You’ll ultimately run out of window space if you try to fill every inch of your home with succulents. That’s when the fat plants will start to overtake interior rooms that don’t get enough sunlight.
We’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of some of the best succulents for indoors that don’t require sunlight. But first, let’s discuss low light succulents and what they need to survive.
How much light does an indoor succulent need?
The amount of light required by any indoor plant will vary depending on the species. Some succulents, particularly cacti, thrive in direct sunshine, whereas others get scorched by the same conditions.
When you bring home a new plant, it’s usually a good idea to discover if that type of succulent enjoys direct sunshine or strong indirect light.
Do succulents do well in low light?
No succulent will survive in full darkness.
This, however, differs by species. Some succulents, like as those on this list, thrive in low-light conditions, whilst others may require more light to survive.
It’s critical to understand that if your plants don’t get enough light, they may etiolate, or stretch out. When plants try to reach locations with greater light, they etiolate.
Etiolation does not harm your plants; it only makes them look odd. If your plant becomes etiolated and you don’t like the way it appears, you can always behead it and propagate the top in the hopes of developing a succulent that looks more like it should.
Which succulents are best for indoors?
In general, most succulents will grow well inside if they are given enough light. However, it is likely that some species will not grow to the same size as if they were planted outside.
One of the advantages of growing succulents inside is that you can cultivate a wide variety of plants regardless of your climate.
Most of the time, your indoor environment will be significantly more stable in terms of temperature and watering schedule than a succulent would encounter outside.
This is especially useful for more difficult-to-grow species because you have greater control over the circumstances of your plants than you would if they were planted outdoors.
What indoor plants do well in low light?
You still have options if you don’t want to acquire a grow light and create an oasis for your fat pals! Here are some low-light succulents that are easy to cultivate inside.
They’ll all be fine with whatever overhead lighting or natural light enters the room.
1. Snake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciata
This is the perfect indoor plant, often known as mother-in-tongue. law’s I’ve really found one of these in a closet previously, still alive. It had been there for at least a few of weeks. (However, who puts plants in their closet?)
Snake plants can be seen in offices all over the world. They are common because they are nearly impossible to kill; in fact, they appear to thrive on neglect.
Water them once a month and then forget about them. They’ll make do with whatever light comes their way.
You probably don’t need to buy it because it’s so prevalent. You can very certainly steal a little shoot (they self-produce frequently) from your office, the doctor’s waiting area, or elsewhere.
2. Jade Plant, Crassula ovata
The jade plant is another simple plant to care for indoors. It’s as abundant as the snake plant and can be found both indoors and outdoors.
They can also grow to be quite large; you might not discover a bush is actually a massive jade plant until you get near enough to touch it. They can grow to be up to 10 feet tall when fully grown.
They may grow to be so large because they are so tough. They can recover from almost anything, thanks in part to their woody stems.
Most succulents are not woody, and they cannot recover from long periods of neglect or maltreatment.
Jade plants can even recover after losing all of their leaves (if those leaves don’t reproduce on their own!).
If you don’t have one, you might be able to get one from a neighbor.
3. Bear Paws, Cotyledon Tomentosa
This Cotyledon is an unusual item, yet it fits quite nicely on a list of indoor succulents. It still prefers direct light, but due to its unique growth pattern, you won’t notice the etiolation that occurs in low-light circumstances.
And bear paws are a unique succulent that is also a great conversation starter! How frequently do you come across a fluffy plant? Especially one that will not harm you if you pet it?
4. Zebra Cactus, Haworthia attenuate
This is a must-have in any office (or succulent arrangement). The zebra cactus, which is native to South Africa, has a distinct appearance that works well alone or in groups.
The beautiful, dramatic contours work well with one of those fantastic, geometric 3D printed pot.
This Haworthia is slow-growing and easy to care for, making it ideal for an office or desk. This plant only need infrequent watering, whatever light is available, and a few whispered praises to thrive.
These are very popular in home improvement stores and the like, but you can easily have them mailed to you.
5. Holiday Cacti, Schlumbergera
Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter… whatever you celebrate, it is all handled in a similar manner. Most folks who have a Christmas cactus will water it more frequently than they would a succulent.
These guys survive, but it’s unclear whether it’s because they’re unusually resilient or because they simply need more water.
I’m not sure why, but every grandmother I’ve met had one of these. Perhaps it’s given to you when you have grandchildren? I’m not sure because I’m not there yet.
