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indoor plants that like shade nz

Looking to brighten up your home with beautiful foliage, but worried about low light conditions? Discover the best indoor plants that like shade NZ gardeners love for their resilience and style. If your home, apartment, or office has soft light, shaded corners, or lacks direct sunshine, these shade-tolerant indoor plants are your perfect solution—adding sculptural greenery, air-purifying benefits, and a sense of calm to every room. Many popular houseplants thrive in the gentle light found indoors throughout New Zealand, making it easy to create a lush sanctuary, even in the shadiest spot.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

5 from 1 customers

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy care nature. The long, narrow leaves form a graceful clump, while mature plants produce cascading stems carrying small white flowers and young plantlets.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 38 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow'

Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its bright foliage and easy care nature. The narrow, arching leaves form a compact clump and bring fresh colour and texture to indoor spaces throughout the year.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 35 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
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...

From$26.15
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
Philodendron 'Xanadu' with lush green foliage growing indoors in a pot.
Philodendron 'Xanadu'

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a lush, tropical plant prized for its dense clumps of deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It forms a tidy, fountain-like...

From$24.95
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$9.95
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
Ficus elastica 'Melany' plant in a pot.
Ficus elastica 'Melany'

Ficus Melany is a compact glossy leaved rubber plant known for its deep green foliage and upright form. Ideal for NZ homes and offices it adds...

From$33.05
Dracaena 'Amigo' plant with lush green foliage being grown as an indoor plant.
Dracaena 'Amigo'

Dracaena 'Amigo' is a stylish, low-maintenance indoor plant loved for its lush, tropical foliage and easy-care nature. Its glossy green leaves and...

From$64.79
Ficus benjamina plant in black pot with lush green leaves
Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina, known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor plant in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, arching branches and glossy green...

From$30.29
epipremnum-golden-queen-
Epipremnum 'Golden Queen'

Epipremnum 'Golden Queen' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. This variety stands out for its vibrant colouring and adaptability to a wide...

From$33.05
Dracaena Anita plant in a pot.
Dracaena 'Anita'

Dracaena 'Anita' is an elegant indoor plant with fine, arching, deep green leaves that create a soft, fountain-like effect. Its slim canes and lush...

From$50.99
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' variegated foliage.
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight'

Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' is a striking indoor plant admired for its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. This variegated form of the popular...

From$30.29
Syngonium White Butterfly plants with elegant green foliage.
Syngonium 'White Butterfly'

Syngonium 'White Butterfly' is a beautiful indoor plant admired for its creamy white leaves edged with soft green. It is a vigorous grower and brings...

From$38.57
A Dracaena 'Massangeana' (Happy plant) with colourful foliage growing in a pot.
Dracaena 'Massangeana'

Dracaena 'Massangeana', commonly known as the Happy Plant, is a stunning indoor plant grown for its lovely form and variegated foliage. The yellow...

From$82.73
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.
Ficus benjamina 'Variegata'

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$71.69
Dracaena 'Warneckii' plant.
Dracaena 'Warneckii'

Dracaena 'Warneckii' is a bold and attractive indoor plant featuring long, arching green leaves striped with clean white or cream. Its upright canes...

From$64.79
Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.
Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and...

From$37.19
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral'

Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its tall, upright leaves and dark green colouring with distinctive lighter...

From$32.95
sansevieria-moonshine-
Sansevieria 'Moonshine'

Sansevieria 'Moonshine' is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its broad, upright leaves and distinctive silvery green colouring. The smooth...

From$32.95
Philodendron 'Atom' growing as an indoor plant and featuring lush, dark green foliage.
Philodendron 'Atom'

Philodendron 'Atom' is a compact, tropical plant known for its glossy, dark green leaves with deep lobes and softly ruffled edges. This dwarf variety...

From$37.19
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' plants in a tropical garden.
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' is a popular indoor plant owing to its rich and colourful foliage. The large and glossy leaves are burgundy-red and held...

From$33.05
Hypocyrta tropicana (Goldfish Plant) with orange flowers growing as a potted plant indoors.
Hypocyrta tropicana

Hypocyrta tropicana, commonly known as the Goldfish Plant, is a popular indoor plant owing to its foliage, flowers, and great form. The dark green...

From$30.29
Hoya 'Teddy' flowers.
Hoya 'Teddy Bear'

Hoya 'Teddy Bear' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing stems...

From$24.95
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade

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
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
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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
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
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
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade

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
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Asplenium, Chlorophytum, and Dracaena, or related Categories - Ground Fern, and Indoor Plants.

Search indoor plants that like shade nz

Why Choose Shade-Loving Indoor Plants?

Shade-loving indoor plants offer a practical advantage for New Zealand homes, where winter days can be gloomy and many spaces receive indirect light. These easy-care plants can handle north-facing rooms, hallways, or offices with filtered sunlight. They're also well-suited for renters or anyone seeking resilient greenery that won't pout in a dim corner. Plus, many of these selections have air-purifying qualities—helping you breathe easier while elevating your interior style.

Best Indoor Plants That Like Shade NZ

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

One of the most popular choices for shaded rooms, the Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily) thrives in low light and produces elegant white blooms. Its striking variegated leaves brighten shadowy spots, and it's famously easy to care for—just keep the soil moist and it’ll reward you with lush growth.

Begonia erythrophylla

For those after dramatic foliage, Begonia erythrophylla is a winner. This begonia features rounded, bronze-green leaves and loves indirect light, making it ideal for shaded indoor spaces throughout NZ. Its compact size and tolerance to lower light levels let it flourish where few other flowering plants can.

Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

If you want something sculptural, consider Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm). With its cascading “ponytail” leaves and bulbous trunk, this plant is a standout in low light locations. It’s drought tolerant and adapts well to the conditions of New Zealand homes, preferring shadier spots away from intense sunlight.

Dracaena 'Anita'

Another excellent indoor plant that likes shade in NZ is the Dracaena 'Anita'. With slender, arching leaves, Dracaena varieties are prized for their ability to purify air and thrive in indirect light. ‘Anita’ is especially tolerant of low light, making it a dependable option for less sunny rooms.

Syngonium 'White Butterfly'

For a splash of colour in dim spaces, Syngonium 'White Butterfly' is a lush choice. Its arrow-shaped leaves feature beautiful white variegation that brightens any interior. Syngoniums grow well in shaded conditions and are forgiving if you occasionally forget to water.

Tips for Growing Shade-Loving Indoor Plants in NZ

Looking for lush, shade-loving plants? Browse our curated range of indoor plants that like shade NZ and transform your home into a green oasis no matter the light conditions.


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.

–The Plant Company

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