Succulents are heliophiles, so less sunlight often changes their colors or makes them leggy or compact, signaling a distress call. But certain well-known low-light succulents can thrive even in darkness!
Discover some of the best indoor low-light succulents from the article below.
Table of Contents Show
20+ Low-light Succulents for Dark Appartments
Low light means the type of direct sunlight that falls on the plant after it gets obstructed by a translucent object.
However, a spot about 3-5 feet from an open south-facing or west-facing window or 10 feet away from grow lights can also invite low light for them.
If you do not find the perfect place for low light, dark corners in a medium-light room are ideal.
Along with the sunlight requirements and a proper placement area, you must consider other cultural care requirements for succulents.
So, look at 27 low-light succulents, their characteristics, and the ideal indoor placement within your house.
1. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical Regions of Central and Southern America and Africa (Dry Tropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Trailing Evergreen Perennial Lithophytic or Epiphytic Low-light Succulents
General Features
- It hails from the Cactaceae family but grows in tropical regions, unlike other desert-growing succulents or Cacti.
- The slender and green leaves are fine and needle-like similar to the ones found in Pines and some Ferns.
- Stems are round and branched, producing flowering stalks with a single white flower at the tip.
- These have slow growth rates, reaching 6 feet long and spreading 2-5 feet but enjoy a long flowering spell if grown properly.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (1-6 hours daily) depending on the sunlight intensity (morning to evening)
- Near shaded east-facing, open north-facing, or 3-5 feet away from afternoon west-facing windows
- About 10 feet away from 12-16 hours of artificial lights if the sunlight is dim
2. Snake Plant (Sanseveria trifasciata)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical Regions of Africa (Central Dry Tropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Rhizomatous Geophytic Low-light Succulents
General Features
- Snake Plants belong to the Asparagaceae family but are deemed low-light succulents because of the fleshy leaves.
- The sword-like, flat, and greenish-marbled leaves with yellowish edges shoot out from an underground stem called a rhizome.
- It’s among the few plants that can purify the indoor air from toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- As they grow slowly indoors, Snake Plants can reach anywhere between 6 inches and 8 feet tall but rarely grows above 3-4 feet.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (5-10 hours daily) depending on the sunlight’s intensity
- Near a dappled east-facing or undisturbed north-facing window or 3-5 feet away from an open south-facing window
- About 10 feet away from 12-14 hours of artificial lights during less natural sunshine
3. Kalanchoe Plant (Kalanchoe species)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical and Subtropical Old World (Central to Southern Africa and Southeast Asia)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial or Biennial (rarely Annual) Succulent Herb
General Features
- Kalanchoes belong to the Crassulaceae family. The members of this family can photosynthesize even at night in complete darkness.
- The leaves of Kalanchoes are green and thick, with long or many narrow ridges and furrows along the edges supported by equally thick and fleshy stems.
- Besides their medicinal importance, leaves also allow the plant to propagate vegetatively by growing many plantlets from the furrows.
- With medium to fast growth rates, individuals of Kalanchoe varieties can get anywhere between 6-40 inches tall.
- After the first flowering cycle, Kalanchoes need 14 hours of darkness for 6-8 weeks to trigger a rebloom.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (6-8 hours daily) depending on the season
- Near a dappled east-facing window, an unobstructed north-facing window, or 3-5 feet away from an open south-facing window
- Keep them under grow lights for 12-14 hours daily during cloudy days
4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Native Range/ Habitat
Central and Southeast Mexico and Mexican Gulf (Dry Tropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Trailing Evergreen Perennial Lithophytic or Terrestrial Low-light Succulents Herb
General Features
- Burrow’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, belongs to the Crassulaceae family with the ability to prepare its food without light.
- The succulent leaves are lime-green, curved and tapered, cylindrically triangular, and cluster around succulent stems.
