If you keep succulents in your home, it can be a challenge making sure they have enough light. Getting enough sunrays might be especially difficult if you live in an area where the weather is gray and cloudy, or if the windows in your home don’t face bright points—maybe there’s a tree outside blocking the sun, or perhaps you’re in the shade of another building.
Succulents are known for preferring hot, dry areas. Most succulent plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but many can also withstand low-light conditions. As an adaptive, low-maintenance plant type, many succulents can thrive in shady areas.
If you’ve been discouraged from getting a houseplant because your home doesn’t get a lot of sunshine, then don’t fret! There are some succulents that do very well in environments with low light. You can keep these shade-survivors in your home without worrying about whether or not they’ll stay alive. Read on to learn more.
Aloe Vera
The leaves of aloe vera are known for containing gel that can treat skin conditions. It can also survive as an indoor houseplant in low-light environments. Aloe doesn’t need to be watered frequently, so it’s easy to care for, even for the busiest of plant parents. Just be sure to use a well-draining pot and avoid overwatering the plant. You don’t need a green thumb to keep aloe vera in good shape.
ZZ Plants
ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are a popular type of succulent that you likely will find on your Instagram feed. With broad, waxy dark green leaves, they’re an attractive choice for offices and homes. ZZ plants don't need a lot of sun to survive and should be kept in a spot with indirect light. According to a NASA study, this plant purifies the air and removes impurities like xylene, toluene, and benzene. Although this attractive succulent comes with many benefits, it is poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep it away from children or pets.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti do not tolerate long periods of sunshine well. They prefer shade or filtered sun, which makes them an ideal plant to keep inside. This popular cactus blooms beautiful flowers in shades of red and lilac. Unlike many other succulents, holiday cacti prefer humid environments to dry ones. Taking care of a holiday cactus is easy. Make sure your cactus is in a well-draining pot, and do not overwater it. Try to place your cactus by a shady window.
Tiger Aloe
Tiger aloe plants have a distinct look with pointed leaves and light streaks. They are also tiny and do not typically grow more than 10 inches tall. Because of its small size, this aloe plant makes an excellent addition to houseplant collections. Tiger aloes should be watered deeply but not often. They should be completely dry between drenchings. This succulent can be kept by a window or on a coffee table where it can get modest amounts of light. It only needs partial sunlight and is an ideal choice for homes that aren’t in sunny regions.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are nearly indestructible. This succulent is an adaptive species and can survive in surprising conditions—even without bright sunlight. It does very well living in dim rooms. Snake plants are known for their ability to clean the air, making them a fitting choice for bedrooms, offices, or living spaces. They release oxygen at night and get rid of toxins like xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
Jade Plant
The jade plant, also called monkey tree or lucky plant, is a common pick for plant parents. It has woody stems with thick, rounded leaves and resembles a miniature tree. People used to believe that jade plants brought good luck, so the plant was often given to others as a housewarming present. These plants aren’t picky and are very easy to grow. They can scorch under bright sunlight, so it’s best to place them in a spot where they are protected from harsh rays.
Gasteria
Gasteria plants are sometimes called ox tongues because of their rough texture. Full sunlight will cause them to discolor, so you should place them in a spot that doesn’t get too bright. If you notice the leaves of your Gasteria turning white or yellow, this is a sign that it is getting too much light. Place your plant in a shadier spot where it can get mild amounts of light without being overexposed.
