Looking to bring some greenery into your home but don't have the luxury of ample natural light? Low light succulents might just be the solution for you. In this article, we at Happy Succulent Care will explore the top 12 succulents that can grow happily and healthily in less light conditions or with the help of grow lights. We will also share some essential care tips to ensure your indoor succulents thrive anywhere in your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Low light succulents are a great choice for indoor plants as they are easy to care for and can thrive in low light conditions.
- Some of the best low light succulents for indoor growth include snake plants, zebra cactus, aloe vera, jade plant, and Christmas cactus.
- To care for indoor succulents in low light, provide adequate lighting, use well-draining soil, water sparingly, avoid overcrowding, and monitor for pests and diseases.
What are Low Light Succulents?
Low light succulents are like the cool goth kids of the plant world. While other greenery wilts without constant rays, these unique beauties were made to thrive in dimmer settings. These fascinating plants have evolved to adapt to lower light conditions, allowing them to survive and even thrive in spaces where other plants might struggle.
The wonderful thing about low light succulents is the wide range of shapes and sizes they can take, from trailing vines to tight rosettes, making them perfect for adding visual interest to any room. Their thick, fleshy leaves come in an array of colors and textures, adding a delightful touch of nature to indoor spaces.
12 Best Low Light Succulents to Grow Indoors
Growing low light succulents indoors has become increasingly popular due to their low maintenance and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, making them perfect for desk plants.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Cylindrica)
The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a resilient indoor succulent known for its tall, sword-like leaves that can tolerate low light conditions. This plant prefers indirect sunlight but can also thrive in low-light settings, making it an ideal choice for offices or homes without ample natural light.
One of the most remarkable benefits of the Snake Plant is its air-purifying properties. It is known to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
2. Zebra Cactus (Haworthiopsis Attenuata)
Despite its totally unique look, the Zebra Cactus is an absolute dream tenant. Just pot it up in a well-draining cactus mix, give it a sunny window (or a grow light if needed), and this slow-growing sweetie practically tends itself.
Honestly, the Zebra Cactus might be one of the most low-maintenance houseplants out there after the indestructible Snake Plant. Perfect for forgotten-about office desks and shady corners!
3. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
There's just something innately quirky and fun about the Burro's Tail succulent that makes us smile every time. Like its namesake, this trailing variety features plump, teardrop-shaped leaves daintily spilling over the sides of its pot.
These low light succulents are honestly a vibe in hanging planters, letting those fleshy tendrils cascade down. We've seen some really creative planted whale pottery and seashell displays using the Burro's Tail.
4. Haworthia
Don't be fooled by their small stature - Haworthias pack a serious punch of texture and interest into one petite package. We're talking sculptural, spiraling shapes and uniquely windowed leaf patterns that look straight out of the latest design magazine.
These low light succulents really allow you to have some fun with creative potting and arrangements too. Cluster a few different types together in a funky ceramic bowl for a miniature succulent garden vibe that's equally modern and rustic-chic.
At Happy Succulent Care, we've started nicknaming Haworthias the "millennial succulent" for good reason. Their intricate detailing and contained growth is absolute eye candy for plant lovers with limited space.
5. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
Of all the pet-friendly, low light succulents out there, the tried-and-true Jade Plant has got to be one of the most beloved classics for a reason. These thick-leaved, almost shrubby beauties are just so vibrant and full of life!
This plant thrives in well-lit areas but can also tolerate some shade. Overexposure to direct sunlight might cause leaf burn, so finding that perfect balance is key.
We always recommend the Jade Plant as a wonderful "introduction to indoor succulents" for nervous plant parents. They're incredibly hardy and forgiving, yet still maintain that signature glossy, sculptural look we crave in drought-tolerant greenery.
6. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe Tomentosa)
Okay, we may be a little biased here, but how can you not obsess over the Panda Plant's fuzzy, flocked leaves? They're like the stuffed animal of the succulent world - so soft and touchable!
Even better, these plush bloomers come in a range of rustic earth tones, from minty greens to dreamy rose shades. Their coloring makes them surprisingly versatile in any decor style.
We've been seeing a lot of boho-inspired terrariums and centerpieces incorporating the Panda Plant lately. That velvety texture provides such an interesting counterpoint to sleek ceramics and glass containers.
7. Aloe Vera
There's just something so soothing and rejuvenating about the classic Aloe Vera plant. We at Happy Succulent Care have had numerous customers rave about keeping one of these low light succulents around specifically for their suntanned skin.
One happy plant mom loved whipping out her trusty Aloe Vera after beach days to instantly soothe any burns or dryness. Made her tan literally glow!
Those thick, fleshy aloe leaves are like portable little hydrating stations for the face and body. Functional and beautiful - you really can't go wrong adding some Aloe Vera to your shady indoor garden.
8. Echeveria
For the succulent lovers who want a beautiful small garden at home, look no further than the Echeveria. These perfectly formed rosette stunners come in the most incredible array of vibrant shades -- from bold greens to pastel pinks and reds.