- Sedums have a quick growth rate attaining stem lengths of 1-4 feet in 6 years.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (2-6 hours daily) conditional to seasons
- About 3-5 feet away from an open or dappled south-facing or near a partially shaded east-facing window
- Grow under at least 12 hours of artificial lighting during the days of less sunlight
5. ZZ Plant (Zamiculous species)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical Regions of Eastern and Southern Africa
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Rhizomatous Geophytic or Lithophytic Herb
General Features
- It belongs to the family Araceae, with all the parts from leaf to roots loaded with oxalate crystals toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
- Further, the fleshy, glossy green, ovally-elliptic leaves can grow new roots from the tip of petioles once detached from the plant.
- ZZ plant’s main stem is present underground and is called a rhizome.
- Spathe and Spadix form the main inflorescence of the plant, a characteristic feature of aroids.
- Additionally, with fast growth rates of 6-16 inches per season, ZZ plants can attain a height and spread of 2-4 feet at maturity.
Light Requirements & Location
- Indirect Bright (6-10 hours daily) depending on the seasons
- About 3-5 feet away from south or west-facing, or near a dappled east-facing window
- Offer 12-14 hours of artificial lighting to cover the need for sunlight
6. Holiday Cacti (Schlumbergera species)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical Forests of Southeastern Brazil
Lifespan & Habit
Evergreen Perennial Epiphytic Low-light Succulents
General Features
- Belonging to the Cactaceae family, the common name for this cactus comes from its blooming habit during the holidays (Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving days).
- The plant lacks leaves but has fleshy, flattened, green, leaf-like arched stems called ‘cladode,’ which are photosynthetic.
- Additionally, each stem consists of marginal serrations with ‘areoles’ at their tips from where the flowers or hairs emerge.
- Although Schlumbergeras constitute the same family as other cacti, it is the only genus that prefers to grow in humid rainforests than deserts.
- Schlumbergeras need 14 hours of complete darkness to set off flowering.
Light Requirements & Location
- Stippled (Obstructed) Light (8-10 hours daily), depending on the seasons
- Near a dappled east-facing or open north-facing window or 3-5 feet away from west-facing windows
- 12-14 hours of artificial lighting during winter to make up for the lack of sunlight
7. Zebra Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata)
Native Range/ Habitat
Cape Provinces (Occupying Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Evergreen Perennial Succulent Herb
General Features
- Zebra Haworthia plants are slow-growing, low-light succulents that can live up to 50 years but spires no more than 4-8 inches in height.
- Like Aloe Veras, Zebra Haworthia belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, harboring equally vital medicinal benefits.
- The green, succulent, linear, and attenuated tapering leaves arise in rosettes from the base close to the ground.
- The name ‘Zebra’ Haworthia comes from the white dots present on the outer surface of the leaves, giving it a zebra effect.
- Moreover, the plant changes the color of its leaves, responding to the intensity and duration of the incident light.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (2-6 hours daily) with additional exposure to darkness for the rest of the day
- Close to a partially shaded east-facing window or 3-5 feet away from an open south-facing window
- About 12-14 hours of grow lights to cope with the lack of natural light
8. Bear Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)
Native Range/ Habitat
Cape Provinces (Occupying Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Low-Growing Evergreen Perennial Succulent Subshrub
General Features
- Bear Paws are also called Bear Claw or Cat Paw as their leaves are lined by tiny reddish ‘teeth,’ resembling the fore palm of a bear or cat.
- The plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which means it falls among the few groups of exclusive succulents that can prepare its food at night.
- Moreover, the leaves are ovate, thick, fuzzy, and succulent arising from the fleshy, hairy stems.
- Bear Paws are slow-growing, low-light succulents and reach a height of around 30 centimeters when met with correct light and watering needs.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Speckled Light (3-6 hours daily), conditional to seasonal changes
- Near a dappled east-facing or 3-5 feet away from the partially bright south or west-facing window
- Around 12-14 hours of artificial lights during winter or lack of sunlight
9. Ox-tongue Plant (Gasteria species)
Native Range/ Habitat
South Africa (Cape Provinces, Namibia, & KwaZulu-Natal)
Lifespan & Habit
Clumping or Erect Evergreen Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Herb
General Features
- Ox-tongues hail from the family Asphodelaceae, resembling the growth and flowering habit of Aloe Vera or Zebra Haworthia.
- The common name ‘Ox-tongue’ is due to the long, broad, flat, green, fleshy, and sometimes speckled rosulate leaves, mirroring the tongues of oxen.
