You know that dark little corner of the house—forgotten, kind of dull, but you’d love to see it filled with flowers?
Yeah. I’ve got a few of those spots too.
And for a long time, I thought it was impossible to grow flowers in those areas. I always figured, “Well, they need sun, right?”
But let me tell you something I’ve learned through trial, error, and lots of experiments: yes, there are flowers that thrive in low light. And not only do they survive—they bloom and light up even the darkest room.
If you live in an apartment, have little outdoor space, or want to bring some life to a laundry room, bathroom, or hallway with barely any sun… this article is for you.
Low light doesn’t mean no hope
First of all, let’s get something clear: “low light” doesn’t mean zero light, okay?
Even the hardiest plants need some kind of indirect brightness. That could be a window with filtered light, a shaded area, or even soft artificial lighting.
That said, yes—there really are flowers that do well in low light, and I’ve been growing several of them at home. Let me introduce you to my favorites.
1. African Violet (Saintpaulia): tiny, delicate, colorful
I’ll start with my all-time favorite.
The African violet is the kind of flower that fits anywhere.
It loves soft light and does great near windows that only catch a bit of morning sun.
Here’s what works for me:
- Never water the leaves—just the soil
- Use shallow pots—it has short roots
- Don’t overwater—it rots easily
With these simple steps, mine blooms almost all year round. And the color range is incredible.
2. Peace Lily: one of the most resilient plants I own
If you want something nearly unkillable, go for a peace lily.
It doesn’t ask for much light.
I keep one in the far corner of my living room, away from the window, and it stays happy.
The trick is to keep the soil slightly moist and feed it once a month.
It responds beautifully.
And when that iconic white flower appears? It becomes the star of the room.
3. Anthurium: exotic beauty, even in shade
Another underrated gem.
Anthuriums look like fake flowers—glossy leaves, vibrant blooms, and… they love shade.
Just don’t expose them to strong winds or cold. Closed-off spaces? Even better.
I grow mine in ceramic pots with a light soil mix. Every two months, I add worm compost.
Bonus tip: wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth. They shine like crazy.
4. Spathiphyllum: the peace lily’s big brother
People often confuse spathiphyllum with the peace lily.
And I get it—they’re quite similar.
But spathiphyllum grows a bit larger and adapts even better to low-light environments.
It can handle bathrooms, hallways, and even windowless lavatories.
Give it a little humidity and kindness, and it’ll thrive.
Honestly, it’s one of the best flowers that thrive in low light for beginners.
5. Bromeliad: tropical color in shady corners
Time for a tropical favorite.
Bromeliads are stunning because they bring texture, color, and personality.
And guess what—they do great with shade.
Sure, a bit of filtered light helps. But I’ve kept bromeliads on a shaded balcony and they held up just fine.
The key? Keep water in the central “cup” of the plant, and lightly water the soil now and then.
Follow that, and you’ll enjoy long-lasting blooms.
6. Begonia: delicate and totally charming
Begonias are love at first sight.
Their flowers are dainty, but even their foliage is a showstopper.
Best of all? They’re totally happy with filtered light, partial shade, and humid spots.
I actually grow begonias in a planter in my bathroom.
Yes, the bathroom. And they love it there.
Just avoid strong wind and don’t splash water on the leaves. Other than that? They thrive.
7. Phalaenopsis Orchid: queen of the softly lit space
The famous “moth orchid.”
This one deserves the spotlight because it is one of the flowers that thrive in low light—as long as it gets some indirect brightness.
I keep mine in the kitchen, close to a window but never in direct sun.
They bloom once or twice a year, and the flowers last for weeks.
Quick tips:
- Don’t water daily
- Use a pot with good drainage
- Don’t keep moving it around
Treat it right, and it’ll surprise you with a sudden bloom.
How I care for flowers in low-light spots
Now that you’ve met these lovely species, let me share some general care tips that work across almost all of these flowers that thrive in low light:
- Don’t overwater.
Low light = slower evaporation. So the soil stays moist longer. - Use a light, airy mix.
Something with pine bark, sand, or perlite helps drainage. - Pick breathable pots.
Avoid pots with no drainage. Roots still need to breathe, even in shade. - Keep leaves clean.
Dust blocks what little light they get. Wipe them with a damp cloth now and then. - Rotate occasionally.
Give the whole plant a turn every few weeks for even growth. - Be patient.
Shady plants grow slower. It’s normal. Just stay consistent.
Repeating with care: Flowers that thrive in low light
I want to repeat this because I know how helpful it is, especially for people who love plants but don’t have a sunny balcony:
Flowers that thrive in low light really do exist.
They’re tough, beautiful, and can transform even the gloomiest corners.
All you need is the right species, a little routine, and a spot that’s calm, slightly humid, and softly lit.
My top 3 for first-timers
If you’re just getting started and want safe bets, here’s my list:
- Peace Lily
- African Violet
- Begonia
They’re easy to find, easy to care for, and extremely rewarding.
I started with them—and now I’ve got a growing collection.
What I’ve learned from flowers that thrive in low light
If I had to sum it all up in one sentence:
Low light is no excuse not to grow beauty.
Nature is wise. These plants adapt, bloom in silence, and show us that even away from the spotlight, beauty happens.
Growing flowers in shady spaces has taught me to pay attention, to slow down, and to truly appreciate the quiet moments.
And if you’ve made it this far, I know you’re ready to start this journey too.