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

Finding the best indoor shade plants for your home can completely transform a dim room into a lush, green sanctuary. Shade-loving houseplants are ideal for spaces with little natural light, such as offices, apartments, or rooms with small windows. These hardy indoor plants not only tolerate low light but thrive in it, making plant care easy and rewarding. Whether you’re new to indoor gardening or looking to expand your collection, New Zealand plant lovers will find there are plenty of beautiful, low-maintenance options perfect for shady corners.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and ability to produce baby ferns (plantlets) along the leaf edges. Ideal for shaded gardens, underplanting, or pots, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from direct sun and wind.

Buy Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

From $26.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Ferns

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 30 cm

Tolerances: Shade

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

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

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.

Buy Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas 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

What Makes a Plant Great for Indoor Shade?

When searching for the best indoor shade plants, look for species that naturally grow under the canopy of larger trees or in shaded forest areas. These plants have evolved to flourish with indirect or filtered sunlight and often require very little attention. Most indoor shade plants are also known for cleaning the air and adding a calming, natural element to your space.

Top Picks for Indoor Shade Plants

1. Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern) is renowned for its wavy, blue-green fronds and unique texture. This fern adds a tropical feel to low-light rooms and requires minimal maintenance. Just keep the soil slightly damp and provide occasional misting for best results.

2. Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

One of the most popular choices, the Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily), is known for its striking variegated leaves and air-purifying qualities. Peace Lilies tolerate low light beautifully and will even reward you with elegant white blooms when conditions are right. They also signal when they need a little water, so they’re perfect for busy households.

3. Dieffenbachia Camille

If you adore patterned foliage, Dieffenbachia Camille brings visual interest to any interior. This adaptable plant thrives in shaded areas and features creamy green leaves edged with darker green margins. Its upright form makes it a lovely floor plant for living rooms and bedrooms.

4. Peperomia clusiifolia

For compact spaces or shelves, Peperomia clusiifolia is a hardy and undemanding option. Its subtly colourful foliage stands out in a shady spot, and it’s an excellent choice for forgetful waterers due to its succulent-like leaves.

5. Peperomia Jade

Peperomia Jade offers thick, glossy green leaves and a tidy growth habit. This is one of the best indoor shade plants for desks, shelves, or windowless rooms, requiring very little water and thriving on neglect.

Caring for Your Indoor Shade Plants

While the best indoor shade plants are low light specialists, it’s still important to keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings and use high-quality potting mix for optimal health. Remember most shade-loving indoor plants thrive with regular but moderate care—too much water or fertiliser can do more harm than good.

With a thoughtfully chosen selection of the best indoor shade plants, even the darkest corners of your home can become green, lively retreats. Explore the full range of shade-tolerant houseplants to suit your space and enjoy the beauty they bring indoors, year-round.

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 shade plants

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

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What Makes a Plant Great for Indoor Shade?

Top Picks for Indoor Shade Plants