Succulents, cacti included, have a variety of different needs, including varying preferences in light. While most do prefer bright environments, there are succulents that don’t need much light at all! These are perfect for that empty corner of the room or that one apartment window that never seems to get enough direct sun.
This list of low light succulents will help you fill out your collection, even in the shadier areas in your home.
But first, what is considered low light?
A low light environment means that no direct light source will touch your plant. Examples of low light places in your home include an area in a part of a room that doesn’t receive direct light, or on a window sill that sunlight never directly touches. In the northern hemisphere, low light windows are north and north-east facing; it is the opposite for the southern hemisphere.
A great way to test the intensity of light is to look at the shadow that is casted. If the shadow is sharp and crisp, the intensity of the light is bright and direct. The more fuzzy the shadow appears, the lower the light intensity.
Remember, low light does not mean no light. All plants need some source of light for photosynthesis and growth to occur.
If you want plants in a room that doesn’t have windows, you will need a source of artificial light from a plant grow lamp.
Many lists of low light succulents on other sites include succulents that can technically survive with low light, however the majority of them will not thrive. That’s not what I’m going to give you.
This list will highlight an array of unique succulents and other plants that can reach their full potential even in low light conditions.
1. Haworthia fasciata ‘Zebra Plant’
Native to South Africa, Haworthia fasciata ‘Zebra Plant’ is a great indoor plant for new succulent enthusiasts. Similar to the shape of aloe, with dark green triangular tapered leaves covered in white bumpy stripes, this is one of the best indoor succulents for low light conditions.
In order to mimic its natural environment, ensure your ‘Zebra Plant’ is potted in well-draining soil. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Opposite of most succulents, ‘Zebra Plants’ grow at a slower rate during the summer so you’ll need to water less in summer months than in winter months.
If you’re interested in propagating, keep and eye out for new groupings of baby plants that grow out from the base. These can easily be separated and repotted.
- Mature Size: 3” tall, 6” wide
- Hardiness: Zone 10
2. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Snake Plant’
This is a super beginner-friendly and low light succulent! Snake Plants come in a handful of varieties with different length leaves that display different colors, patterns and shapes. These succulents love low light conditions, but don’t do well with a lot of humidity. This means you should avoid placing them in bathrooms.
To water, still saturate the soil, but extend the time between waterings even longer than with other succulents.
Snake Plants can be propagated by its leaves and by division of its root. Healthy leaves that are removed can be planted in soil after being allowed to callous over for 3-5 days.
Leaves can