31 Low Light Succulents For Your Indoor Garden

Succulents are common houseplants all around the world, but if you don’t have a sunny window in your home, they can be challenging to grow. Most species desire lots of full, direct sun to thrive. However, there’s still hope if your home doesn’t receive a lot of rays.

It’s important to note that low light doesn’t mean “no light”; although most of these succulents don’t require direct light, most will need indirect or filtered sun. So keep that in mind if you plan on placing them in areas without much light. Just like our favorite low light houseplants, you’ll still need to move them around a bit so they can properly thrive.

So, which succulents are the best for low-light conditions in your home? Read on to learn more about some of our favorite succulents that can live in lower light conditions once you’ve welcomed them home into your indoor garden.

African Milk Tree

Scientific Name: Euphorbia trigona

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6-9 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Watering Needs: 2-4 times per month or when the top inch of soil is dry
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light or partial shade

The African Milk Tree has a cactus-like appearance, hence its other common names such as Cathedral Cactus, Candelabra Cactus, and Good Luck Cactus.

It isn’t a tree either; it’s a succulent. Each side of the triangular stems has ridges with thorns and teardrop-shaped leaves. The sap of Euphorbia trigona is highly toxic to both humans and pets. It can cause blisters, eye irritations, and convulsions if ingested.

These plants prefer indirect sunlight but do well in a partially shaded area; too much sun can scorch the leaves. Additionally, unlike most succulent species, the African Milk Tree doesn’t handle long periods of drought well.

Aloe Vera

Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis miller

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 12-36 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Aloe Vera is a common household name famous for the soothing gel within the leaves that can help with sunburns among other uses. However, the leaves should not be ingested, so it’s important to keep this succulent away from both children and pets.

This succulent features fleshy lance-shaped jagged-edged leaves that emerge from a basal rosette. While this is a fast-growing plant, it can take 3-4 years to reach its full size. Aloe plants prefer full sun to part sun position to grow, but they can tolerate bright shade.

Bear Paws

Scientific Name: Cotyledon tomentosa

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Up to 1 foot tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Bears Paw plants are one of the most adorable members of the succulents family. This plant features thick, fuzzy leaves with dark red edges that resemble bear claws. Cotyledon tomentosa can produce orange, bell-shaped flowers with the right care conditions during the spring.

Its distinctive and unusual look makes it an excellent plant to add contrast and texture to your indoor succulent garden. Though it prefers indirect sunlight, Bears Paw plants will do okay in a partially shaded area.

Burro’s Tail

Scientific Name: Sedum morganianum

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 1-4 feet long and 1-2 feet wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Burro’s Tail, sometimes referred to as Donkey’s Tail or Lamb’s tail is a low-maintenance plant that features rows of fleshy, tear-drop-shaped leaves.

Choose a sunny windowsill that gets a good amount of shade, especially during the afternoon when the sun is harsh. If you notice the foliage fading to a gray or dull green color, it needs more shade.

Sometimes, Burro’s Tail produces a white waxy substance, called epicuticular wax, on the leaves. Don’t worry; however, this is an everyday occurrence that the plant produces to protect itself from too much harsh sun exposure.

Chandelier Plant

Scientific Name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6-18 inches tall and wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

The Chandelier Plant, also referred to as Florist Kalanchoe, is a cousin to the Jade plant, which also produces pretty scallop-shaped leaves.

Plant enthusiasts love Kalanchoe blossfeldiana for its easy care, unique foliage, and long-flowering blooms. You can find these beauties in pink, red, yellow, and white shades in plant shops. Place Florist Kalanchoe in a partially shaded area that gets some sunlight.

Christmas Cactus

Scientific Name: Schlumbergera x buckleyi

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6-12 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Although Poinsetta is the usual plant people think of during the holiday season, Christmas Cactus will add to your holiday cheer. This plant is often confused with other succulents, even if it is the most popular of the three.

Originating from tropical regions of Brazil, Holiday Cactus can grow outdoors during the summer before you transfer it indoors for the winter.

You may also keep this perennial indoors all season long. Christmas Cactus prefers partial shade as too much sunlight can cause its bright colors to fade.

Cylindrical Snake Plant

Scientific Name: Sansevieria cylindrica

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 4-6 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

The Cylindrical Snake Plant is a perennial succulent that features grayish-green striped leaves. Unlike Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the most commonly recognized Snake Plant, the leaves have a cylindrical shape, hence its common name.