- They are slow-growing, low-light succulents at a height of 4-39 inches and spread of 12-36 inches.
- Upon accidental or intentional breakage of leaves or stems, the plant oozes a milky sap but is safe for humans and pets.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (2-6 hours daily) depending on the natural light intensity
- Near a partially shaded east-facing or 3-5 feet from a shaded south or west-facing window
- About 10 feet away from artificial lights set for 14-16 hours daily to cope with less sunshine
10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Native Range/ Habitat
Hajar Mountains of Oman (Dry Arid Zones)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Succulent Arborescent Herb or Subshrub
General Features
- Surprisingly, Aloe Veras are poisonous to pets but medicinally beneficial plants for humans hailing from the Asphodelaceae family.
- The trademark of Aloes is their rosulate linear, green, or grayish-green to silver leaves with pointed tips and marginal serrations.
- Aloe Vera leaves arise from a horizontal underground stem, ‘stolon,’ with roots sprouting from the stolon’s base.
- The plant is a slow to moderate grower, reaching 1-3 feet tall in 3-4 years with an annual growth rate of one new leaf monthly during spring and summer.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Dappled Light (5-8 hours daily), conditional to the seasons
- Near a partially shaded east-facing or west-facing or 3-5 feet from an open south-facing window
- Keep about 10 feet away from artificial lights for 14-16 hours daily
11. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
Native Range/ Habitat
Cape Provinces (Occupying Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Ground-dwelling Evergreen Perennial Succulent Herb
General Features
- Although the plant is a succulent, String of Pearls belongs to the family Asteraceae, with Sunflowers and other Aster members.
- The lime-green round to spherical leaves features a longitudinal translucent stripe and pointy tips attached to the trailing stems.
- Additionally, as a fast-growing succulent, the plant can easily get 1-2 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide, growing every 5-15 inches annually during spring and summer.
- Curios are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Hence it’s better to avoid ingestion or contact with their sap.
Light Requirements & Location
- Indirect Bright (4-8 hours daily), depending on the sunlight intensity
- Near an open north-facing, dappled east-facing or 3-5 feet away from a partially shaded south or west-facing window
- Keep it 10 feet away from the artificial lights for 13-18 hours daily during days with less sunshine
12. Wax Plant (Hoya species)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical to Subtropical Regions of Asia to West Pacific
Lifespan & Habit
Vining or Creeping Evergreen (Sometimes Epiphytic) Perennial Shrub
General Features
- Hoyas belong to the ‘Dog Bane’ family, the Apocynaceae. The members of this family are known to produce a milky sap.
- Moreover, Hoyas leaves, and flowers have a fuzzy but shiny appearance. Hence, Hoyas are also commonly called Porcelain or Wax Plants.
- Hoyas have a slow-moderate growth rate, taking about 2-7 years to bloom, attain a height of 2-4 feet, and spread 12-20 feet or even more in the wild.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (2-6 hours daily), depending on the natural light’s intensity
- Near a dappled east-facing or 3-5 feet from open south or west-facing window
- Keep about 10 feet away from 12-14 hours of artificial lights during winter or to cover the sunlight needs
13. Ponytail Palm Tree (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Native Range/ Habitat
Mexico (Mexico Gulf, Northeastern, and Southeastern Mexico)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Broadleaf Shrub or Tree
General Features
- The common name for Ponytail Palm, Elephant’s Foot Palm, comes from its habit of producing large caudex at its trunk or near the plant’s base.
- Moreover, the caudex serves as an organ for storing water, making it adaptable to the dry regions of its habitat.
- The linear, grass-like leaves are curly and green, sprouting from the top of the plant, appearing like ‘Ponytails.’
- Ponytail Palms have a slow-growth rate, reaching about 10-12 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide, doubling their height every 1-2 years.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (5-8 hours daily), conditional to the seasons
- Near a shady east-facing window or 3-5 feet from an open south-facing or west-facing window
- Offer daily artificial lighting for 14-16 hours about 10 feet away
14. String of Bananas (Curio radicans)
Native Range/ Habitat
Cape Provinces and Northern States of Africa
Lifespan & Habit
Creeping or Vining Evergreen Perennial Succulent Herb
General Features
- The String of Bananas gets its common name from the leaf shape resembling bananas.