You shouldn’t have to pay for one in any case. Simply ask your grandmother for a cutting.
6. Burro’s Tail, Sedum morganianum
Burro’s Tail is a fantastic succulent since it can be used in so many different ways. It’s arguably the easiest trailing succulent to cultivate, which is why it’s so versatile.
Because etiolation is nearly impossible to detect on a vine, this Sedum thrives in low-light conditions as well.
One thing to keep in mind is that the leaves on this plant are prone to falling off. If you place it in a high-traffic area, it may appear sparse. It looks fantastic hanging from the ceiling in a corner.
These are really simple to propagate, so if you come across one, just snag a couple of fallen leaves and place ’em on some dirt.
7. Aloe, Aloe vera
I probably didn’t need to include this. You already have an aloe if you’re seeking for indoor succulents or succulents of any kind. Aloes are seen in non-plant individuals as well. It is quite likely the most popular plant on the planet.
And you can guess why since it’s so obvious. Growing aloe does not require a green thumb. You don’t even need thumbs! You only need to water it once a week. It can live on any windowsill and in any workplace light.
I don’t think you’d ever need to buy this. I believe they form on their own in kitchen windows.
8. Ponytail Palm, Beaucarnea recurvata
This post may have taken you by surprise, but don’t worry, this palm is a succulent. After all, succulents are a catch-all name for plants that store water, not a distinct family.
And they do store water! The Ponytail Palm has an adorable pudgy waist. It’s another low-maintenance, slow-growing plant.
If you want a lush appeal in your interior environment, which is notoriously difficult to achieve with succulents, this is the plant for you.
It’s unlikely to be available at your local succulent nursery, but it’s simple to obtain online.
9. Cylindrical Snake Plant, Sansevieria cylindrica
The cylindrical snake plant, a personal favorite, stands out in any setting. It truly shines in those adorable speciality planters, though. It would make excellent spines for a dinosaur or hedgehog, for example.
This is also a versatile plant! While it prefers direct sunshine, it is also comfortable in low-light environments. After all, how can you tell if something is etiolated when all it does is grow straight out?
The only piece of advice I have is to keep it around eye level. Each leaf is essentially a spear, terminating in a firm, pointed spike. I almost got my eye out walking past it once!
These can occasionally be found at big-box stores, but they’re much easier to find online.
10. Gollum Jade, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ aka “Ogre Ears Succulent”
The Gollum Jade embodies everything we love about succulents: plump, simple to grow, and odd in appearance.
It’s also known as ogre ears because juvenile leaves resemble the ears of our favorite ogre, Shrek.
This one is rather simple to find and maintain. It should be noted, however, that they prefer slightly more water than other succulents.
As a result, they don’t always fit into other people’s plans. Don’t let it deter you; these look terrific on their own. It’s also widely used to create stunning bonsai!
Because they are quite hardy, they are commonly found in plant stores.
11. Panda Plant, Kalanchoe tomentosa
Panda Plant, Donkey Ears, and Pussy Ears are all names for these fluffy succulents. Those names may seem weird for a plant, but when you see the Panda Plant, it all makes sense.
The green leaves have a velvety layer of fuzz covering them, giving them a silvery appearance. Along the edges of the leaves, there are brown or rust-colored dots. The patches begin lighter in color and deepen as they age. Panda plants require little care and, while they thrive in bright, indirect light, they can also flourish in low-light conditions.
12. String of Bananas, Senecio radicans
If you’re looking for a low-light-tolerant hanging or trailing houseplant, look no further than the String of Bananas. The name of this unusual succulent comes from the brilliant green banana-shaped leaves that line its stem.
The string of Bananas bloom in late autumn or early winter, so expect cinnamon-scented clusters of little white flowers. String of Bananas, like many other succulents, enjoys bright indirect light but will thrive in low light conditions. If you put it outside, make sure it only receives filtered or partial sunshine, or it will become sunburned.
13. Mistletoe Cactus, Rhipsalis baccifera
Because it is an epiphyte, the Mistletoe Cactus differs from many other succulent species. Instead of growing in the ground, epiphytic plants grow on the surface of other plants, such as trees.
They are not to be mistaken for parasitic plants, as they do not obtain nutrition from the trees on which they grow. They develop by using the debris gathered in the cracks of trees instead of soil, although they are not in any way harmful to the tree.
Mistletoe Cacti thrive in low-light areas since they grow naturally in full or partial shade.