They prefer north-facing windows that receive the least light, which is good news for those with homes without lots of sun. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow. In shady locations, your plant will survive, though it may grow more slowly.

Devil’s Backbone

Scientific Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 2-3 feet tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sun to partial shade

Devil’s Backbone Plant is a famous tropical plant for indoor gardens. It’s native to northern climates in parts of Africa and North and Central America, though it is endangered in parts of Mexico.

This species is a slow-growing succulent with white and green variegated leaves on a wavy stem. In warmer weather, they can develop a pinkish-red hue. Euphorbia tithymaloides prefer indirect, filtered sunlight.

Happy Bean

Scientific Name: Peperomia ferreyrae

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Up to 8 inches tall with similar width
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Happy Bean, sometimes referred to as Pincushion Peperomia, is part of the large genus of Peperomia plants.

This plant grows upright and features bushy, curved foliage among the tall stems. You may want to train its growth. Otherwise, the stems of curvy leaves can grow erratically. Windowsills with filtered light work best for this species, though it can tolerate some bright shade.

Hens and Chicks

Scientific Name: Sempervivum tectorum

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6-12 inches tall and 6-18 inches wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade

Hens and Chicks are perennial succulents that grow low to the ground and feature rubbery-looking, thick, fleshy rosettes. The “hen” rosette will produce some offsets as she matures, known as the “chicks.” They have blue, gold, green, red, or copper foliage, making them an excellent option to add a pop of color to indoor gardens.

Some Hens and Chicks plants will grow a thick flower stalk with star-shaped flowers that may be pink or red. They’re easy to care for plants that don’t require much attention, though you may need to remove old hens once they die.

Ensure your Sempervivum tectorum receives as much sun as possible for optimal foliage coloration, though they can tolerate partial shade.

Ice Plants

Scientific Name: Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp.

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3-6 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide, depending on the variety
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade

Ice Plants are perennial succulents that feature tiny hairs on their foliage that look like ice crystals when they refract light. They have green fleshy leaves that can turn to a darker shade in cool temperatures.

Although the full sun can help flower growth, this plant can tolerate partial shade. Make sure you plant your Ice Plant in well-draining soil and avoid letting it sit in standing water.

Jade Plant

Scientific Name: Crassula ovata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Jade plants are popular succulents with oval-shaped, fleshy leaves and tiny tree trunk-like stems. These plants are common housewarming gifts. They are also the gift that keeps on giving, because they are extremely easy to propagate from cuttings.

They prefer arid environments, so they may never flower if you live in a humid area. Choose your placement for Jade plants carefully, as all plant parts are toxic to curious dogs and cats. Jade plants are quite hardy and can take a lot of neglect.

Mistletoe Cactus

Scientific Name: Rhipsalis baccifera

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6 feet long and 2 feet spread (indoors)
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Prefers bright to medium indirect light but can tolerate shady areas

Mistletoe Cacti are epiphytic plants famous for their gracefully trailing growth habits and tiny stems.

This Christmas-themed plant gets its nickname from the small, white fruits it produces after the flowers fade, giving the plant a similar appearance to a Mistletoe. These trailing stems look beautiful, flowing down the sides of a hanging basket.

Unlike most cacti, Rhipsalis baccifera is sensitive to harsh sunlight and prefers indirect light. It can thrive in lower light areas, though the lack of some filtered sun may inhibit its growth.

Moon Cactus

Scientific Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Varies, depending on the rootstock
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Moon Cacti produce bright red, orange, or yellow round tops, called scions, atop green rootstocks. The botanical name, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, refers to the colorful scion. The rootstock host can be various species, though primarily a Hylocereus cactus. Once the two pieces connect, it is known as a Moon Cactus.

Like other succulents, the Moon Cactus requires a dry spell before heavy watering. While the top piece is tolerant of shade, the green rootstock prefers a lot of sunlight.

Choose an area that gets some indirect light, but avoid spots that get direct sunlight for more than 1-2 hours each day, or its colors may fade.

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Six inches to 8 feet tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, also commonly referred to as Snake Plant, is one of the most popular house plants for shady indoor gardens. This low-maintenance species features long, sword-like leaves that grow upright from the soil.

There are roughly 70 species of Snake Plants, most of which have green-banded leaves, a yellow border, and an irregular light-green pattern.

Although Mother-in-Law’s Tongue can grow to a whopping eight feet tall, this slow-growing species will take a few years to reach its maximum height. These hardy plants can grow just about anywhere, from a bright window to a shady corner of your home.

