10 Best Indoor Plants for Dark Rooms in the UK
(Low-Light Houseplants That Thrive)
If you live in a UK flat or home with north-facing windows, shaded corners, or dim hallways, you might be wondering — can houseplants survive without much sunlight? The answer is a big yes! Many stunning and low-maintenance indoor plants thrive in darker spaces, making them ideal for British homes where direct sunlight can be in short supply.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the 10 best indoor plants for dark rooms in the UK, along with care tips, placement ideas, and where to buy them online. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, these plants will brighten your space — no sun required.
Why Choose Houseplants for Low-Light Rooms?
Dark rooms don’t have to be plant-free zones. In fact, many houseplants are adapted to survive in forests or shaded environments where sunlight is filtered. In the UK, where winter days are short and overcast skies are common, low-light plants are a smart choice for bedrooms, hallways, and offices.
Benefits of low-light houseplants:
Naturally purify the air
Add colour, life, and texture to dull corners
Often require less maintenance
Boost mood and productivity — even in the dark months
🌿 What Makes a Great Indoor Plant for Dark Rooms?
Not all plants can handle low light — some will wither without the sun. The best indoor plants for shade are:
Shade-tolerant or “low light” classified
Thrive in indirect or artificial light
Prefer cooler indoor temperatures
Grow slowly and don’t demand much fuss
Look for terms like: shade-loving, low maintenance, or low light indoor plants when buying.
10 Best Indoor Plants for Dark Rooms (UK Edition)
🌱 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
A UK houseplant favourite, the snake plant is virtually indestructible. It tolerates neglect, grows in shade, and even improves air quality.
Bonus: It only needs watering every 2–3 weeks, making it great for beginners.
🌿 2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is one of the toughest indoor plants out there. Its glossy, dark green leaves love indirect light and it thrives in dry, low-light rooms.
Tip: Avoid overwatering — this plant stores water in its roots.
🌱 3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant survives even the harshest UK indoor conditions — including cold hallways and low light.
Ideal for: Hallways, porches, or shaded entryways.
🌿 4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Known for its beautiful white flowers and air-purifying abilities, the peace lily is happy in filtered light and makes a lush bathroom plant.
Note: Slightly more light = more blooms.
🌱 5. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
This vining plant does brilliantly in indirect light and works well on shelves or hanging baskets. It’s fast-growing and forgiving.
Also known as: The plant that “thrives on neglect.”
🌿 6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Its stunning foliage brings colour to dark rooms, and it doesn’t mind a bit of shade. Very low maintenance, very Instagrammable.
Popular variegated varieties include reds and silvers.
🌱 7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This trailing plant enjoys cool, shady environments — great for those tricky corners or hanging near north-facing windows.
Perfect for: Country cottages or vintage-style interiors.
🌿 8. Dracaena
Tall and slender, Dracaena varieties like the ‘Janet Craig’ do well with minimal light and are excellent statement plants.
Pro tip: Mist occasionally to mimic its tropical origins.
🌱 9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Pet-friendly and child-safe, the spider plant is ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens with little light.
It also sends out baby “pups” — great for propagating.
🌿 10. Philodendron
Heart-shaped leaves and cascading vines make this a go-to for darker rooms. They don’t like direct light, making them perfect for UK flats.
Try: The ‘Heartleaf’ or ‘Brasil’ varieties for lush trailing vines.
🏠 Best Places to Keep Indoor Plants in Dark Rooms
Want to maximise plant happiness in your low-light home? Here are ideal placements:
North-facing windowsills
Bathrooms with filtered light and humidity
Hallways, corners, or bookshelves
Bedrooms away from direct drafts
Tip: Rotate plants every few weeks so all sides get even light exposure.
🌱 How to Care for Shade-Loving Houseplants
Low light = low fuss, but that doesn’t mean no care at all. Here’s how to keep your plants happy:
Water sparingly — low light means less evaporation
Wipe leaves to remove dust and boost light absorption
Use well-draining pots to avoid soggy roots
Fertilise lightly during spring/summer only
Avoid over-pruning — most grow slowly
Winter tip: Keep plants away from radiators and cold windows.
🛒 Where to Buy Indoor Plants for Dark Rooms in the UK
Looking to buy your low-light favourites online? Here are top-rated UK shops that deliver:
Bunches.co.uk – Affordable plant gifts with delivery
Flowers & Plants Co. – Fast London delivery and exotic finds
- Fabulous options to M&S houseplants, John Lewis & Waitrose Indoor Plants
❓ FAQs About Indoor Plants for Dark Rooms
Can indoor plants survive without sunlight?
Yes — many houseplants do well in indirect light or even artificial light alone.
What’s the easiest plant for a dark flat?
Snake plant and ZZ plant are perfect for UK flats with low light and limited space.
Which plants are safe for pets?
Spider plant and calathea are good pet-friendly options for dark rooms.
Will low light affect flowering?
Yes — most flowering plants need some light to bloom, but foliage plants thrive just fine.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Living in a darker UK home doesn’t mean sacrificing greenery. From snake plants to spider plants, there are plenty of houseplants that thrive in low light and need very little care. So whether you’re decorating a hallway or brightening up a shaded bedroom, these low-maintenance stars will deliver style and serenity — all year round.
👉 Looking for more inspiration? Read our beginner’s guide to houseplant care in the UK or shop the best indoor plants online here.