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best house plants for shade

Finding the best house plants for shade can transform dim corners and low-light rooms into lush, inviting spaces. Whether your home is full of filtered sunlight or you want greenery for a shady office, choosing plants suited to low light is key to their long-term health and vitality. Fortunately, there are many beautiful indoor plants that thrive even when the sun takes a back seat, making them perfect for New Zealand homes and workplaces. Read on for our top picks and helpful tips to create a thriving indoor oasis.

Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.

Carex dissita (Purei)

5 from 1 customers

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in shaded areas that do not dry out.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Hardy, Shade, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
zamioculcas-black-knight-

Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which are thick, glossy, and near black in colour. The foliage can reach 60 cm tall and the 40 cm wide but is often much less than this when grown as a potted plant.

From $41.33

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$44.09
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar

Stromanthe 'Triostar' is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its colourful leaves patterned in green, cream, and pink with rich burgundy...

From$33.05
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$20.01
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$17.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Carex dissita (Purei)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Carex, and Clivia, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search best house plants for shade

Why Shade-Loving House Plants Are Essential

Not all indoor plants are created equal when it comes to light requirements. The best house plants for shade are perfectly adapted to subdued NZ winters, shaded rooms, and spaces facing south. They absorb what little light is available and turn it into lush foliage, often boasting striking patterns or unique shapes. Importantly, these plants also tend to be forgiving and resilient—requiring minimal fuss, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

Top House Plants That Thrive in the Shade

Dieffenbachia Camille

If you're seeking vibrant foliage, Dieffenbachia Camille stands out for its beautiful cream-and-green leaves and easy-care nature. This plant prefers indirect light or shade, making it an excellent choice for those tricky, low-lit corners. It also helps to purify indoor air, so it not only beautifies but improves your living environment.

Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

With its striking blue-green fronds, the Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern) adds texture and colour to shaded parts of the home. It’s particularly well-suited for bathrooms or kitchens, where it can enjoy humidity and thrive in indirect or low light. The Blue Star Fern is naturally tolerant of shade, and its hardy disposition makes it a reliable option for apartments and homes alike.

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

The Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) is famous for its ability to adapt to almost any light condition—including full shade. Compact, with upright, sculptural leaves, it adds a modern touch to interior spaces. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it a smart addition to bedrooms and living areas.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

For a splash of colour in the shade, Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant) is a fantastic option. It’s highly adaptable, tolerates low light, and is easy to propagate, making it perfect for growing your indoor plant collection. Its bright gold-striped leaves brighten up even the dimmest corners.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Another tried-and-tested shade lover, Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) is loved for its resilient nature and ability to thrive in minimal light. Its arching stems and variegated foliage create visual interest, whether hanging or in a pot.

Tips for Caring for Shade-Loving House Plants

To ensure success with the best house plants for shade, avoid overwatering—darker rooms often lead to slower evaporation. Rotate plants occasionally to encourage even growth, and dust leaves regularly to maximise their light absorption. For extra vitality, supplement with a balanced indoor plant fertiliser during the NZ growing season.

Welcoming the best house plants for shade into your home lets you enjoy greenery and cleaner air, regardless of your space’s lighting. Explore our range for more ideas or visit product pages for expert advice and plant care instructions.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Celebrate your favourites like Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight', then branch out with Liquidambar styraciflua, Coprosma 'Painters Palette', and Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'.
–The Plant Company

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