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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.

dieffenbachia-camille-

Dieffenbachia 'Camille'

Dieffenbachia 'Camille' is a popular indoor plant known for its large, creamy white leaves edged with green. It brings a fresh, tropical look to New Zealand homes and offices while being easy to care for. This attractive plant is ideal for indoor pots, shaded patios, or sheltered outdoor areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Hypoestes 'Splash White' plant in a pot with lush, white and dark green spotted foliage.

Hypoestes 'Splash White'

Hypoestes 'Splash White' is a fresh and decorative foliage plant valued for its green leaves splashed with crisp white markings. This compact variety performs very well in New Zealand as an indoor plant or in warm sheltered outdoor positions. It is ideal for gardeners wanting a bright clean look with colourful foliage in small spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 25 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Hypoestes 'Splash Red' plant with colourful red folaige.
Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Hypoestes 'Splash Red' is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its bright green leaves boldly splashed with deep red markings. This compact and...

From$26.15
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy...

From$34.95
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
Hoya 'Splash' variegated foliage.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash'

Hoya 'Splash' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated leaves that are dark green and splashed with...

From$27.53
Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia) plant in a pot with lush, purple and green foliage.
Begonia erythrophylla

Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia) is a striking foliage plant valued for its glossy rounded green leaves with rich red undersides. This...

From$24.77
beaucarnea-recurvata-
Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is a distinctive ornamental plant admired for its swollen trunk base and long arching leaves. This unique plant...

From$71.69
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
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
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 large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
epipremnum-golden-queen-
Epipremnum Golden Queen

Epipremnum ‘Golden Queen’ is an eye-catching indoor plant with bold golden-yellow variegation on lush green leaves. Its fast-growing, trailing habit...

From$33.05
phlebodium-blue-star-
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...

From$38.57
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
Peperomia Burgundy indoor plant.
Peperomia 'Burgundy'

Peperomia 'Burgundy' is a compact and attractive indoor plant valued for its rich burgundy toned foliage and tidy growth habit. Its deep colouring...

From$38.57
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
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
rhipsalis-baccifera-1
Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$30.29
rhipsalis-cereuscula-3
Rhipsalis cereuscula (Coral Cactus)

Commonly known as the Coral Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and interesting stems. Masses of the dark green, thread-like stems are...

From$27.53
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
castanospermum-australe-2
Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

Commonly known as the Moreton Bay Chestnut, this is an evergreen tree commonly grown as an indoor plant or added to subtropical gardens. It produces...

From$152.64
curio-herreanus-
Curio herreanus (String Of Watermelons)

Commonly known as String of Watermelons, this is a succulent grown for its interesting, ball-like foliage. It produces masses of dark green...

From$24.95
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dieffenbachia 'Camille'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beaucarnea, Begonia, and Chlorophytum, or related Categories - 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.


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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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