Ocean Star Hahnii

Scientific Name: Sansevieria ‘Ocean Star’

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Up to 1 foot tall with an average of 6-8 inches tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Ocean Star Hahnii is a variety of Mother-in-Law’s Tongue featuring dark, glossy funnel-shaped leaves that form an elegant rosette.

The foliage has horizontal green-gray variegation and bright yellow bands around the edges that contrast beautifully with the dark green center.

Like other Snake Plant species, this variety does best in bright to medium indirect light, though it will also tolerate low-light conditions. However, more sunlight may bring out more color.

Ogre Ears Succulent

Scientific Name: Crassula ovata

• Plant Type: Annual or perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Varies by species
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Crassula is a large genus of plants with over 300 species, including the Green Jade Plant. The Ogre Ears variety gets its common name from the uncanny resemblance to the swamp-loving ogre, Shrek’s ears.

It grows cylindrical leaves that are concave at the very top, sometimes with reddish circular tips. Crassula ovata prefer bright, partial sunlight but can withstand some shade.

Ox Tongue

Scientific Name: Gasteria spp.

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 4-24 inches tall and 12 inches wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Ox Tongue is a genus of aloe-like succulents that gets its common name from its long, roughly-textured leaves. Some species feature exciting colors or patterns within their foliage, and mature plants may produce tubular flowers.

In its native region of South Africa, Gasteria grows in lightly shaded areas and tolerates shade more than many other succulents. They prefer some filtered sunlight, but the harsh sun can cause the plants to turn yellow or white; this indicates they need more shade.

Panda Plant

Scientific Name: Kalanchoe tomentosa

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 2.5 feet tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Bright, filtered light

Panda Plants, also known as Chocolate Soldier Plants, are popular among succulent enthusiasts at most nurseries or flower shops. They are easily identifiable because of their blue-green fuzzy leaves with dark red or brown rims.

As a bonus to their beautiful foliage, they are not prone to most pests or diseases. However, watch out for common household plant pests like mealybugs or spider mites. While they appreciate bright, indirect light, they can tolerate some shade.

Pinwheel Desert Rose

Scientific Name: Aeonium arboreum

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3 to 4 feet
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Pinwheel Desert Rose, also known as Black Rose Tree Houseleek, is a perennial succulent that features almost fake-looking rosettes. These are some of the most oversized succulents, sometimes reaching four feet tall.

Pinwheel Desert Rose makes a stunning backdrop behind other groups of succulents for indoor gardens. The fleshy rosettes may be solid-colored or variegated yellow, green, red, or white. This plant thrives in most lighting situations, including partial shade.

Ponytail Palm

Scientific Name: Beaucarnea recurvata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 6-8 feet tall and 3-5 foot spread
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Despite its name, Ponytail Palms are not a member of the Palmae family and aren’t trees; they’re succulents. These unique palm-like plants feature tufts of strappy leaves that emerge from the large trunk, giving them a tropical appearance.

Some people are surprised to see how large these desktop plants can get; they can reach over six feet. However, they’re a slow-growing species that typically doesn’t reach its maximum height indoors.

Although the Ponytail Palm prefers bright light, it can tolerate medium or low-light areas. Ponytail Palms aren’t toxic to pets, but the thin, erratically-growing leaves may be an attractive “toy” for cats to try to eat. They are incredibly low maintenance, and perfect houseplants for beginners.

Propeller Plant

Scientific Name: Crassula Falcata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Up to 1 foot tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

The Propeller Plant is another species within the Crassula genus. The leave’s shape and angular growth give this succulent its nicknames. Not only does it have a unique appearance, but it can also produce bright-red clusters of blooms.

It’s a hardy plant that can withstand periods of drought, though it may not produce flowers indoors. Although the Propeller Plant prefers sun, it can tolerate some shade.

Purple Wood Spurge

Scientific Name: Euphorbia amygdaloides’ Purpurea’

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 1-feet wide and 3 feet tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full shade

Purple Wood Spurge is a perennial succulent popular for its dark green leaves with a tinge of purple. While this type of plant is a common outdoor specimen, it looks great as an indoor container plant. It features bright yellow blooms that contrast beautifully with its strappy, purple foliage.

As a bonus, this species prefers shady areas, making it a perfect succulent for dark areas of a room. You’ll only need to water this plant when the top layer of the soil dries out.

Snake Aloe

Scientific Name: Aloe broomii

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 2-4 feet tall with similar width
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Snake Aloe gets its common name not for its spiky leaves but for its stunning flower-like rosette shape. The rosettes feature sturdy leaves that have dark thorns around the edges.

