8 Low-Light Houseplants That Can Handle Summer Sun

I love bringing nature indoors, but finding houseplants that thrive in different light can be a challenge.

Some plants need lots of sun, while others seem happier with less.

I’ve found a few houseplants that do well in low light but can also handle the bright summer sun.

This makes it so much easier to keep my home green all year.

1) Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

I’m a big fan of the snake plant because it’s so easy to take care of. It’s also called Sansevieria or “mother-in-law’s tongue.”

The plant’s stiff, sword-like leaves stand upright and look cool in any space.

What’s great is how well it handles low-light spots. I can plop it in a corner or a room with barely any sunlight, and it’ll keep on growing.

But it’s also fine with bright, indirect summer sun, which is honestly pretty rare for such a tough plant.

The snake plant doesn’t need a lot of water. I just let the soil dry out before watering again, which is perfect for someone forgetful like me.

This plant adapts to different rooms, so I can move it from my living room to the bedroom without worry. It just keeps looking fresh.

Another plus: the leaves can come in different shades of green. Some even have yellow or white edges, which adds a bit of color wherever I put it.

Snake plants are also known for helping keep indoor air clean. I mean, who doesn’t want a plant that looks good and might help filter the air?

If I’m after a tough plant for both shade and summer sun, the snake plant is my top pick. It’s basically the definition of hard to kill—perfect for beginners.

2) ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is another favorite because it’s ridiculously easy to care for. Even if I forget to water it, it stays happy and green.

Those shiny, waxy leaves look great year-round, honestly.

The ZZ Plant does well in low light, but it can also handle a bit of summer sun if I don’t leave it right in the window. I usually keep mine in indirect sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.

It’s a forgiving plant. If I skip a few waterings, it doesn’t complain—those thick stems and roots store water for a while.

I always make sure the soil dries out before watering again. That helps prevent root rot, which is definitely something to watch out for.

The ZZ Plant grows slowly, which is great if you’re not into constant pruning. I can leave it in the same pot for ages.

It also helps clean the air, which is a nice little bonus. I love seeing those gentle green leaves every day—adds a fresh touch to any awkward corner.

One thing, though: the ZZ Plant isn’t safe for pets or kids to chew on. If friends visit with little ones or animals, I move it out of reach just in case.

If I want a plant that’s both easy and good-looking, the ZZ Plant is always on my shortlist.

3) Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The Cast Iron Plant is just about the toughest houseplant I know. It gets its name for a reason—it can handle a lot without fussing.

I keep mine in spots where the sun shifts throughout the year. When summer hits, I pull it back from hot windows to keep the leaves from scorching.

It grows slowly and doesn’t need much attention. I only water my Cast Iron Plant when the soil feels dry, since too much water is a no-go.

This one has dark green leaves that add a rich color indoors. It doesn’t get very tall, so I usually set it on the floor or a plant stand.

If I forget to water it, the Cast Iron Plant doesn’t seem to mind. Plus, it’s non-toxic to pets, so I don’t worry if my cat brushes against it.

It’s a solid pick for anyone who’s not super confident with plants. If you want something for low light that can also handle a bit of summer sun, I’d say give this one a try.

4) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of those plants that’s just easy to care for. The heart-shaped leaves brighten up any room.

It’s sometimes called “Devil’s Ivy” because it’s hard to kill—which, honestly, is a selling point for me.

Pothos grows well in low light, so it’s a solid choice for rooms without much sun. I can tuck it in a shady corner, and it still looks healthy.

But it’s fine with brighter light in summer, too.

When the sun is strong, I make sure to keep my Pothos out of direct sunlight. The leaves can burn if they get too much sun, so I usually put it near a window with a sheer curtain for that filtered look.

This plant grows quickly if I water it when the top of the soil is dry and wipe the leaves now and then. Some people even grow it in water—pretty wild.

The vines can get long, so I trim them back when they start taking over. If I want more plants, I just snip a stem and root it in water.

