Best Low-Light Plants for Seattle Apartments
Seattle apartment dwellers know that natural sunlight can be a precious commodity. Between the Pacific Northwest’s frequent clouds and shorter winter days, many Seattle homes don’t get abundant direct sun. Fortunately, you can still cultivate a lush indoor jungle with low-light houseplants that thrive in dimmer conditions. Filling your space with greenery not only adds a touch of nature but can also improve indoor air quality and lift your mood. Below are some of the best low-light plants—all available from the Peace, Love & Happiness Club—and why they’re perfectly suited for apartments with minimal sunlight.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – The Unkillable Air-Purifier
Often first on any low-light list, the Snake Plant is famous for its durability. Its tall, architectural leaves tolerate dim corners and infrequent watering with ease. A compact and classic option for Seattle apartments is the Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, known for its green leaves edged in yellow. Snake plants adapt well to a wide range of indoor lighting, making them ideal for bedrooms, hallways, and north-facing rooms.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Low-Light, Low-Maintenance Superstar
The ZZ Plant is nearly impossible to kill and thrives even when placed far from windows. Its glossy foliage stores water in underground rhizomes, allowing it to tolerate long stretches without watering. A reliable option for low-light homes is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ZZ Plant, which maintains deep green leaves even in dim spaces. For a more dramatic look, the deep purple-black ZZ Raven offers a striking alternative.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Trailing Vine for Dim Corners
Pothos is one of the most adaptable and forgiving houseplants, thriving in low to moderate light and even fluorescent-lit rooms. The variegated Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’ does well in low light, although its variegation may deepen with more brightness. For a bolder pop of color, Neon Pothos maintains bright chartreuse leaves even in dim Seattle apartments. Pothos vines grow beautifully on shelves, bookcases, and hanging planters.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Elegant Blooms in Shade
Peace lilies are known for staying lush and green in low-light conditions while occasionally producing elegant white spathes. A variegated option like Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ adds unique texture with splashes of white across the foliage. These plants prefer indirect light and slightly moist soil, making them well suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, and shaded living spaces.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – Tough as Its Name
True to its reputation, the Cast Iron Plant thrives in deep shade and requires very little maintenance. Slow growing and resilient, it’s ideal for hallways, corners, and low-light entryways. The Aspidistra elatior Cast Iron Plant features long, deep-green leaves that lend timeless structure to indoor spaces.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Colorful Foliage for Low Light
Chinese Evergreens offer some of the most vibrant foliage among low-light plants. For truly dim areas, darker varieties perform best. The Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ is a popular choice for low-light Seattle apartments thanks to its silvery-green patterning and excellent shade tolerance. For areas with a bit more brightness, the red-accented Siam Aurora types may also thrive.
Want More Low-Light Options?
If you’d like to explore additional plants that thrive in shade and minimal sunlight, take a look at the full collection of Low Light Plants from Peace, Love & Happiness Club.