You may have heard this plant referred to as Mountain Aloe because it is native to rocky slopes in South Africa. This unique plant is shade-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for a shady corner.

If you house your Snake Aloe in a shady area, avoid moving it to sunny areas of your house as it can shock the plant.

String of Buttons

Scientific Name: Crassula perforata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: Up to 18 inches tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sun

The String of Buttons plant is a hardy succulent part of the large Crassula family. It’s a low-maintenance plant that has an exciting look. This low-maintenance plant can thrive in various lighting, water, and temperature conditions, making it an excellent plant for beginners.

It features triangle-shaped leaves that form a spiral shape around its stem, giving it a stacked appearance. When exposed to sufficient light, the gray-green leaves can take on a pink hue. The string of button plants is very popular and can be found almost anywhere that sells succulents. Although it can tolerate some shade, it does need some light.

String of Hearts

Scientific Name: Ceropegia woodii

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent vine
• Plant Size: 6+ feet long
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

The String of Hearts plant is a distinctive and easy-to-care-for trailing succulent vine that looks adorable in hanging baskets, atop a tall shelf, or on window sills. The vines grow quickly and can reach over six feet long as they mature. The more they grow, their sprawling vines will be a focal point of your indoor garden.

As the name suggests, this vine features fleshy, heart-shaped leaves with marble patterns. The thin, string-like vines are a shade of purple that contrasts nicely with its greenish-gray foliage. While this species prefers bright, indirect light, it can also tolerate some partially shady conditions.

Twisted Sister

Scientific name: Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 15 inches tall
• Water Needs: Once every 1-2 weeks, once per month in winter
• Sun Needs: Full Shade to full sun

The Twisted Sister Snake Plant is famous for its vibrant green and gold variegated foliage. It gets its nickname from distinctive leaves that twist as they grow from the base. Although most snake plants have an upright growth habit, this striking succulent stands out amongst other varieties.

It looks similar to the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant variety with its rosettes that twist and turn out of its base. This Snake Plant prefers bright, filtered sunlight, but it can tolerate shaded areas, though it can cause slower growth.

Wax Flower

Scientific Name: Hoya carnosa

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 12-20 feet
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sun

Wax Flower, or Hoyas, are Asian natives that Robert Brown discovered and named in honor of Scottish botanist Thomas Hoy. This tropical succulent is low-maintenance and slow-growing, making it a unique plant that is easy to care for.

Hoyas produce distinctive small, waxy flowers that almost look artificial. These stunning flowers have a unique look and will fill your home with a chocolate-vanilla fragrance. They prefer southern or western windows, though they can tolerate some shade. The only downside to growing Hoyas in shady areas is that they won’t bloom without sunlight.

Windowpane Plant

Scientific Name: Haworthia turgida suberecta

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3-5 inches tall with similar width
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sun or part shade

Windowpane Plants are stunning succulents that feature a rosette of triangle-shaped translucent leaves. These dainty succulents are small and slow-growing plants that are incredibly hardy and easy to care for.

Their shape and coloration make them excellent succulents for arrangements. A few Haworthia plants look similar to this variety, but you can distinguish this particular species by the short triangular-shaped leaves that are also translucent. Because this species prefers shady areas, it’s an attractive choice for low light conditions.

Zebra Cactus

Scientific Name: Haworthiopsis attenuata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3-5 inches tall and wide
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Zebra plants may have a sharp and spiky appearance, but don’t be afraid to touch them; they’re softer than they look. These tiny succulents form rosettes of fleshy green leaves generously covered with white pearly warts or bands, giving them a distinctive appearance.

This attractive plant looks great in hanging mini glass terrariums or potted plants. Zebra Plants can produce pretty lavender bell-shaped flowers in the spring and summer. However, they may not produce as many blooms in low-light conditions.

ZZ Plants

Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent
• Plant Size: 3-4 feet tall
• Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Sun Exposure: Low, indirect light, or partial shade

Lastly, ZZ Plants, also called Zanzibar gems, are low-maintenance succulents that thrive in shady conditions. These attractive plants are low-maintenance houseplants that feature shiny, oval-shaped leaves that grow upward.

The waxy plain-colored dark green leaves look so shiny that sometimes people mistake them for artificial plants. It’s important to note that this species is mildly toxic to animals and humans, so keep them away from areas in reach of kids or pets.

One of the main attributes of ZZ Plants is their tolerance to most care conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light but can also thrive in shady areas.