From bedrooms to living rooms, plants add instant style and warmth to any space. They’re good for our mental and emotional health too. Ongoing research has shown plants can boost mood, relieve stress, improve sleep, and help concentration. Not too bad for a little green plant!

But what if your home isn’t filled with bright sunny windowsills where you can display your houseplant collection? Not to worry—many houseplants are tropical in origin, where they grow under the shelter of large trees, so they actually prefer more filtered-light conditions. That means many different types of houseplants will do just fine in dark rooms or spots with low light levels such as bedrooms and living rooms or even desktops in your office or WFH space.

But just what does low light really mean? Generally, low light means there’s just enough light to read comfortably without needing to turn on a light. However, light is cumulative for plants, so if a plant gets enough light over the course of the entire day, it should be fine.

In general, east-, west-, and south-facing windows offer the most light for plants, while north-facing windows, especially in the Northeast and Midwest in winter, offer low-light levels. Spaces with no windows likely require an LED grow light for your plant to survive because no plant can live with zero light.

1. ZZ Plant

Zamioculcus zamiiofolia, or ZZ plant, is at the top of our list for its handsome glossy leaves and super-easy-care requirements. It has a strong architectural form, so it’s a great statement plant. It even tolerates neglect, and it only needs watering every couple of weeks.

1. Money Plant

Money tree is one of the top sellers, with good reason. It not only adapts to a variety of environments, including low light levels, but it is purported to bring good luck (and we all could use more of that!). Water every week or two when the soil feels mostly dry.

1. Peace Lily

Bring some zen to your space with a peace lily, which tolerates low light levels just fine. With glossy leaves and interesting white spoon-shaped flowers, this plant is a low-key addition to any room. One caveat: It does not bloom well in low-light conditions but still makes a handsome houseplant.

1. Golden Pothos

It honestly doesn’t get any easier than this plant. With heart-shaped leaves covered in golden splashes and a handsome vining form, golden pothos is a must-have, even if you’ve never grown a single houseplant. Water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry because overwatering is a sure way to kill this plant.

1. Blue Pothos

Baltic blue pothos is incredibly easy to grow. It has a lovely trailing form and a blueish cast that makes it quite eye-catching. It also grows quickly, even in low light. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.

1. Dieffenbachia Crocodile

This brand-new dieffenbachia, discovered only a few years ago and just now commercially available, has unusual foliage speckled with pale green and white. It’s super low maintenance, too, like other varieties of this plant. Water when the top half of the pot feels dry.

1. Blue Star Fern

Blue star fern has a gorgeous blue-green color, and unlike most ferns, it’s completely accepting of lower light levels. Keep the soil slightly moist.

1. Whale Fin Snake Plant

This plant makes a huge impact, showing off with just one leaf! Like other snake plants, it’s incredibly low maintenance. Water sparingly every few weeks.

1. Variegated Schefflera

Creamy yellow and green patterns make this a fun variety of schefflera to add to your home. Water when it’s mostly dry.

1. Parlor Palm

Parlor palm is one of the least fussy palms, so it’s a great choice for adding a tropical vibe to any room. It will grow faster in bright indirect light but adapts fine to low light. Water when the top several inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

1. Dracaena Warneckii

The green and white leaves atop sturdy canes make this dracaena a bright spot for dark corners. Its striking presence is sure to be a conversation starter. Water when mostly dry.

1. Ponytail Palm

Despite its name, the ponytail palm is neither a palm nor a tree. It’s actually a succulent that stores water in its bulbous base. And, yes, it looks just like a messy ponytail! Give it water only when it feels almost completely dry (the pot will feel light when you lift it).