Pothos isn’t safe for pets if they take a bite, so I keep mine out of reach—just in case. It has a classic look and fits in almost any room.

Even if I forget to water it, my Pothos bounces back. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a green plant without a lot of hassle.

5) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

I love having a Spider Plant around. It’s wildly popular—probably because it’s simple to care for and looks fantastic in a hanging basket or on a shelf.

Spider Plants can thrive in both low light and bright, indirect light. If my space gets some summer sun, I just move it a bit farther from the window to avoid those harsh rays.

Watering is a breeze. I just let the soil dry a little between waterings—overwatering can be a problem, so I make sure the pot has drainage holes.

One of the fun parts is how Spider Plants grow baby shoots, or “spiderettes.” I snip a few off to grow new plants or give them to friends.

They’re also helpful for cleaning the air, which is a nice perk. My Spider Plant does best in comfy temperatures, somewhere between 65°F and 80°F.

If the leaves turn brown at the tips, I switch to filtered water since they can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

Spider Plants are pet-friendly, so I don’t stress if my cat or dog takes a nibble. This plant makes it easy for almost anyone to enjoy a bit of green indoors, no matter how much the light changes.

6) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

I love how easy the Chinese Evergreen is to care for. This plant does well in low light, but it can also handle brighter spots, like a sunny room in summer.

The leaves come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Some are dark green, while others show off silver or red markings.

These leaves really brighten up a space. I keep my Chinese Evergreen away from direct sunlight, though.

Too much sun can make the leaves lose their color or get brown spots. This plant likes average room temperatures and doesn’t need much water.

I let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Overwatering can hurt the roots.

Sometimes, the leaves get dusty, so I wipe them with a damp cloth. That keeps the plant looking neat and helps it soak up more light.

My favorite thing is how tough this plant is. Even if I forget to water it, the Chinese Evergreen still looks healthy.

If I want my plant to grow well in summer, I check that it’s not in the path of strong midday sun. Filtered light or a spot near a window works best.

The Chinese Evergreen gives my room a fresh, bright look without much effort.

7) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

I love having Peace Lilies in my home because they look so fresh and clean. The green leaves are glossy, and the white flowers pop out and brighten up any room.

Peace Lilies do well in low light, but they can also handle some summer sun. I keep mine near a window with filtered sunlight so the leaves don’t burn.

What’s great is that Peace Lilies are pretty easy to care for. When the soil feels dry, I just give mine some water.

The leaves may droop if it gets too dry, but they perk up quickly after a drink. One thing I always remember is that Peace Lilies are sensitive to overwatering.

I make sure the pot has good drainage, so the roots don’t sit in water. This plant also helps to clean the air, which makes my space feel fresher.

I keep my Peace Lily out of reach of my pets, since it’s not safe for cats or dogs to chew. Peace Lilies add a peaceful touch to any room.

The mix of beautiful leaves and simple flowers makes it one of my favorite easy houseplants.

8) Philodendron ‘Brasil’

I love how easy it is to care for the Philodendron ‘Brasil’. Its leaves have a bold, striped pattern of green and yellow that really stands out in any room.

I can keep my Philodendron ‘Brasil’ in rooms with little sunlight, and it still grows well. This plant does best out of direct sunlight, but it won’t mind some bright light in summer as long as I avoid the harshest rays.

I just need to check that the soil is slightly damp. When the top inch feels dry, I water it.

Overwatering can be a problem, so I’m careful not to let it sit in water. Philodendron ‘Brasil’ also helps clean the air, which makes my home feel fresher.

Its vines grow quickly, so I can trail them over shelves or let them hang down for a lush look. Even if I’m new to plants, this variety is straightforward to care for.

I prune it now and then to keep it bushy and healthy. With its bright color and tough nature, Philodendron ‘Brasil’ is a favorite of mine for low-light spaces that get some summer sun.

Caring for Low-Light Houseplants in Summer

I always make sure to keep my low-light houseplants healthy when temperatures rise. Summer brings more sunlight and heat, so I pay extra attention to how much water and light my plants get.

