Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best indoor plants indirect light

Searching for the best indoor plants for indirect light? You’re in the right place. Many New Zealand homes offer bright yet filtered light, making it perfect for growing a stunning collection of low-maintenance, shade-loving houseplants. Whether you’re a seasoned houseplant expert or a beginner gardener, there are plenty of choices that thrive indoors without the need for direct sun. Read on to discover our top recommendations for the best indoor plants indirect light, along with tips for keeping them lush and thriving all year.

Dracaena marginata 'Sunray'

Dracaena marginata ‘Sunray’ is a striking indoor plant with slender, arching green leaves edged in bright Sunray-yellow. Its tall, elegant canes and colourful foliage make it a popular choice for adding height and tropical flair to homes and offices. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it is easy to care for and drought-tolerant once established. This variety also helps improve indoor air quality, combining beauty and function for New Zealand living spaces.

Buy Dracaena marginata 'Sunray'

From $50.99

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 50 cm

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical

Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This bold rubber plant adds a dramatic, modern touch to interior spaces and thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s low-maintenance, air-purifying, and well-suited to homes and offices alike. Ficus ‘Black Knight’ grows upright and can reach over a metre tall indoors, making it an excellent choice for statement pots and stylish interiors.

Buy Ficus 'Black Knight'

From $37.19

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical

What Makes Indirect Light Ideal for Indoor Plants?

Indirect light means your plants receive sunlight filtered through curtains, reflected off walls, or diffused in a well-lit room—not the intense rays that can scorch leaves. Most popular houseplants originally hail from the shaded forest floor, so they’ve naturally adapted to these mellow conditions. Providing indirect light also reduces water loss, keeps foliage lush, and makes it much easier to maintain a healthy indoor jungle.

Top Picks: Best Indoor Plants Indirect Light

1. Ficus Black Knight

The Ficus Black Knight boasts striking, deep green leaves and a strong upright habit. This durable Ficus variety is famous for tolerating lower light levels, making it a stylish feature in living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. Keep out of harsh afternoon sun and watch its glossy foliage shine.

2. Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor'

If you’re after height, texture and a splash of colour, the Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor' is a standout. Its slender stems and red-edged leaves add vertical interest while thriving in filtered or shaded corners. It’s also a great air purifier, perfect for boosting your indoor air quality.

3. Dracaena 'Green Stripe'

Another top choice is the Dracaena 'Green Stripe', known for its vibrant variegation and easygoing nature. Place this beauty in a spot with bright, indirect light to help maintain its dazzling stripes and compact shape. It’s ideal for desktops, shelves, and small side tables.

4. Dracaena marginata 'Sunray'

For a modern touch, consider Dracaena marginata 'Sunray', which features golden-yellow highlights and deeply textured foliage. It looks fabulous in floor pots and can tolerate less-than-ideal lighting conditions, making it a great choice for offices and apartments.

5. Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig)

The iconic Ficus lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig) is beloved for its large violin-shaped leaves and sculptural form. It flourishes in bright, indirect light and brings major drama to any interior. Avoid strong midday sun, and you’ll enjoy healthy, glossy foliage for years.

Tips for Thriving Indoor Plants in Indirect Light

Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Rotate pots every few weeks for even growth.
Dust leaves regularly to maximise energy absorption.
Choose pots with good drainage to prevent root rot.

By selecting the best indoor plants indirect light, you’ll create a soothing, lush backdrop for your home or workspace—no direct sun required. Explore our full range for more ideas and let your indoor oasis grow.

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.

best indoor plants indirect light

Dracaena marginata 'Sunray'

Ficus 'Black Knight'

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What Makes Indirect Light Ideal for Indoor Plants?