- Additionally, the succulent leaves are light to dark green and oppositely arranged to each other along the draping and thin stems.
- The String of Bananas, like String of Pearls, belongs to the Asteraceae family but bears succulent characteristics and acclimates easily to dry habitats.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (5-6 hours daily), depending on the changing seasons
- Near a partially covered east-facing or open north-facing window
- Situate about 10 feet away from 13-18 hours of artificial lighting to match the sunlight needs
15. Devil’s Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides)
Native Range/ Habitat
Tropical and Subtropical Regions of Mexico, Central America, and Northern South American States
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Succulent Herb or Shrub
General Features
- Devil’s Backbone gets its name from the zig-zag pattern of its oppositely arranged green leaves along upright but slightly crooked stems.
- The plant leaves are variegated with green and white splashes but become pink during rising temperatures.
- Moreover, the leaves and stems of the plant are succulent and equipped with water-storage tissues.
- Belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, the plant oozes peculiar white latex when hurt, which is moderately poisonous to pets and humans.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Dappled (4-8 hours daily), conditional to seasonal changes
- Near a dappled east-facing or open north-facing window
- Provide 12-14 hours of artificial lights kept 10 feet away
16. Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata)
Native Range/ Habitat
Dry Regions of Central and Southwestern Mexico
Lifespan & Habit
Rosulate Upright Evergreen Perennial Succulent Shrub
General Features
- Foxtail Agave belongs to the family Asparagaceae, with tall and sometimes dually arching flowering stalk resembling a fox’s tail.
- Additionally, the plant blooms at the end of its life cycle but sets viable seeds as the last act of propagation.
- The lime-green to pale green lanced and succulent leaves of Foxtail Agave arch back, creating a rosulate pattern close to the ground.
- Further, the leaves form a cone-like structure at the center of the plant, from where the inflorescence pops out.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (4-6 hours daily), tentative to seasonal demands
- About 3-5 feet away from uncovered south or west-facing window
- Keep about 10 feet away from artificial lights for 12-14 hours daily
17. Hens-and-Chicks (Echeveria species)
Native Range/ Habitat
Southern States of North America, Central America, and Western to Central Parts of South America
Lifespan & Habit
Low-growing Evergreen Perennial (Sometimes Lithophytic) Succulent Herb or Subshrub
General Features
- Hens-and-Chicks show rosette habit, with upward flaring leaves clustering spirally around a central axis.
- These plants belong to the family Crassulaceae, allowing them to prepare their food in complete darkness.
- Each light to dark-green succulent leaf has pointy tips, morphing colors when the plant undergoes light and temperature stresses.
- It is among the few speedy-growing succulent species with an annual growth rate of 6-8 inches.
The common name for the plant, Hens-and-Chicks, comes from the habit of spawning small offsets around its base.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (4-6 hours daily), depending on the seasons
- Near a shrouded east-facing or 3-5 feet away from an open south-facing window
- Sustain 12-14 hours of artificial lights 10 feet away
18. Happy Bean (Peperomia ferreyrae)
Native Range/ Habitat
Wet Tropical Biomes of Peru
Lifespan & Habit
Evergreen Perennial Semi-Succulent Epiphytic Herb or Subshrub
General Features
- Happy Beans or Pincushion Peepromias have long, green, slightly tapering, succulent leaves like green bean pods, hence the name.
- The plant belongs to the Piperaceae family, famous for Piper (Black Pepper) plant and other similar varieties.
- Although the plant has a quick growing habit, it can only get 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide at maturity.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Dappled (4-6 hours daily), subjective to seasonal changes
- Near a dappled east-facing, open north-facing, or 3-5 feet away from an open south or west-facing window
- About 10 feet away from 14-16 hours of artificial lighting
19. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Native Range/ Habitat
Madagascar (Dry Shrubland Biome or Desert)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen or Deciduous Perennial Herb or Subshrub
General Features
- It is believed that the Crown of Thorns was the plant that Jesus wore during the crucifixion, representing its common name.
