21 Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight!

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
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Are you looking for Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight? Grow one from the list that we have for you!

When it comes to growing palms in homes, people generally prefer the popular ones like Areca and Majesty palm, as they need some direct sunlight exposure to thrive well. However, there are more Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Direct Sunlight that you must consider! Read on!


Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight

‘No sunlight’ in this article doesn’t mean abject darkness. It means exposure to indirect or filtered daylight. It is a fact that compared to other palm trees, the species in this list can tolerate low light better.

1. Kentia Palm

Low Light Indoor Palms 1

Botanical Name: Howea forsteriana

This slow-growing Indoor palm low light palm looks magnificent in the lobby area and living rooms with its tropical fronds. It does well in low light and low humidity. The plant also purifies indoor air while looking elegant in the corners!

2. Bamboo Palm

best Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight!

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea

Instead of growing bamboo indoors, which can be quite a tough task, you can enjoy a similar view by growing this palm! It thrives in indirect light and looks fantastic with its bamboo-like fronds.

3. Lady Palm

 Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight!

Botanical Name: Rhapis excelsa

If you don’t have a spot in your room that gets direct sun, don’t worry, as it comes at the top among Low light indoor palms. Lady palm has a beautiful variegated version too that you must not miss!

How to Grow Lady Palm Indoors

4. Parlor Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans

This drought-tolerant Low light indoor palm is quite attractive and looks great with its very thin leaflets. The plant does well in low-light situations. It is also quite a potent palm in handling lower temperatures.

5. Fishtail Palm

best Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun
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Botanical Name: Caryota

The foliage of this palm has ragged edges that resemble the tail of a fish, hence the name. It does best in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. The plant also achieves a good height indoors, which is why it should be your choice if you want to create a statement.

6. Metallic Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms Without Sunlight Requirement
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Botanical Name: Chamaedorea metallica

This beautiful palm plant doesn’t look like your usual Low light indoor palms. It’s different and decorative due to its blue-green fronds with a metallic sheen. It tolerates low light better than many other palms.

Check out more metallic sheen indoor plants here

7. Chinese Fan Palm

Amazing Indoor Low Light Palms Without Sunlight Requirement

Botanical Name: Livistona chinensis

Also famous as the fountain palm, the plant looks lush and green in medium to large containers. You can easily have it indoors in a spot that gets bright light and grow these Palms for indoors low light with ease.

8. Rhapis Palm

Indoor Palms That Don't Need Sunlight: Low Light Variations

Botanical Name: Rhapis spp.

The Rhapis Palm is another excellent choice for low-light indoor spaces. Its distinct fan-shaped leaves bring a touch of elegance to any room. While it’s known for its ability to thrive in low light, it can also tolerate a range of indoor conditions.

9. Ponytail Palm

top best Indoor Palms That Don't Need Sunlight: Low Light Options!

Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata

Don’t let its name fool you; the Ponytail Palm is not a true palm, but it looks and behaves like Low light indoor palms. This unique plant stores water in its bulbous base, allowing it to endure low-light environments with grace.

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10. Spindle Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun
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Botanical Name: Hyophorbe verschaffeltii

The Spindle Palm is a distinctive Indoor low light palm known for its unique, spindle-shaped trunk and elegant fronds. While it prefers some indirect light, it can tolerate lower light levels, making it an intriguing choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.

11. Zamia Palm

Low Light Indoor Palms 1

Botanical Name: Zamia spp.

The Zamia Palm, sometimes called the “Coontie Palm,” is a low-light champion. With its prehistoric appearance and a collection of sturdy, feather-like fronds, it’s a unique addition to your indoor garden.

12. Sago Palm

best Low Light Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight!
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Botanical Name: Cycas revoluta

The Sago Palm is another palm imposter, as it’s technically a cycad. However, its fern-like appearance and adaptability to low light conditions make it an appealing choice among Indoor palms for low light.

13. Neanthe Bella Palm

 Indoor Palms That Need No Sunlight!

