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.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' variegated peace Lily with elegant white flowers.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum 'Domino', commonly known as the Variegated Peace Lily, is a stunning indoor plant admired for its lush green leaves marbled with creamy white variegation. It produces elegant white blooms throughout the year, adding beauty and freshness to NZ homes and offices. Easy to care for and known for its air-purifying qualities, this Peace Lily is the perfect choice for brightening shaded indoor spaces.

Buy Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

From $25.58

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

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

Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same wide. It grows best when positioned in partial shade on a well-drained soil in a sheltered spot. It will not tolerate wet growing conditions or frost. This Fern makes for a fantastic potted plant but can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. In such environments it is often planted around pool and other outdoor living areas. This is an easy plant to grow and very forgiving.

Buy Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

From $37.73

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 30 cm

Tolerances: Shade

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.