- The plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, with showy yellow or red bracts encircling the main inflorescence.
- Moreover, the plant leaves and thorny stems are succulent. The thorns are there to reduce the loss of transpirational water from the plant.
- Crown of Thorns has a slow-growth rate with individuals at 2-6 feet tall.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (3-8 hours daily), conditional to the seasons
- About 3-5 feet from open south or west-facing window
- Keep 10 feet away from 12-14 hours of artificial light exposure
20. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Native Range/ Habitat
Malaysia to Northern & Northeastern Queensland of Australia (Wet Tropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Evergreen Perennial Lithophytic or Epiphytic Herb
General Features
- Generally, the mature fronds (leaves) of the plant radiate in a rosette encircling developing fronds at the center, looking like a bird’s nest and eggs.
- The plant grows by fixing its rhizome (roots) to the trunks of tall trees or on rocky substrates.
- Instead of seeds, the plant propagates by producing spores from the underside of its leaves or transplanting via divisions.
- With a slow relative growth rate, unlike other ferns, the whole plant attains a diameter of 3-8 feet in 5-10 years.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (3-8 hours daily), depending on the seasons
- Near a dappled east-facing or open north-facing window
- About 10 feet away from artificial lights set for 12-18 hours to cope with less sunshine
21. Scarlet Ball Cactus (Notocactus haselbergii)
Native Range/ Habitat
Parts of Southern Brazil (Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Low-growing Evergreen Perennial Succulent Subshrub
General Features
- This ball-like cactus hails from the Cactaceae family and is externally covered by several fine white spines.
- The cactus lacks leaves, but its body is green and bears reddish-orange flowers, like Moon Cactus, from late winter to early spring.
- As a slow-moderate grower, Ball Cactus can only get 12 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide at maturity.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (around 6 hours daily), considering the natural light
- About 3-5 feet away from an open south-facing window
- Situate 10 feet away from artificial lights for 12-14 hours daily
22. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Native Range/ Habitat
Parts of Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mozambique (Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Succulent Shrub
General Features
- Thanks to their Crassulacean family heritage, Jade Plants can prepare food even at night.
- Jades have light to dark-green succulent leaves that can change color depending on light intensities.
- As a floriferous plant, Jades bloom throughout late winter to early spring with pinkish-white starry flowers.
- Jade Plants can grow around 3-6 feet tall but with a slow stretching of about 2 inches annually.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Dappled (4-6 hours daily), subjective to seasonal changes
- About 3-5 feet away from an open south or west-facing window
- Locate 10 feet away from 13-18 hours of artificial light exposure
23. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Native Range/ Habitat
Cape and Northern Provinces of Africa (Subtropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Trailing or Climbing Evergreen Perennial Succulent Herb
General Features
- The plant has hearty, deeply veined succulent leaves sorted along wiry, slender stems.
- Moreover, String of Hearts can grow 12 inches long due to its stems adding to the plant’s length.
- Ceropegia belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The plant produces white sap but is non-toxic for pets or humans.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (3-6 hours daily), depending on the seasonal changes
- Near a dappled east-facing, open north-facing, or 3-5 feet away from south or west-facing windows
- Locate 10 feet away from 10-14 hours of artificial light exposure
24. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
Native Range/ Habitat
Madagascar (Dry Tropical Biomes)
Lifespan & Habit
Upright Evergreen Perennial Succulent Subshrub
General Features
- Many fine hairs cover the succulent slivery grayish-green leaves of the Panda Plant to reduce water loss.
- Panda Plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Hence, it can make its food even at night.
- Due to their slow growth, these plants can only reach 1-2 feet tall and 2 feet wide in the wild.
Light Requirements & Location
- Bright Indirect (6 hours daily), conditional to the seasons
- Near a dappled east-facing, open north-facing, or 3-5 feet from open south or west-facing window
- Place 10 feet away from 12-14 hours of artificial light exposure
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
To keep low-light succulents, provide the correct light intensity and be mindful of their placement.
Without light, these plants won’t be able to proliferate indoors and may forgo flowering.