Watering Tips for Warm Weather

I check the soil often because it dries out faster in the summer. Low-light plants usually don’t need as much water as others, but I don’t let them dry out completely.

I water deeply but less often. When the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, I give the plant a good drink.

If the roots sit in water, they can rot. I use pots with drainage holes to keep extra water away.

During very hot weeks, my plants may need water more than once a week. I watch for drooping or dry, brown leaf edges as a sign it’s time to water.

Using a spray bottle, I gently mist leaves for ferns and calatheas to boost humidity.

Quick Watering Tips:

• Check soil daily during heatwaves.
• Use room temperature water.
• Avoid watering late in the evening.

Adjusting Light Exposure

I keep my low-light houseplants away from harsh midday sun. Even though they can handle some sunlight, too much direct light can burn their leaves.

I move my plants a few feet back from windows or use sheer curtains to filter the light. North- or east-facing windows work best for these plants in summer.

If a spot is too bright, I notice yellow or faded leaves. Plants like snake plants and pothos can take a bit more sun, but they still prefer indirect light.

I rotate pots every week so all sides get even exposure and none of the leaves dry out.

Best ways to manage sunlight for low-light plants:

• Use curtains or blinds to block strong sun.
• Place new plants in shaded spots first.
• Watch for signs like leaf scorch or fading.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I often see a few simple slip-ups with these houseplants. Getting the basics right keeps plants healthy and looking good.

Overexposure to Sunlight

Low-light plants can suffer in strong direct sun, even in summer. When I put a peace lily or snake plant on a bright windowsill, the leaves can turn yellow, get brown spots, or look faded.

Signs like these tell me the plant is getting too much light. To prevent damage, I move my plants away from harsh, direct rays in the afternoon.

North-facing windows or spots a few feet from a sunny window work better. I also use a sheer curtain to filter sunlight when needed.

It helps to watch how the light shifts through the day. If I see slanted sunbeams on the leaves, I try moving the plant to a less sunny location.

Incorrect Fertilizing Routines

Overfeeding or underfeeding can stunt plant growth or cause leaf problems. I used to think more fertilizer made houseplants grow faster, but too much can hurt the roots and turn leaves brown.

I check the care guidelines for each plant. Most low-light plants only need fertilizer every two or three months during spring and summer.

In winter, I stop feeding since growth slows down. I always dilute the fertilizer to half strength unless the label says otherwise.

When in doubt, I skip a feeding instead of risking a chemical buildup. Tracking when I last fed each plant helps me avoid overdoing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

I often get asked which indoor plants can do well in different lighting. Some houseplants can survive in low-light spots while still handling a bit of sunshine during summer.

What are some great houseplants that thrive in low-light conditions and can also tolerate brighter summer sun?

I recommend Snake Plant and ZZ Plant for this. They are tough, don’t mind low light, and also won’t wilt if I move them near a sunny window.

Which indoor plants are best suited for growing in dark rooms?

The Cast Iron Plant is a favorite for dark rooms. It grows well even when there isn’t much natural light.

I also find Pothos does great in darker corners.

Can you suggest some low-light houseplants that are both pet-friendly and safe for cats?

I always suggest the Spider Plant because it’s safe for pets and pretty easy to care for.

It grows in low light and won’t hurt cats if they nibble it.

What are the top choices for small indoor plants that don’t require much light?

Snake Plant and ZZ Plant both stay small if I keep them in smaller pots. Spider Plant is another good option for shelves or desks with limited sunlight.

Are there any large plants that can do well in low-light indoor environments?

The Cast Iron Plant grows bigger over time and handles less sunlight well. When I want a larger plant that is still easy to care for, this is the one I choose.

What types of tall plants are recommended for indoor areas with limited light?

The Snake Plant is honestly my top pick for tall, sturdy growth in low-light rooms. Its leaves stand up straight and really don’t need much direct sun.

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