18 Best Plants for a Basement that Need Little Light

Sheri Dorn is a versatile homesteader and culinary artist with a strong focus on organic and heirloom gardening. Holding a Master's degree in Culinary Arts, she combines her love for cooking and gardening in a unique way. Sheri is an active contributor to online gardening communities and enjoys quality outdoor time with her family and pets.
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Explore the best Plants for a Basement and create an inviting atmosphere while improving air quality and reducing stress.

Transform your space below the stairs into a lush green space with our selection of the best Plants for a Basement that can thrive in low-light environments without any fuss!

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Plants for a Basement

1. Lucky Bamboo

The Best Plants to Grow in a Basement with Minimal Light

Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana

Lucky bamboo is a low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a low-light environment. Use filtered or distilled water to prevent chemicals from harming the plant.

2. Chinese Evergreen

The Best Low-Light Plants for a Basement
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Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum

Aglaonema, a popular indoor plant, can be grown in a basement with low to bright indirect light. Darker green varieties can tolerate dimmer conditions, while lighter or variegated ones require brighter light to maintain their colors and patterns.

3. Snake PlantTop Plants that Require Minimal Light for a Basement

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata

The snake plant can thrive in low-light conditions. When selecting a snake plant, choose a less variegated variety as they require less sunlight than those with more colors and patterns.

4. Parlor Palm

The Best Plants for a Basement That Require Little Light1

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans

Parlor palms should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can burn their delicate fronds. They thrive in dim light and can reach a height of 6 feet in a basement environment. Only mild sunlight, such as during dawn or dusk, is suitable for these plants.

5. Pothos

The Best Plants to Grow in a Basement with Minimal Light1

Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a great choice for your basement apartment indoor garden. It is a champ when it comes to handling low light.

6. Baby Rubber Plant

The Best Low-Light Plants for a Basement1

Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia

Peperomia plants are a good option for basements as they usually thrive in medium to bright indirect light, but they can also tolerate low levels of indirect light. However, they are not well-suited for intense, direct sunlight.

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7. Cast Iron Plant

Top Plants that Require Minimal Light for a Basement

Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior

Commonly known as the bar-room plant, indicating its ability to thrive in tough conditions. This houseplant is incredibly resilient and can endure neglect and low light.

8. ZZ Plant

The Best Plants for a Basement That Require Little Light
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Botanical Name: Zamioculcus Zamiifolia (Zanzibar Gem)

Its glossy leaves are a great benefit in a dark basement apartment, as they can reflect light and make any room appear brighter.

9. Philodendron

Plants for a Basement
thegingerjungle

Botanical Name: Philodendron

Interestingly, the philodendron isn’t bothered by low light conditions at all. In fact, if you’re looking to grow the heart-leaf philodendron – one of the most popular indoor plants.

10. Spider Plant

The Best Plants to Grow in a Basement with Minimal Light2

Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plant is a great choice for basement apartments as it can thrive in low-light conditions. If you don’t mind foregoing striped cultivars, spider plants can make lovely plant companions in a basement.

11. Swedish Ivy

The Best Low-Light Plants for a Basement2
jardinvistaavila

Botanical Name: Plectranthus verticillatus

Swedish ivy can thrive in a dark basement apartment, and too much light can burn its button-shaped leaves. If there is sunlight, place the plant by a north or east-facing window.

12. Aloe VeraTop Plants that Require Minimal Light for a Basement3

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Aloe vera, a popular species of the aloe genus and a great choice for basements, can thrive in low-light environments and prefers dry air, making it tolerant of low humidity. Additionally, it is a highly valued medicinal plant.

13. English IvyThe Best Plants for a Basement That Require Little Light6

Botanical Name: Hedera helix

With its green lobed leaves that have creamy edges, this plant looks absolutely stunning as it gracefully spills over the edges of hanging baskets.

14. Zebra PlantThe Best Plants for a Basement That Require Little Lightc

Botanical Name: Haworthia fasciata

The Zebra plant is known for its distinctive fleshy leaves featuring striking horizontal white streaks resembling those of a zebra. It thrives in low-filtered sunlight.

15. Rex Begonia

The Best Plants to Grow in a Basement with Minimal Light3

Botanical Name: Begonia rex cultorum

For Rex begonias, bright and indirect light is ideal throughout the year. These plants are not known for producing an abundance of blooms so that they can handle lower light levels compared to other types of begonias.

16. Nerve Plant

The Best Low-Light Plants for a Basement3
greg.app

Botanical Name: Fittonia

Fittonia is a visually striking and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low-light environments. Its small leaves are adorned with bright white or red veins.

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17. Jade Plant

Top Plants that Require Minimal Light for a Basement3
planterra_dz

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata

Although it can adapt to low-light conditions and be grown indoors, it won’t bloom in the absence of sufficient sunlight. It typically thrives in full to partial sunlight but can still grow well in a shaded position.

18. Devil’s Backbone

The Best Plants to Grow in a Basement with Minimal Light1

Botanical Name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Devil’s Backbone can be a stunning addition to your basement. This plant is extremely resilient and can tolerate neglect and low-light conditions.

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