🌿 12 Plants That Grow in Complete Darkness (No Sunlight Required)

Looking for indoor plants that survive in complete darkness? Discover 12 low-light houseplants that thrive without sunlight—perfect for dark corners, bathrooms, and apartments!

Not every home gets bright, natural sunlight. If you live in an apartment, have a windowless bathroom, or just lack sunny spots—don’t worry. You can still bring greenery into your space!

Some plants are surprisingly tough and thrive in very low light—even in complete darkness with just a bit of artificial light. In this guide, you’ll discover 12 easy-to-grow plants that survive (and even thrive) without sunlight.

Let’s dive into these dark-loving beauties!

🪴 1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ ;Air Purifier Zamioculcas Zamiifolia😍

Light Needs: Tolerates complete darkness
Watering: Once every 2–3 weeks
Best For: Offices, bathrooms, bedrooms

The ZZ plant is a rockstar when it comes to neglect and darkness. With its shiny, waxy leaves, it can handle low light and low water like a pro. Just don’t overwater!

🌵 2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Light Needs: Thrives in low or no light
Watering: Once a month
Bonus: Cleans indoor air

Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, are practically impossible to kill. They’re ideal for beginners and dark corners. Plus, NASA lists them as air-purifying champions.

🪴 3. Peace Lily

Light Needs: Very low light; blooms in medium light
Watering: Weekly
Pet Safety: Toxic to pets

Peace lilies tolerate low light and bloom beautifully with minimal care. They’re also great at improving air quality—just keep them away from pets.

🌿 4. Pothos (Money Plant)

Light Needs: Does well in indirect or artificial light
Watering: When the soil feels dry

Pothos is a trailing plant perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. It grows quickly, even in low light, and can tolerate occasional neglect.

👉 Also check: Fertilizer for Pothos: The Ultimate Guide

🪴 5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Light Needs: Survives in deep shade
Watering: Low to moderate

Just like its name, this plant is tough as nails. It’s slow-growing but perfect for people who want a no-fuss indoor plant.

🌿 6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Light Needs: Does well in dark corners
Watering: Keep the soil moist, not soggy

This colorful plant adds a pop of beauty to dull rooms and needs very little light to thrive. It’s a great choice for low-light bedrooms or hallways.

🎋 7. Lucky Bamboo

Light Needs: Grows in complete shade
Watering: Change water every 7–10 days

Often grown in water with pebbles, lucky bamboo doesn’t even need soil. It’s a great option for desks, shelves, and bathrooms without sunlight.

🌿 8. Philodendron

Light Needs: Low light tolerant
Watering: Weekly

With heart-shaped leaves and a vining habit, philodendron is another excellent plant for low-light spaces. It thrives indoors and is super easy to propagate.

🌱 9. English Ivy

Light Needs: Moderate to low light
Watering: Keep slightly moist

Perfect for bathrooms and windowless corners, English ivy is a trailing plant that can also be trained up a trellis or moss pole.

🪴 10. Dracaena

Light Needs: Low to medium light
Watering: Let soil dry out between watering

Dracaena comes in many varieties and adds a tall, leafy elegance to dark rooms. It also helps filter indoor air.

🍃 11. Maidenhair Fern

Light Needs: Indirect light or artificial light
Watering: Likes high humidity, moist soil

This delicate fern loves bathrooms because of the humidity. It needs some attention but can survive without natural light when cared for properly.

🕷 12. Spider Plant

Light Needs: Tolerates low light
Watering: Water when topsoil is dry

Spider plants grow fast, produce baby “spiderettes,” and are ideal for hanging pots. They tolerate a wide range of light conditions—even dark corners!

🌼 Bonus Care Tips for Plants in Darkness

If your plants are growing in little to no sunlight, follow these tips:

✅ Rotate plants every few weeks
✅ Use LED grow lights if possible
✅ Avoid overwatering—low light means slower water absorption
✅ Occasionally wipe leaves to remove dust buildup
✅ Use diluted liquid fertilizer during growing season

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can plants really grow without sunlight?

Yes! Many indoor plants survive on indirect or artificial light. While they might grow slower, they can stay healthy and green.

Q2: Which plants are best for dark bathrooms?

Snake plant, ZZ plant, Lucky Bamboo, and Peace Lily are perfect for dark, humid areas like bathrooms.

Q3: Is artificial light enough for these plants?

Yes, LED or fluorescent light is often sufficient for most low-light plants.

Final Thoughts

Even if you don’t have a sunny spot in your home, you can still enjoy the beauty of indoor greenery. The plants on this list are low maintenance, resilient, and perfect for low-light or no-light conditions.

So whether it’s your basement, windowless office, or small bathroom, there’s always a plant that can thrive with you.