You ever wake up in a room that feels… stale? Like the air just didn’t hit right? That used to be my room. It barely got sunlight, the air felt heavy, and no matter how many times I cleaned, it lacked life.
So I started a little experiment: Which indoor plants actually survive—and even thrive—in a low light bedroom?
After months of trial and error (and, yes, a couple of plants that didn’t make it), here are my personal top picks for the best plants for low light bedrooms. They’re all low maintenance, air-purifying, and yes—surprisingly good-looking, even in that gloomy corner near your bed.
Table of Contents
Why Put Plants in Your Bedroom Anyway?
If you’re wondering whether it’s even worth it, let me break it down real quick:
- Improved air quality
Some plants are known to filter out toxins and boost oxygen. That’s a win for better sleep. - Mental wellness
Waking up to greenery? Calms the brain. Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and all that jazz. - Aesthetic vibes
A trailing pothos or a bold snake plant can totally change the look of your space.
And if you’re worried about light? Don’t. These plants don’t need a sunbath to survive.
Top 7 Best Plants for Low Light Bedrooms
Let’s get straight into it.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Keyword match: low light bedroom plant, air purifying indoor plant
This is the MVP of low light houseplants. Seriously, if you forget to water it for two weeks, it still looks like it’s thriving.
Why it’s perfect for bedrooms:
- Thrives in low light
- Filters toxins like benzene and formaldehyde (NASA-approved)
- Adds vertical drama—great for corners
Care tip: Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Too much love (aka water) kills it.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Keyword match: best indoor plant for low light
I call this the “plant for people who kill plants.” It’s that forgiving.
Why it works for bedrooms:
- Survives in low to almost no light
- Waxy, deep green leaves that look amazing
- Doesn’t mind neglect
Care tip: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Keep it away from direct sunlight—it’ll do better in shade.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Keyword match: indoor plant for dark room, trailing plant for bedroom
Golden Pothos or Marble Queen—pick your vibe. These are great trailing plants that don’t demand sunlight.
Why it’s bedroom-perfect:
- Grows well in low light
- Easy to propagate (you’ll soon have baby plants!)
- Looks gorgeous in hanging pots or shelves
Care tip: Water when the leaves start drooping. Don’t overwater—it’s a pothos, not a pond dweller.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Keyword match: low light houseplant that cleans air
If you want something a little more elegant, Peace Lily is your plant. It has beautiful dark leaves and sometimes even throws out white blooms—even in low light.
Why I love it in bedrooms:
- Proven air purifier
- Can survive in shade
- Brings a calm, clean vibe
Care tip: Keep soil slightly moist. It’ll literally droop to tell you it needs water—drama queen, but in a good way.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Keyword match: bedroom plant that thrives in shade
This one’s a classic. It’s hardy, grows fast, and even babies itself (you’ll get plantlets hanging down like nature’s version of fairy lights).
Perfect for bedrooms because:
- Doesn’t need direct sunlight
- Cleans the air
- Great in hanging baskets
Care tip: Let the soil dry slightly between watering. It’s a thirsty plant, but don’t flood it.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Keyword match: best plant for dark bedroom
The name says it all: Cast. Iron. It’ll survive even when your bedroom barely sees daylight.
Why it’s underrated but amazing:
- Tolerates extreme neglect
- Grows slowly, but lives long
- Ideal for very low light areas
Care tip: Water only when the soil is dry. It prefers shade over direct sunlight.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Keyword match: hanging plant for low light bedroom
If you’ve got shelves or want some cascading beauty near your window (even if it’s north-facing), English Ivy brings in that cottagecore charm.
Why it’s worth the spot:
- Looks amazing trailing down
- Grows in low light (but likes cool temps too)
- Removes airborne mold (bonus!)
Care tip: Keep soil slightly moist. Trim regularly to avoid it getting too wild indoors.
Quick Tips to Keep Plants Happy in a Low Light Bedroom
Even the toughest plants need a little love. Here’s how to make sure they thrive:
1. Rotate Regularly
Even if it’s low light, rotate the plant every week or so to keep growth balanced.
2. Use Grow Lights (Optional)
Got no windows at all? A small grow light works wonders. Get an affordable LED one and set it on a timer.
3. Don’t Overwater
This is the #1 plant killer. Low light = slower growth = less water needed.
4. Group Plants Together
They create a micro-humidity zone and look more lush. A little indoor jungle? Yes please.
Final Thoughts – Low Light? No Problem.
So there you go—7 of the best plants for low light bedrooms that bring life, clean the air, and don’t need sunbathing to thrive.
I’ve personally grown all of these in my small, low-light bedroom, and trust me—they made a world of difference. It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about how it makes you feel.
U know the tune—plants just make life better.
