Easy indoor plants that grow well in north-facing rooms with low light, perfect for Indian homes, bedrooms, and living spaces with minimal sunlight.
If you have even a little knowledge of plants, you'll know that north-facing rooms often feel dim and gloomy, especially in Indian homes where buildings are close together. Many people think that plants can't survive there. But that's not true. I've successfully grown several indoor plants in north-facing bedrooms, halls, and study rooms. You just need to choose the right plants and care for them properly. In this article, I'll tell you about some low-light indoor plants that actually thrive in such rooms.
Why are north-facing rooms low in light?
North-facing rooms don't receive direct sunlight. They mostly get soft, indirect light for a short period during the day. This makes them cooler and darker compared to other rooms.
Because of this low light, many flowering or sun-loving plants don't grow well here. However, some indoor plants naturally grow under trees or in shady forests, so they adapt well to these conditions.
File Photo : North-facing rooms receive only soft indirect daylight
Best Low-Light Indoor Plants for North-Facing Rooms
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is one of the hardiest indoor plants I've ever grown. It easily survives in very low light and requires very little water. In my north-facing bedroom, it grows slowly but remains healthy.
This plant also significantly improves indoor air quality and doesn't require daily attention. It's perfect for beginners and busy people.
ZZ Plant
If your room remains dark during the day, the ZZ plant is perfect for you. Its thick leaves store water, so it doesn't need frequent watering. I also have one in the corner of my north-facing living room.
Even under artificial light at night, it remains green and vibrant. The only mistake to avoid with this plant is overwatering.
Pothos (Money Plant)
The money plant is very common in Indian homes, and for good reason. It thrives in low light and can happily live in north-facing rooms. I've grown it in both water and soil, and it did well in both.
Place it near a window or on a wall shelf. But avoid keeping it in complete darkness.
Low-Light Plants That Also Look Decorative
Peace Lily
The peace lily thrives in indirect light and enhances the beauty of your home with its white flowers. In my experience, it produces fewer flowers in north-facing rooms, but it remains green and healthy there as well.
Water it only when the topsoil feels dry. It also tells you when it needs water by drooping slightly.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Aglaonema is a colorful plant that does very well in low light. It's perfect for bedrooms and offices with north-facing windows.
It doesn't like cold drafts or overwatering. Its easy care keeps it fresh for years.
Using Artificial Light for Extra Support
If your room is very dark, you can use a simple LED bulb or tube light. Most plants in Indian homes don't require special grow lights.
Keep the light on for 6–8 hours daily. I have successfully used regular white LED lights for Money Plants and Snake Plants.
General Care Tips for Low-Light Indoor Plants
Even low-light plants need some light. You can keep them indoors, but not too far from a window. And yes, rotate the pots every few weeks so that all sides get some light.
Water less in low-light rooms because the soil dries out slowly there. Overwatering is the biggest reason indoor plants die in north-facing rooms.
File Photo : Indoor plants growing healthy under LED lighting
Care Comparison Table for Plants in North-Facing Rooms
Plant Name
Light Needed
Watering Frequency
Best Room Location
Snake Plant
Very Low
Every 10–15 days
Bedroom corner
ZZ Plant
Low
Every 15–20 days
Living room
Money Plant
Low–Medium
Every 7–10 days
Near window
Peace Lily
Low
Weekly
Bedroom or hall
Aglaonema
Low
Every 7–10 days
Office room
Mistakes to Avoid in North-Facing Rooms
Common Mistake
What Happens
Simple Fix
Overwatering
Root rot
Water less
No window light
Weak growth
Move closer to window
Too many plants
Humidity issues
Keep space between pots
Final Tips from Real Home Experience
North-facing rooms are not the enemy of plants. Just choose slow-growing, shade-loving plants and keep the care simple. Don't overwater and don't expect rapid growth. Focus on patience, and these plants will stay healthy and make your room feel calm and fresh. I have grown many of these plants for years with basic care and low light. And they are still thriving today.
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What are the best low-light indoor plants for north-facing rooms?
People often search for plant lists that thrive in limited sunlight, like snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, peace lily, and aglaonema — all great options for dim indoor spaces.
Can indoor plants live in a room with no direct sunlight?
Yes — many low-light indoor plants can survive in rooms without direct sun if placed near a window or given artificial light.
How much light do low-light plants actually need?
Low-light indoor plants prefer soft, indirect light rather than direct sun; north-facing rooms give gentle daylight that works well for many species.
How often should low-light indoor plants be watered?
Watering frequency depends on species, but most low-light plants need less water because the soil dries slowly — only water when the topsoil feels dry.
Will low-light indoor plants grow in complete darkness?
No — while some tolerate very low light, all plants need at least some light or supplemental LED lighting to thrive.
Do low-light indoor plants need special grow lights?
If natural light is extremely limited, simple LED or fluorescent lights for 6–8 hours a day can support plant growth.
What indoor plants flower in low-light conditions?
Peace lilies and some pothos varieties can bloom even in low light, though they flower less than in bright conditions.
Are there pet-friendly low-light indoor plants?
Yes — some low-light plants like bird’s nest fern, spider plant, and certain aglaonema varieties are safer around pets, but always double-check toxicity.
Why do plants get leggy in low light?
Plants stretch or grow spindly when light is insufficient. Moving them closer to a window or using artificial light helps.
How do I tell if a low-light plant isn’t getting enough light?
Common signs include fading leaf color, slow growth, and leaning toward the light source — these indicate it may need more indirect light.
