The Spider Plant, and Peace Lilly.
These plants love a medium amount of light.
Spider Plant: The Air-Purifying Classic
Spider Plants are not only visually appealing with their arching leaves but also excellent air purifiers.
They’re great for hanging baskets or on shelves where their plantlets can dangle freely, making them a perfect choice for maximizing vertical space in tiny homes.
☞ Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
🪴 Care Tips: While adaptable to low light, Spider Plants can go in bright, indirect light.
💧 Watering Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
✂️ Propagation: Spider Plants are easily propagated from the small pups that grow from the mother plant. Simply cut off a plantlet and place it in water or soil to root.
Peace Lily: The Shade Lover
The Peace Lily is ideal for low-light areas, producing beautiful white blooms even in shaded rooms.
It’s a symbol of peace and tranquility, making it a lovely addition to bedrooms or offices.
☞ Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum spp.
🪴 Care Tips: Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
💧 Watering Tips: Peace Lilies enjoy consistently moist soil, so water regularly and mist occasionally to maintain humidity.
✂️ Propagation: Peace Lilies are typically propagated by division. Separate a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its root system, and replant them.
🩷🩷 Bonus: Peace Lilies are known for their ability to remove mold spores from the air, making them a great choice for bathrooms.
Benefits of Having Indoor Plants in Small Spaces
Air Quality Improvement
Plants are celebrated for their ability to purify the air by filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Studies have shown that people near green spaces have greater feelings of happiness and well-being.
Smithsonian gardens
Emotional Well-being
Indoor plants can significantly enhance mental health by:
- reducing stress
- lifting mood
- boosting productivity
Moisture Regulation
Certain plants help maintain appropriate humidity levels, which is particularly useful in smaller spaces that may become dry quickly due to heating or air conditioning.
Tips for Maximizing Space with Plants
Ceiling & Vertical Gardening
If space is limited, a ceiling or vertical garden could be right for you.
A wall-mounted planter or on a hook from the ceiling to free up floor space.
Selecting the Right Containers
Choose containers that are suitable for small spaces, such as hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or slim pots.
Get creative and use different colored pots if your plants do not have any color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with indoor plants
Overwatering
You could have the best small house plants and kill it by the common mistake of overwatering.
I know it can be tempting to want to make sure they have enough water.
Trust me, I have killed a cactus before. Plants are not like humans or animals. They don’t need water every day or every week most times.
Improper Placement
Ensure that light-loving plants are not placed in low-light areas, as this can negatively affect their health, and vice versa.
Neglecting Plant Growth
Even slow-growing plants require occasional repotting and care as they grow, so don’t overlook their maintenance needs. Other plants grow faster and can become root bound.
They could need to be repotted to allow for more space to continue to grow.
Seasonal Care Tips House plants
Adjusting Light in Winter
During the winter months when natural light diminishes you may need to supplement light.
You could move plants closer to windows or use something like a grow light.
Adapting Watering Routines
Seasonal changes might affect the watering needs of your plants.
Ensure they receive the right amount of moisture throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Even if your tiny home or small living space doesn’t get much sunlight, you can still enjoy the benefits of indoor plants.
These five low-light champions are not only beautiful and resilient but also easy to care for, making them perfect companions for your shaded spots.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of nature to a dimly lit corner, a shelf, or a bathroom, these best small house plants will thrive and bring life to your small space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small house plants that thrive in low light?
Some great small houseplants for low-light conditions include the Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Pothos. These plants are hardy, and require minimal sunlight.
How often should I water small shade-loving houseplants?
Most prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water them every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity & temperature of your home.
Do shade-loving houseplants need any special care?
Rotating plants every few weeks can help even growth. You may also need to clean the leaves to remove any dust that accumulates.
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