We had one client come in just gushing about how she used a variety of Echeverias as the beautiful, eye-catching centerpiece of her new coffee table terrarium. "It's like having a living bouquet to admire every day!" she raved.
With their stunning yet low-key care requirements, these succulents just need around 4 hours of indirect sunlight, or a grow light is enough to maintain their vibrant colors. Echeverias are the perfect lush accent for dim indoor spaces.
9. Kalanchoe
With their thick, glossy green leaves and clusters of vibrant blooms, Kalanchoes make for a seriously cheerful indoor display! These low light succulents produce bursts of red, orange, pink, and yellow flowers that last for several weeks, bringing nonstop pops of color.
A mature Kalanchoe in full bloom is sure to brighten up even the darkest corner. Place one on your kitchen counter, end table, or shelf where it can soak up 6 hours of bright, indirect light each day to keep the show going.
While in bloom, be sure to give it a weekly drink of water, too. With their compact, bushy shape and easy care, Kalanchoes are the perfect low-maintenance way to introduce some vibrant greenery to any room! Believe us at Happy Succulent Care!
10. Gasteria
There's just something so quirky and eye-catching about the Gasteria's thick, tongue-shaped leaves. With their geometric patterns and colors, these low light succulents have a distinctly sculptural look that blends seamlessly with both minimalist and bohemian decor styles.
We love using different Gasteria varieties in dish gardens or potted arrangements for visual interest. The 'Twilight Zone' hybrid is a stunner with its striped purple-green leaves that develop orange tones when grown in brighter light.
Since Gasterias do best in indirect light or partial shade, they make the perfect tabletop or desk companion for dimly lit rooms and offices. Just be careful not to overwater this drought-lover, and you'll have an enviable desert centerpiece!
11. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
Don't let the name fool you - the Ponytail Palm is actually a unique succulent with the most whimsical, structural shape. Its plump, bulbous trunk supports a cascade of long, slender green fronds that resemble...you guessed it...a ponytail!
This low light succulent's eye-catching silhouette makes it an awesome focal point for indoor spaces. We've seen Ponytail Palms styled beautifully on pedestals, in boho macrame hangers, or just accenting an empty corner with their funky vibes.
While they can handle some direct morning light, Ponytail Palms do their best in bright, indirect rays. Let the soil dry completely between waterings for this drought-loving species - that bulbous trunk stores plenty of moisture already!
12. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
There's nothing quite like the festive floral display of a Christmas Cactus in full bloom! These low light tropicals develop vibrant red, pink, fuchsia, or white blooms over late fall and winter, injecting any space with that signature holiday cheer.
An out-of-season winter bloom can be encouraged by providing your plant with slightly cooler temps and less light for a few weeks. Otherwise, site your Christmas Cactus in a sunny east or west-facing window and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings when not blooming.
With their flat, leafy stem segments and lack of sharp spines, these easy-going cacti make for the perfect low-fuss seasonal decoration that'll last for years.
Care Tips for Low Light Succulents at Home
Caring for low light succulents indoors involves understanding their specific needs to ensure they thrive, from proper lighting and soil to watering and pest management.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Even though low light succulents can tolerate lower light levels, providing them with adequate lighting, such as indirect sunlight, is essential for their health and vibrant leaves.
We at Happy Succulent Care recommend positioning them in bright, indirect light to prevent damage while still giving them the light they need. Placing them near south or west-facing windows is ideal to ensure they receive sufficient natural light.
If natural light is limited, grow lights can be a great alternative, providing a balanced spectrum to simulate sunlight and support healthy growth.
Watering
One of the biggest mistakes with low light succulents is overwatering. In fact, their need less water in low light conditions.
You should only water when the soil is completely dry, usually every once per week. Water deeply until it drains out the bottom, then don't water again until the soil has dried out. In winter, when growth slows, you may water once every two weeks or less frequently.
Soil
Low light succulents need a very well-draining soil to prevent rot from overwatering or lack of air circulation. Use a gritty cactus/succulent soil mix or make your own by combining potting soil with larger proportion of pumice, perlite, or coarse sand.
Air Flow
Good air flow helps prevent disease and pests in low light succulents. Set succulent pots on feet to allow air circulation beneath. A small fan can help move stagnant air periodically.
Avoid Overcrowding
When succulents are placed too closely together, they can compete for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and even pest infestations.
So when you decide to arrange a blow of succulents, remember proper plant spacing. It allows each succulent to thrive and reach its full potential under the lack light condition.
Pruning away dead leaves or stretching stems as needed to maintain the plant's shape and allow light to reach the center is often beneficial.
Our Last notes
In conclusion, low light succulents are a fantastic option for indoor gardening enthusiasts. These versatile and adaptable plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for creating stunning indoor displays without the need for abundant natural light.
By choosing the right varieties, such as some of these 12 best succulents here, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of succulents even in dimly lit spaces. With proper care following our guide, your low light succulents will thrive and add a lush, vibrant touch to your home.
At Happy Succulent Care, we encourage you to experiment with different succulent varieties and create your own unique indoor oasis. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, these incredible plants are sure to bring you joy and satisfaction as you watch them grow and flourish in your home.