Best Plants for Low Light Spaces: FAQs from Our Planting Experts

It’s not uncommon that the projects that we work on rely on carefully curated species selection, industry leading lighting solutions, and special maintenance schedules to make sure that the biophilic schemes that we install deliver not just impact, but lasting impact in low light spaces.

Light is one of the most important factors in plant success. Too little of it, and even the hardiest species, those adapted to life on the shaded rainforest floor, can begin to struggle.

To help you make the most of your greenery, our experts have answered some of the most common questions we receive about caring for plants in lower light offices. We have also shared a few of our favourite species for these environments, which you can explore below.

If you would like to see our full list of suggested plants, you can head to our blog on the six best office plants plants for low light.

Put simply, “low light” means the places where your plants just don’t get much natural sunlight. These are the corners and corridors that most low light indoor plants call home.

Typically, when we refer to “low light,” we’re talking about low levels of natural light. As you move further away from a window, light levels drop exponentially. Combine this with the already sun-starved climate here in the UK, and light levels in the deeper areas of office spaces, which often lack daylight anyway, can be surprisingly low.

The inverse square law of light explains this drop. For a plant just a few metres from a window, it may receive only a fraction of the light it would get directly from the sun. This is why plants for dark offices need to be chosen carefully, thriving in places where light is a luxury rather than a guarantee.

Certainly they can!

Many of the indoor plants used in office environments are naturally adapted to low light conditions.

Most of the species we use in commercial spaces come from rainforest habitats, where the climate is steady and sunlight filters through dense layers of canopy. These plants have evolved to thrive in the shade, growing lower down where light is limited but consistent.

Adapted species often have broader leaves, slower growth, and incredibly efficient photosynthesis. In fact, too much sunlight can actually harm them. In the softer, filtered light of an office, these plants don’t just survive, they flourish.

Sansevieria (snake plant), Aglaonema, and Pothos are among the most well-known choices, and they also happen to be some of the best low maintenance plants around.

These species perform well in lower light because they are naturally hardy. Plants like Pothos and Aglaonema often climb existing vegetation or grow along the forest floor, which means they are perfectly adapted to thrive in the shade.

There are also occasions where replica or preserved planting can be the ideal choice. These options can create a striking visual impact in darker areas, though they do lose some of the air-purifying benefits that living plants provide.

Caring for low light plants is all about balance and consistency.

Because these plants grow more slowly and use less energy, they do not need watering as often as those that love the sun. Check the soil regularly and water only when the top layer feels dry to the touch.

Overwatering is the most common mistake. When water lingers around the roots, it can cause rot and lead to wilting. Aim for light but regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.

Dust and grime can block valuable light, so gently wipe leaves every few weeks to help them absorb what light they receive. Rotating your plants occasionally will also keep their growth even, ensuring every leaf gets its fair share!

Yes, they do! Even in dim spaces, low light plants make a noticeable difference.

Shade-tolerant plants continue to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, subtly improving indoor air quality. Beyond that, any greenery, whether living, preserved, or replica, supports wellbeing by bringing a sense of calm, reducing stress, and improving focus.

These benefits are at the heart of biophilic design, which connects people with nature through thoughtful interiors. At Plant Plan, we apply these principles across all our projects, helping workplaces feel healthier and more balanced.

Yes, artificial lighting can help plants thrive where natural light is limited.

Modern LED grow lights can provide the specific wavelengths that plants need to photosynthesise and stay healthy. It is important to understand the difference between decorative lighting and horticultural lighting. Decorative lighting enhances ambience, while grow lights are designed to replicate the quality of sunlight that plants rely on.

Plant Plan design schemes can integrate both, ensuring that every plant receives the light it needs, even those tucked away from windows.

Start by understanding your space and how light moves through it. Even in a low light office, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your planting while keeping your chosen species healthy and thriving.

The best low light planting schemes begin with careful observation. Knowing where natural light reaches and where it fades helps ensure that every plant is perfectly placed. For your home office space however, don't worry too much! So long as you choose one of the low light loving plant species we've mentioned, you should be just fine!

For larger offices, it may be worth considering a professionally designed planting scheme. A specialist can assess light levels, recommend suitable species, and create a design that thrives in your space year-round.

Low light doesn’t mean lifeless. With the right mix of species, lighting, and care, even the dimmest corners can become lush, uplifting spaces that feel alive. The secret lies in thoughtful design, understanding how light moves, and selecting plants that are perfectly suited to their environment.

At Plant Plan, we’ve spent years creating planting schemes all across the UK that thrive where sunlight is scarce. Whether it’s through living, preserved, or replica planting, our team knows how to bring biophilic design to every space, bright or shaded.

If your office could use a little green inspiration, get in touch with our design team. We’ll help you create a low light planting scheme that not only survives but truly flourishes.