Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Australian Homes

If your home doesn't get much natural sunlight, you can still enjoy a healthy indoor plant collection. The best low-light indoor plants can tolerate lower levels of natural light without requiring constant attention.

Some of the most popular options for low-light Australian homes include ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies, Chinese Evergreens and Dracaenas. These plants are adaptable and can work well in bedrooms, offices, hallways, apartments, and other spaces with limited direct sunlight.

Nursery 2U's indoor plant collection includes a range of plants suited to different lighting conditions, including low-light and beginner-friendly varieties.

What Is Considered Low Light for an Indoor Plant?

Low light doesn't mean complete darkness. Plants still need some light to photosynthesise and grow, even when they are described as low-light tolerant.

A low-light position might be:

A room with a window that receives little direct sunlight
A spot several metres away from a bright window
An office with limited natural light
A hallway or room with filtered daylight
A north-facing or shaded area that doesn't receive strong direct sun

A plant may survive in low light but grow more slowly, produce smaller leaves or lose some of its colour if the light level is too low.

Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for Australian Homes

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plants are one of the most popular choices for low-light indoor spaces. Their thick, glossy foliage and underground rhizomes allow them to tolerate periods of lower light and less frequent watering. They're particularly useful for beginners or anyone who doesn't want to maintain a strict watering routine.

Snake Plant

Snake Plants are another reliable option for low-light rooms. Their upright leaves make them suitable for smaller spaces, corners and offices, while their ability to tolerate lower light makes them a versatile indoor plant. Allow the potting mix to dry between waterings, as consistently wet soil can cause problems for the roots.

Pothos

Pothos are trailing plants that can adapt to a range of indoor environments. They work particularly well on shelves, bookcases or in hanging pots where their vines can trail down. Nursery 2U stocks different Pothos varieties, including Marble and Snow Queen, alongside its wider indoor plant collection.

More Low-Light Indoor Plants

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies can tolerate lower-light conditions and are popular for their lush foliage and distinctive flowers. They prefer indirect light and evenly moist soil. If your Peace Lily begins to droop, check the moisture level of the soil. However, avoid keeping the roots permanently saturated.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreens, also known as Aglaonema, are well suited to indoor environments and can tolerate lower light. Their patterned foliage can also add colour and texture to rooms where sun-loving plants may struggle.

Dracaena

Dracaenas are another group of indoor plants that can cope with lower light. Their upright growth habit makes them useful as floor plants or statement plants in offices and living spaces. Different Dracaena varieties have different colour and patterning, so check the specific care requirements before choosing one.

Which Low-Light Indoor Plant Is Best for Beginners?

For someone new to indoor plants, ZZ Plants and Snake Plants are practical choices because they tolerate lower light and generally don't need frequent watering.

Pothos are another good option if you want a trailing plant that can adapt to different indoor positions.

The best choice ultimately depends on the amount of light available, how often you want to water your plant, the available space and whether you have pets.

Can Indoor Plants Survive in a Room With No Natural Light?

Not indefinitely. Even plants described as low-light need some light to photosynthesise.

If a room has virtually no natural light, consider using a grow light. This can provide the light a plant needs when there isn't enough daylight available.

If you're unsure whether your room receives enough light, observe it throughout the day before choosing a plant. A position that looks bright to your eyes may provide relatively little usable light for a plant.

Are Low-Light Plants Good for Australian Apartments?

Yes. Low-light tolerant plants can be particularly useful for Australian apartments, where the available natural light can vary significantly depending on the building, orientation, surrounding buildings and window size.

They can work well in apartments with shaded balconies, rooms away from windows and spaces where bright direct sunlight isn't available.

However, Australian conditions can also mean significant changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year. Avoid placing plants directly beside heaters, air conditioners or in areas exposed to sudden temperature changes.

How Do I Care for Low-Light Indoor Plants?

The biggest mistake with low-light plants is often overwatering. Because a plant growing in lower light uses water more slowly, its potting mix may stay wet for longer.

As a general guide:

Check the potting mix before watering.
Allow the appropriate amount of soil to dry between waterings.
Make sure the pot has suitable drainage.
Keep the plant away from harsh direct sunlight unless its specific care requirements allow it.
Rotate the plant occasionally if it is growing towards a light source.
Move it to a brighter position if growth becomes weak, sparse or unusually slow.

Always check the individual care requirements of your chosen plant, as "low light" covers a wide range of species with different needs.

Where Can I Buy Low-Light Indoor Plants Online in Australia?

When buying plants online, look for an Australian nursery that provides information about plant care, growing conditions and delivery. This can help you choose a variety that's appropriate for your home rather than simply choosing based on appearance.

Nursery 2U offers indoor plants online across Australia, with a collection that includes low-light, beginner-friendly, pet-friendly and more unusual varieties. The nursery also provides care information to help customers understand how to look after their plants once they arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best low-light indoor plants I can buy online in Australia?

Some of the best low-light indoor plants include ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies, Chinese Evergreens and Dracaenas. These varieties can tolerate lower levels of natural light, although they still need some light to grow.

You can browse Nursery 2U's indoor plant collection to find indoor plants suited to different light levels and growing conditions.

What is the easiest indoor plant to grow in low light?

ZZ Plants and Snake Plants are two of the easiest options for low-light conditions. Both can tolerate lower light and usually prefer the soil to dry between waterings, making them relatively forgiving for beginner plant owners.

Can plants really grow in low light?

Yes, some plants can grow in low-light conditions, but they still require some light. Low-light tolerant plants tend to grow slower and may produce smaller or less vibrant foliage than they would in brighter conditions.

If there is virtually no natural light, a grow light may be necessary.

How often should I water a low-light indoor plant?

There is no fixed watering schedule because it depends on the plant, pot size, soil, temperature and humidity. In low light, plants often use water more slowly, so check the soil before watering rather than watering on a set schedule.

Overwatering can be a bigger risk than underwatering for many low-light indoor plants.

Are low-light indoor plants suitable for bedrooms?

Many low-light tolerant plants can be suitable for bedrooms, provided the room receives some natural light and the plant's individual care requirements are met.

Consider the available space, temperature, humidity and whether pets have access to the plant before choosing a variety.

What should I look for when buying indoor plants online?

Look for an established nursery that provides plant care information, details about growing conditions and appropriate delivery information. It's also worth checking whether the plant you're considering is suitable for the amount of light available in your home.

Nursery 2U offers a broad range of indoor plants online in Australia, from beginner-friendly options to rare and unusual varieties, with care information available to help customers care for their plants.

Author Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones has over eight years of experience managing online businesses, including Nursery 2U, where she oversees customer service and business operations. Through years of helping Australian plant buyers choose the right plants for their homes and gardens, Sarah has developed a strong understanding of customer needs, plant trends, and beginner-friendly plant care advice. Her content is focused on providing practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help customers shop with confidence and grow thriving indoor and outdoor spaces.