The popularity of houseplants has grown immensely in recent years, with many of us proudly having at least one plant on display in our homes. And research suggests this can be a positive thing, as beyond the life and decor they can bring to indoor spaces, plants have been shown to make us happier and healthier.
Luckily, there’s a houseplant out there for every home environment – including those that don’t receive much direct sunlight.
So if you’re looking to add some extra life to your home, here are 12 shade-loving houseplants to consider.
1. Boston fern
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is native to a number of tropical regions around the world. Its bright green fronds can grow to anywhere between six inches and five feet, and are sure to liven up any living space.
This plant thrives best in humid areas out of direct sunlight, so placing it in a steamy bathroom is ideal.
Boston fern care is specific, but easy once you get the hang of it. For example, you can provide extra humidity by setting your fern’s pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, and keeping the soil damp – particularly throughout winter – to avoid the leaves turning yellow.
Aside from its natural decor, the Boston fern is also recognised for its health qualities, including its ability to cleanse and remove cigarette smoke from the air.
2. Calatheas
Calatheas are a species of flowering plants that belong to the Marantaceae family. Originating from tropical places like Africa, these plants are known to grow at the base of trees in jungles.
Common varieties of calatheas include zebra plants, cathedral plants, and peacock plants; all of which have patterned, vibrant leaves.
Prone to shrivelling up in overly sunny conditions, calatheas are best suited to shady spots where they can absorb indirect light. Much like the Boston fern, Calatheas also appreciate humid areas, as this most closely resembles their natural growing environment.
3. Heart-leaf philodendron
The heart-leaf philodendron (philodendron hederaceum) is an evergreen climbing plant that originates from the Caribbean and Central America where it’s known to wrap around trees.
Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves are one of its best features and will add a lovely, wholesome touch to any indoor space.
Heart-leaf philodendrons thrive in indirect light, so shady indoor locations are ideal. When this plant is happy it should have luscious green leaves that grow roughly two to four inches long. If they receive too much sunlight, on the other hand, leaves can become scorched, and turn brown or yellow.
You can grow your heart-leaf philodendron in a pot – just allow space for it to tumble over the edges or add a vertical support, such as a moss pole, if you’d prefer it to grow upwards.
Note: Heart-leaf philodendrons can be toxic so it’s important to keep them out of reach of young children and pets.
4. Herringbone plant
Herringbone plants (maranta leuconeura var. erythrophylla) – also called Maranta Tricolour and Maranta Fascinator – are recognised for their unique velvety leaves, which are deep green with light green splotches. Striking red veins also flow through the centre and branch out into a herringbone pattern.
Full of character, Herringbones are often referred to as prayer plants because their leaves have the unusual habit of lying flat during the day and closing upwards at night, as if in prayer.
Getting the correct lighting for herringbone plants is all about balance, as too little light can cause the leaves’ vivid colours to fade, while too much can scorch and burn them.
5. Swiss cheese plant
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is another great shade-loving plant to spruce up your indoor spaces. Its unusual name relates to the holes that develop in its heart-shaped leaves as it ages, which look similar to Swiss cheese.
Ideal for both beginners and experienced plant parents, Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for. Because their large, holey leaves do a wonderful job of helping the plant capture maximum light – even when low levels are available – these plants are well suited to shady spaces with indirect sunlight.
Swiss cheese plants like to climb, so your best bet is to set it up with a moss pole or another form of vertical support.
Note: Swiss cheese plants can be toxic so it’s important to keep them out of reach of young children and pets.
6. Spider plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum) gets its name because of the mini spider-like plants that dangle down from the mother plant like spiders on a web – and it’s thought to be one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It can prosper in various conditions and generally suffers few problems, other than brown tips when the air is too dry.
Spider plants don’t appreciate too much direct sunlight, as it can cause them to overheat and become crispy, so it’s best to keep them in shady spots that benefit from moderate, indirect sunlight.
Coming in a number of varieties, including solid green and variegated white, these air-purifying plants will flourish in pots, hanging baskets, or other containers where they have enough room to spill over the sides.
7. Cast iron plant
Incredibly popular with the Victorians, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) was given its name because of its near-indestructibility – a trait shared with a cast-iron pan.
The cast iron plant is popular for its arching, glossy green leaves, which can grow to more than half a metre in length.
