Artificial Plants for Low-Light Rooms

June 2023 · Ian

Not every room in your home gets ample sunlight streaming through the windows. Yet you still want those dim spaces to feel fresh and lively. This is where artificial plants for low-light rooms come in handy!

Nowadays, faux plants look incredibly realistic and will thrive in rooms with minimal natural light. Certain artificial varieties are specially designed to replicate the look of plants that tolerate or prefer shade.

Keep reading to discover the best artificial plants for every low-light situation. We’ll also share pro tips for arranging faux botanicals in those dim and shadowy areas of your home.

Top Low-Light Artificial Plants

Here are 12 of the most realistic, high-quality faux plants that can bring vibrant greenery to your dark rooms and corners.

Parlor Palms

Parlor palm is a popular houseplant, known for its air-purifying and pet-friendly qualities. Faux parlor palms effectively mimic the arching fronds and dense clusters of this low-light loving palm. Place them in shadowy corners to add tall, dramatic greenery.

ZZ Plants

The ZZ plant thrives with just low to medium light. Artificial ZZ plants realistically copy the waxy, oval-shaped leaves that emerge from thick stems. Their sturdy yet graceful look complements modern and bohemian spaces.

Pothos

With their trailing vine-like stems, pothos plants cascade beautifully from shelves, bookcases, and hanging planters. Silk and fabric pothos replicate the heart-shaped satiny leaves and bring movement to stagnant low-light areas.

Snake Plants

Tall, stiff leaves give snake plants their distinctive look. Life-like faux snake plants hold their shape well in darker spots. Position them in entryways, bedrooms, and offices that need a bold shot of greenery.

Peace Lilies

Lush and elegant, peace lilies tolerate and even flourish in low light. Faux peace lilies capture the dark green glossy leaves and delicate white flowers. Place in shadowed corners to soften the space with their large, drooping leaves.

Chinese Evergreen

The strap-like leaves of Chinese evergreens add unique texture and come in variegated varieties. Artificial Chinese evergreens bring dimension and a pop of color to areas with low light situations.

Ferns

From plumy Boston ferns to regal staghorn ferns, these leafy greens thrive in shade. Realistic artificial versions with dense cascading fronds can mimic the lushness of real ferns without the fuss.

Lucky Bamboo

In nature, lucky bamboo grows in murky water with very little light. Faux stems capture the slender curving leaves and add an easy Asian-inspired element. Use in low-lit bathrooms, kitchens, and offices.

Calathea

The eye-catching patterned leaves of calathea plants earn them the nickname “peacock plant.” Faux calathea varieties recreate those colorful designs that brighten up corners with low light.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Extra large fiddle leaf fig leaves make a dramatic statement. But they need ample sunlight. Opt for realistic artificial fiddle leaf figs to get the imposing look minus the light requirements.

Monstera

An indoor plant star, monsteras love bright light. Yet quality faux monstera plants believably mimic their iconic split leaves and climbing vines. Illuminate them with grow lights or place in bright pools of light.

Yucca

Spiky yucca plants suit arid climates with intense sun. But well-crafted artificial yucca plants look amazingly life-like even in dark indoor settings with their textured strappy leaves and woody stems.

Tips for Arranging Faux Plants in Low Light

To make the most of your artificial plants, use these pro tips when placing them in low-light indoor spaces:

  • Prioritize Corners - Corners tend to be some of the darmest spots indoors. Make them cozy by tucking faux plants into these neglected areas.

  • Use Grow Lights - Consider installing grow lights above key low-light areas. Grow lights can mimic the sun and help faux plants look their best.

  • Choose Varied Heights - Vary the height of your artificial plants for greater depth and dimension. Include trailing, mid-level, and tall options.

  • Spotlight Certain Plants - Draw attention to specific faux plants by spotlighting them with downlights or directional bulbs. The pools of light will make them pop.

  • Add Accents - Accessorize your low-light faux plants with pebbles, moss, or vases for additional interest and texture.

  • Display in Groups - Cluster 3-5 artificial plants together for greater visual impact in dim spaces. Groups feel fuller than sparse singles.

  • Consider Wall Shelves - Get plants off the floor by placing small- to medium-sized faux specimens on floating shelves, ledges, and wall-mounted planters.

  • Use Light Colors - Position light-colored faux plants like silvery succulents or variegated varieties near light sources to reflect more brightness.

  • Clean Regularly - Dust faux plants often so dirt doesn’t accumulate and make them look dingy. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to refresh the look.

Brighten Any Room

Don’t relegate dim, light-deprived rooms to looking dreary. Usher in the beauty of lush greenery and revitalize those spaces with artificial plants designed for low-light situations. With the right faux species and thoughtful arrangement, you can illuminate and breathe new life into even the darkest corners of your home.