Can a tall plant really grow without sun?
Tall plants generally need more light than small ones, because they have more leaf to support. No plant grows well in total darkness. The honest version of this topic is: some tall plants tolerate low, indirect light and hold their shape, but they grow slowly and may stay shorter than the heights you see on plant tags.
“Doesn’t need sun” in this article means no direct sun. Each plant below still wants daylight from a window, even if it is a few feet back from the glass.
Tall plants that tolerate low light
Heights below are rough, because indoor growth depends on light, pot size and age.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Upright, sword-shaped leaves. Some varieties stay compact, while taller types can reach a few feet indoors. It is very tolerant of low light and irregular watering, but grows slowly in dim spots. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Dracaena (corn plant, Janet Craig, Lisa, dragon tree)
Dracaenas are a classic answer to the question of height in a low-light room. Several types can reach well over head height indoors in good conditions, although growth is slow. They prefer indirect light and can be sensitive to fluoride and minerals in tap water (brown tips). See is dracaena an indoor plant for more on the group. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Broad, arching leaves up to a few feet tall. It tolerates shade and cooler rooms but is slow to fill a pot. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Arching stems with glossy leaflets. Larger specimens can reach a couple of feet or more. Slow and low-fuss. Toxic if eaten, with sap that can irritate skin and mouth.
Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) and other shade-tolerant palms
Small to medium palms with soft arching fronds. Parlor palms usually stay on the smaller side, while kentia palms can grow taller over time, but slowly. Both are usually described as tolerant of lower light. Parlor palm is generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Check any other palm before buying, since some palm-like plants (such as sago palm, which is not a true palm) are highly toxic to pets and should never be kept where pets can reach them.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Large specimens can grow fairly tall and will tolerate lower light, though they may flower less. Toxic if eaten.
Pothos or philodendron on a moss pole
Vines can be trained upward to make a tall, narrow plant instead of a trailing one (see best climbing plants indoors). They tolerate lower light but grow more sparsely. Both are toxic if chewed.
Plants that look tempting but usually need more light
Fiddle leaf fig, bird of paradise, rubber plant and many large tropical foliage plants are often sold as tall statement plants. They generally want bright indirect light and tend to drop leaves or stretch in dim rooms. If you don’t have a bright window, treat them as short-term decor, or give them a grow light.
How to keep tall low-light plants looking good
- Place them as close to the window as you can. Even a few feet closer can make a noticeable difference.
- Rotate the pot every week or two so growth stays even.
- Water carefully. Slow-growing plants in dim light dry out slowly. Let the top layer of soil dry before watering, and make sure the pot drains.
- Clean the leaves. Dust blocks light. Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth.
- Add a grow light if growth stalls. A simple full-spectrum bulb in a floor or clip lamp, left on for several hours a day, can help in a very dim room.
- Use a stable, heavy pot. Tall plants can tip over, especially if pets or children are around.
Humidity and dry indoor air
Brown leaf tips are a common complaint with palms and dracaenas (our indoor palm care guide covers palm problems), and they can come from dry air, mineral build-up in the soil, or uneven watering. Raising humidity a little may help some tropical plants. Grouping plants, using a humidifier, or keeping plants away from heating vents can help. A pebble tray gives only a small, local effect. If tips brown and the soil is always wet, suspect overwatering instead.
Where to put them
Corners away from windows are the most difficult spots. If your only space is a corner, consider a grow light rather than relying on the plant to adapt. For windows facing north, where the light is steady but weak, see our tall plants for a north-facing window guide, and for a broader overview of dim-room options, see easy low-light houseplants.
Common questions
What are the best tall indoor plants for low light?
Snake plants, dracaenas, cast iron plants and shade-tolerant palms are commonly suggested. All will grow slowly in dim light.
Do plants remove toxins or “mold” from the air?
Claims that one plant removes a large percentage of mold or toxins from the air are not well supported for normal homes. Choose a plant for how it looks and how well it suits your room.
How can I increase humidity for my plants?
A humidifier near the plants is the most reliable method. Grouping plants and using a pebble tray may help slightly. Misting has only a brief effect.
Are tall plants safe around pets?
Many are not. Snake plants, dracaenas, ZZ plants, peace lilies and pothos are toxic if eaten. Cast iron plants and parlor palms are generally listed as non-toxic. If your pet chews plants, contact your vet if you suspect it ate something.