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans ‘Bella’

The Neanthe Bella Palm is a delightful addition to Low light indoor palms. Its delicate fronds and compact size make it perfect for smaller spaces. This palm is a great choice for offices or rooms with limited natural light, as it thrives in indirect sunlight.

Neanthe Bella Palm Care | How to Grow Parlor Palm Indoors

14. Ruffled Fan Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun
happyhouseplants

Botanical Name: Licuala grandis

The Ruffled Fan Palm is a striking choice for low-light environments. Its large, circular leaves create a dramatic and tropical focal point in any room. While it appreciates some indirect light, it can thrive in low-light conditions.

15. Dwarf Palmetto

best Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun
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Botanical Name: Sabal minor

The Dwarf Palmetto, scientifically known as Sabal minor, offers a resilient and intriguing option for indoor gardening. Originating from the southeastern United States, this palm species can adapt to indoor settings with ease.

16. Pygmy Date Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms Without Sunlight Requirement

Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii

The Pygmy Date Palm is a small, elegant Low light indoor palm that thrives in low light and can fit into compact spaces. Its feathery fronds give it a graceful appearance, and it can also tolerate low humidity, making it a versatile choice for indoor environments.

17. Cane Palm

Amazing Indoor Low Light Palms Without Sunlight Requirement

Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens

The Cane Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is a low-light-tolerant palm with feathery, arching fronds. It’s a great choice for adding a touch of the tropics to your home while requiring minimal sunlight.

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18. Kentiopsis Palm

Indoor Palms That Don't Need Sunlight: Low Light Variations

Botanical Name: Kentiopsis oliviformis

The Kentiopsis Palm is an ideal choice among Low light indoor palms. It boasts elegant, pinnate fronds and can tolerate lower light levels while maintaining its graceful appearance. This palm is an excellent addition to homes or offices with limited natural light.

19. Cat Palm

top best Indoor Palms That Don't Need Sunlight: Low Light Options!

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea cataractarum

The Cat Palm is a charming and adaptable palm that can tolerate low-light conditions. Its feathery fronds add a tropical touch to your indoor space. This palm is an excellent Low light palm indoor choice for homes or offices.

20. Fan Palm

Indoor Low Light Palms That Don't Need the Sun

Botanical Name: Licuala spp.

Fan Palms, belonging to the Licuala genus, encompass a variety of palm species with unique fan-shaped leaves. While some varieties may prefer brighter light, certain species within this group are Low light indoor palms.

Check out the best cold-tolerant palm trees here

21. Broadleaf Lady Palm

Low Light Indoor Palms 1

Botanical Name: Rhapis excelsa

The Broadleaf Lady Palm, a robust variety of the classic Lady Palm, is a superb choice for low-light indoor spaces. Its distinctive broad, fan-shaped leaves and elegant appearance make it a favored option among indoor garden enthusiasts.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. I need a new palm tree for my living room.
    The area gets low to med light every day.
    Last TWO palms I had, (I think they were parlor palms) got white furry stuff on the leaves often.
    I would spray clean the leaves and branches with fungus type spray…
    Leaves got brown tips all the time. Not sure if I was over watering or underwatering…
    Always trimming dead till there was nothing left.
    They always started out so big & beautiful!!
    Suggestion on a different low light palm? Cannot be poisonous to cats!

  2. You posted this a while ago. I’ve had similar experiences with palms. There is a threat to over all health when overwatering, so only water when topsoil is dry…about inch (to first digit of you index finger), but also spray with been oil and water. Add a little to the soil too. I use it outdoors to control everything.

  3. Glad to see they didn’t list Majesty or Acrea palms which are the most common bought for indoors. Majesty especially will die in low or even medium light and without a lot of heat and humidity. I just bought a Kentia palm. I am hoping it does well. I had a pygmy date die on me after looking well and healthy for two years. Just sudden death. Both were expensive with this new Kentia being about 100 US dollars. Yikes.

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