22 Plants That Grow Without Sunlight

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Last Updated: 02.01.2024
Sakshi Kasat
Written by
Sakshi Kasat, an indoor gardener and content creator from Indore, India, transitioned from teaching to follow her gardening passion during the pandemic. She's an expert in indoor gardening, with over 150 articles published. Her favorite plant, the Peace Lily, reflects her mission to inspire others. In gardening and writing, she finds pure inspiration and contentment.

Looking for plants that can grow easily indoors with no complaints? Here is an exclusive list of Plants That Grow Without Sunlight!

Not all plants require direct sunshine and bright light to thrive. There are some Plants That Grow Without Sunlight and sustain easily at home. They are low-maintenance and survive well even in the darkest corners of your home. Keep reading this article to learn more about them!

Check out our article on best indoor plants for Indian climate here


Plants That Grow Without Sunlight

1. Dracaena

Plants That Grow Without Sunlight

Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans

Dracaena is one of the most common and easiest houseplants you can grow. Also known as the dragon tree, it has sword-like green leaves with red edges and colorful foliage.

2. Bromeliads

Botanical Name: Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads are wonderful plants with colorful foliage. They flower in shades of yellow, red, pink, and orange and are very easy to grow. Being drought tolerant these houseplants go well with little watering to stay moist.

3. Maidenhair Fern

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Botanical Name: Adiantum

If you love ferns, you’ll love this one. Maidenhair fern features finger-like leaves and prefers moist, well-draining soil to grow.

4. Snake Plant

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata

Popularly known as Mother in law’s tongue, a snake plant is a low maintenance indoor plant with sword-like stiff leaves. They survive well in drought and low light.

5. Climbing Fig

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Botanical Name: Ficus pumila

Climbing fig is a beautiful little houseplant ideal for indoor decor and ornamental purposes. Also known as creeping fig, it is very easy to grow and does well in indirect light.

6. Philodendron

Botanical Name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum

Philodendron is an attractive foliage houseplant with green heart-shaped leaves. It tolerates low light well and ideal to grow in hanging baskets, trellis as well as pots.

7. Peacock Plant

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Botanical Name: Calathea makoyana

This houseplant can be a lovely addition to your home decor, thanks to its attractive foliage and bold markings. However, it is not suitable for beginner gardeners due to its extensive caring needs.

8. Prayer Plant

Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura

Prayer plants earn the name from the fact that its leaves are flat during the day and tend to fold together like prayer hands at night. It is a good, hardy houseplant and grows well in indirect sunlight.

9. Sword Fern

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Botanical Name: Polystichum munitum

Sword ferns are easy to grow, evergreen, and drought-resistant houseplants. You can plant them to enhance the look of your study room or office. These plants prefer indirect soil and prefer slightly moist, well-draining, and acidic soil.

10. Golden Pothos

Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum

Commonly known as money plant in India, Devil’s Ivy is easy to care, beautiful houseplant, and features heart-shaped variegated leaves.

11. Peperomia

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Botanical Name: Peperomia spp.

Peperomia is a delightful houseplant with thick, fleshy leaves and beautiful foliage. It is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant, prefers humidity and slightly moist soil.

12. Chinese Evergreen

Botanical Name: Aglaonema

Chinese evergreen or Aglaonema is an ornamental houseplant. It has various varieties that come in interesting colors.

13. Cast Iron Plant

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Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior

The cast-iron plant is perfect for professionals who are always busy and don’t have enough time for plant care. It is a hardy, flowering, and super easy to grow indoors.

14. Orchids

Botanical Name: Orchidaceae

Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants. They are easily available and come in different shapes and flower colors. Direct sunlight can wilt the leaves, so place them in an area that receives indirect light.

15. Lucky Bamboo

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Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana

According to Feng Shui, Lucky Bamboo brings peaceful and positive energy in your home. This elegant houseplant is ideal for office, study, and meditation room. It can survive well in soil containers as well as in water.

16. Staghorn Fern

Botanical Name: Platycerium

Staghorn ferns are quite unusual and distinct plants with spikes-like foliage and flat leaves. You need to provide low-light, frequent watering, and moderate humidity.

17. ZZ Plant

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Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

ZZ plants do well in indirect sunlight and can thrive even in the darkest corners of your house. According to NASA study, the ZZ plant is also useful in purifying the air by removing toxins like xylene, benzene, and toluene.

18. Dumb Cane

Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia

Dumb cane is known for its beautiful foliage and leaves. It does well in little light and normal room humidity. As it is is toxic, keep it away from children and pets.

19. Spider Plant

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Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plants can survive semi-shady light. This houseplant also looks amazing in hanging baskets, thanks to its attractive, variegated foliage.

20. Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Aloe vera is a favorite houseplant in India and known for its medicinal and health benefits. Though aloe loves sun, it can tolerate full shade and has moderate watering needs.

21. Areca Palm

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Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens

Areca palm is another beautiful, evergreen plant to grow at home. It is best to grow these palm plants near an east or south facing window.

22. Arrowhead

Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum

Also known as five fingers and arrowhead vine, this houseplant is best to grow in hanging baskets. It needs frequent misting to do well indoors.


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