14. Happy Bean, Peperomia ferreyrae
Happy Bean, also known as Pincushion Peperomia, is a small succulent native to Peru. It has lime green thin bean-shaped leaves.
Happy Bean is a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts who have limited light because it can survive circumstances ranging from low indoor light to filtered or partial sun outside.
With a maximum height of six to eight inches, this charming succulent is particularly ideal for gardeners with limited space.
If you still aren’t convinced that you need a Happy Bean in your succulent collection, consider that they are non-toxic to pets.
15. Little Warty, Gasteria
Gasteria, like as Little Warty, are excellent succulents for gardeners of all skill levels. They not only endure low light circumstances, but they are also pet-friendly and low care.
Little Warty is distinguished by its speckled tongue-shaped leaves. Low light levels result in brighter green leaves, whilst full daylight results in dark green leaves. Small white pimples called tubercles cover the leaves as well.
Little Warty blooms with a long stalk of vivid coral flowers. This plant will generate offsets and grow in a clumping or mounding pattern over time.
16. Green Ice, Gasteraloe
Consider bringing home a Gasteraloe if you want to add a hybrid to your succulent collection. Green Ice, as the name suggests, is a cross between Aloe and Gasteria.
Green Ice has greyish-green leaves with lengthy stripes and grey dots. It can grow up to 12 inches in diameter when mature and under the correct conditions.
Green Ice is an excellent indoor succulent since it can endure low light levels. This low-maintenance hybrid grows slowly, so you won’t have to repot it as frequently.
17. ZZ Plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia
At first appearance, you might not think of the ZZ Plant as a succulent. Its lush look, like that of the Ponytail Palm, might be deceiving, yet the ZZ Plant survives long periods without water by storing water.
ZZ Plants are fairly common because they are one of the more popular houseplants. This is due to their distinct appearance and relative ease of maintenance. Most gardeners who struggle to keep ZZ Plants alive overwater them.
ZZ Plants not only grow inside, but they also prefer sporadic watering, similar to cactus. These leafy succulents are ideal for forgetful gardeners as well as regular travelers. If you fail to water your new ZZ Plant for a few weeks, it will absolutely forgive you.
18. String of Pearls, Senecio rowleyanus
This trailing succulent is native to South Africa and may be used as a groundcover when planted outside, but it also looks lovely indoors in a hanging planter. The lengthy stems can grow up to 3 feet long.
Though they thrive in bright, indirect light, they can endure low light conditions if necessary.
Each stem is adorned with little, pearl-shaped leaves. String of Pearls blooms with brush-shaped white blossoms that smell like cinnamon.
String of Pearls is somewhat hazardous if consumed by children or dogs, so keep this succulent out of the reach of your loved ones.
19. Windowpane Plant, Haworthia turgida
The Windowpane Plant is a succulent with thick, rosette-shaped leaves that are brilliant green and pointed. It’s a small succulent, with a mature diameter of less than 6 inches.
The Windowpane Plant receives its name from a distinctive characteristic that allows it to thrive in low-light environments. Each leaf contains a translucent “leaf window” that lets in additional light to help with photosynthesis.
The Windowpane Plant, like other Haworthia, grows slowly, yet it produces clumps of offsets around the base. It’s also pet-friendly, making it ideal for gardeners who live with pets.
20. Devil’s Backbone, Euphorbia tithymaloides
The Devil’s Backbone is also known as the Redbird Flower, Christmas Candle, Slipper Plant, and Zig Zag Plant. It’s a leafy succulent that can grow to be up to 8 feet tall when mature.
Although bright, indirect sunlight is ideal, Devil’s Backbone can thrive in lesser light conditions when cultivated indoors. Direct sunlight, especially in the heat of July, can cause burnt leaves.
Devil’s Backbone, like other Euphorbia, is best grown by cuttings, although care must be given to avoid the sap, which can cause skin irritation.
21. Flaming Katy, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
This bush-like succulent is recognized for its clusters of vivid flowers that range in color from purple to pink to red, orange, white, and yellow. It’s a little shrubby succulent, standing only 1.5 feet tall and roughly the same width.
Flaming Katy enjoys bright indirect light but may grow in shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided because the leaves burn readily.
Flaming Katy, with its brightly colored and long-lasting blossoms, would make an excellent addition to your indoor succulent collection.
Conclusion
As you can see, even without an outdoor garden, you can still grow your own succulents. I hope that this article can give you an idea of what you want to have as your indoor succulents.
