Understanding Your Light

Before choosing plants, it helps to know what kind of light a space actually has.

Bright, direct light
Sunlight hits the leaves for part of the day, usually near south- or west-facing windows.

Bright, indirect light
The room is well lit, but the sun does not shine directly on the plant.

Medium light
Natural light is present, but it is softer and often farther away from windows.

Low light
Little to no direct sunlight, common in offices, hallways, and north-facing rooms.

Once that is clear, picking plants becomes much easier. And remember, no plant can go without sunlight. Fluorescents or regular household lightbulbs don’t have the capability to help the plant photosynthesize, so if you are in a literal no-light situation, don’t worry! Limited natural light does not mean plants are off the table. Grow lights make it possible to grow almost any houseplant in almost any room. A simple bulb in a lamp or a small shelf light can turn a dim space into a plant-friendly one and we can help pair you with the right grow light situation at our Garden Pharmacy desk. 

Best Plants for Bright, Direct Light

These plants love soaking up the sun.

Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
Burgundy and variegated varieties show their richest color in strong light. The glossy leaves make a bold statement near sunny windows.

Fiddle Leaf Fig
A bright room keeps this plant upright and full. It prefers steady light and a spot that does not change often.

Croton
Those vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows only appear with plenty of light. This plant brings instant color to sunny rooms.

Cactus and Succulents
Perfect for windowsills and bright kitchens. These plants enjoy lots of light and dry soil between waterings.

Best Plants for Bright, Indirect Light

This lighting level is ideal for many tropical plants.

Monstera
Large, dramatic leaves and strong growth make monstera a favorite for living rooms and open spaces.

Philodendron
From trailing heartleaf to bold varieties like Ring of Fire, these plants thrive in bright, filtered light.

Bird of Paradise
Big leaves and a tropical look come from consistent, bright indirect light.

Pothos
Faster growth and more vibrant leaves appear in brighter spaces, though this plant is very adaptable.

Many variegated plants also fall into this category. They need plenty of bright light to maintain their white or lighter-colored patterns, but direct sun can scorch those pale areas. Bright, indirect light keeps variegation crisp without burning the leaves.

Best Plants for Medium Light

These plants thrive in spaces with steady natural light that is not overly bright or sunny.

Dracaena
One of the most versatile houseplants, dracaena adapts beautifully to medium light. Taller varieties are perfect for filling corners, while compact types work well on tables and shelves.

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
Loved for its patterned foliage and easy care, aglaonema holds its color and structure even without bright sun.

Peace Lily
Medium light keeps peace lilies full and healthy and encourages their signature white blooms.

Ferns
From Boston ferns to rabbit’s foot ferns, these lush plants love softer light and consistent moisture. They bring a soft, classic look to indoor spaces.

Best Plants for Low Light

These plants are ideal for rooms with limited windows or lower natural light.

ZZ Plant
Thick, glossy leaves store water and energy, making this one of the most forgiving low-light plants available.

Snake Plant
Extremely durable and upright, snake plants handle low light and still look sharp and architectural.

Calathea
Known for bold patterns and dramatic leaf movement, calatheas perform well in lower light and add visual interest without needing sun.

Maranta (Prayer Plant)
With soft, trailing growth and striking leaf patterns, maranta is a beautiful option for lower-light rooms and shelves.

The Secret to Healthy Houseplants

Houseplant success comes from placing the right plant in the right light. When a plant fits its environment, growth is stronger, care is easier, and problems become rare. For help identifying the light in a space or choosing the perfect plant, stop by and talk with one of our Green Team experts. To stay inspired and grow with us online, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to explore more gardening tips and ideas.