Used to growing in shady areas with low light and little water underneath large trees in China and Vietnam, this hardy plant is pretty happy to take care of itself.
That being said, it’s best placed away from strong, direct sunlight as this can lead to dry patches or brown spots on its leaves, which usually indicate sunburn.
8. Mother-in-law's tongue
The mother-in-law’s tongue plant (sansevieria trifasciata) is a flowering species that originates from West Africa.
In line with its long, sword-like leaves, this plant also goes by names like ‘viper’s bowstring hemp’, ‘Saint George’s sword’, and ‘snake plant’. While the mother-in-law’s tongue can grow in full sunlight, it’s also equally content in shady areas. With good care, this striking plant can live for many years.
Aside from its easy care routine, the mother-in-law’s tongue is particularly effective at improving air quality because it absorbs toxins like nitrogen oxides.
Note: Mother-in-law’s tongue plants can be toxic so it’s important to keep them out of reach of young children and pets.
9. Peace lily
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are tropical, evergreen plants commonly recognised for their dark green leaves and elegant white ‘flowers’.
Interestingly, what appear to be white flowers are actually specialised leaves (or spathes) that grow as a hood over the peace lily’s actual flowers (which are tiny).
In their natural habitat, peace lilies thrive on forest floors where they receive spotted sunlight and consistently high levels of humidity and moisture. So while peace lilies are championed for their easy-going nature and will survive in a variety of environments, they’ll perform best in conditions that most closely mimic their natural habitat.
Some of the main factors to think about for healthy lilies include providing medium to low light, planting them in the correct sized pot, and most importantly, avoiding overwatering – which is a common reason for a peace lily to die.
Note: Peace lilies are mildly toxic so it’s important to keep them out of reach of young children and pets.
10. Devil’s ivy
Devil’s ivy, or Pothos (Epipremnum), is an exotic vine that’s adapted to become a sturdy houseplant. For those whose homes have limited natural light, Devil’s ivy is an ideal choice as it’s almost impossible to kill – remaining green even if kept in the dark!
The shiny, heart-shaped leaves of Devil’s ivy come in a number of varieties and make for an interesting way to add some greenery to your home. Some of the most popular varieties include Golden Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, and Jessenia Pothos.
Devil’s ivy can either grow up a moss pole or be kept as a trailing plant. Though if you’re short on space, growing on a pole may be preferable to keep the plant compact. It also looks attractive on shelves, in a hanging basket, and when trained along wires on a wall.
However, while Devil’s ivy will happily adapt to the environment of any room in your home, shady spots with indirect light – real or artificial – are always best for optimal growth.
Note: Devil’s ivy can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, so if you have a pet, it’s important to keep the plant out of reach.
11. Chinese evergreen plant
The Chinese evergreen plant (Aglaonema) is one of the most popular houseplants in terms of both aesthetics and durability.
Offering beautifully patterned foliage, Chinese evergreens come in a number of varieties; from those with plain, deep green leaves to other spotted, speckled, or striped variegated types.
Chinese evergreen plants enjoy medium to low-light conditions. And while they do prefer slightly warmer environments with a bit of humidity – ideally no lower than around 16℃ – they remain flexible and will survive in less-than-ideal conditions where necessary.
Note: Chinese evergreen plants can be toxic so it’s important to keep them out of reach of young children and pets.
12. Baby rubber plant
The baby rubber plant (peperomia obtusifolia) is a charming succulent originally found in the rainforests of South America. It’s characterised by its thick, upright stems and glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically a vibrant green but can also have white-green marbling patterns.
The baby rubber plant could be a good option if you have limited space as they tend to remain pretty compact.
When it comes to lighting, baby rubber plants aren’t suited to direct sunlight but can tolerate low, indirect light. In fact, they do especially well in fluorescent, artificial light. As such, they’re a popular choice for shady spots in homes and in offices to decorate desks.
Final thoughts…
Houseplants are a brilliant way to add some life and colour to your home. And the good news is that for those of us who have limited natural light in our houses or flats, there are plenty of plants that can flourish in shadier environments. Even better, the majority are fairly low-maintenance, so even beginner plant parents can get involved!
Check out our article, 11 of the best bathroom plants, for more ideas. And for further reading, you might like to head over to the home and garden section of our website where you’ll find everything from flower and houseplant guides to interior design ideas and inspiration.
What shade-loving houseplants do you have in your home? Have any from this list sparked your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.