Succulents are native to arid and semi-arid areas that need an adequate amount of sunlight. Most of these plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal care.
But, fortunately, few exceptional succulents can grow in low light.
Low light doesn’t mean zero light.
In simple terms, a low-light spot is often a few feet away from the window. It receives minimal natural light.
Although low-light succulents might not grow as vigorously as those in bright sunlight, they can still survive, albeit with slower growth.
19 Succulents that Grow in Low Light
Though succulents are often associated with bright and sunny climates, many varieties can thrive in low-light conditions.
The succulents listed below can adapt to survive in shaded areas, relying on artificial lighting or filtered natural light.
Their ability to store water in thick leaves helps them endure periods of low-energy intake, though slower growth and elongated stems may occur when light is insufficient.
To keep low-light succulents healthy, providing as much indirect light as possible is essential, even if it means placing them near a north-facing window or supplementing them with grow lights.
1. Jade Plant
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent known for its thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that resemble small jade stones.
Its vibrant green foliage adds a touch of elegance to indoor spaces, and its ability to grow into a small, tree-like shape makes it a stunning focal point in homes and offices.
This hardy succulent thrives in low to moderate light, making it an excellent choice for dimly lit rooms.
It prefers temperatures between 55–75°F and does well in average indoor humidity.
Jade Plants require well-draining soil and infrequent watering. Their fleshy leaves store moisture, allowing them to withstand periods of drought.
2. Bear Paws (Cotyledon tomentosa)
Bear Paws is a charming succulent known for its fuzzy, thick leaves that resemble tiny paw prints with reddish tips.
Its unique appearance and soft texture make it an eye-catching addition to any indoor space. It adds a playful and cosy touch to succulent collections.
This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions for short periods.
It prefers temperatures between 60–75°F and does best in a dry environment with well-draining soil.
Bear Paws require minimal watering, as their plump leaves store moisture, making them highly drought-tolerant and easy to maintain.
3. Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe delagoensis)
The Chandelier Plant is a striking succulent with slender, tubular leaves that dangle elegantly, resembling a chandelier.
Its unique foliage and ability to produce tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves make it a fascinating addition to any indoor garden.
This low-maintenance succulent thrives in indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It prefers warm temperatures between 60–80°F and does well in dry environments with well-draining soil.
Chandelier Plants require infrequent watering, as their fleshy leaves store moisture, making them highly drought-tolerant.
4. Moon Cactus
Moon Cactus is a colourful, eye-catching succulent known for its bright red, pink, or yellow top grafted onto a green cactus base. Its bold, neon-like hues make it a perfect decorative plant for homes and offices.
This small cactus does well in low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor spaces with limited sunlight.
It prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F and requires occasional watering, as too much moisture can cause root rot. Well-draining soil is essential to keep the Moon Cactus healthy and thriving.
5. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is a tough, resilient succulent with glossy, dark green leaves that add a sleek, modern look to any indoor space.
Its upright, symmetrical growth pattern makes it an excellent plant for minimalistic home décor.
This plant thrives in low-light conditions, making it one of the best succulents for dimly lit rooms.
It prefers temperatures between 60–75°F and low humidity. The ZZ Plant is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, as its rhizomes store moisture for long periods.
6. Ogre Ears Succulent
Ogre Ears Succulent is a unique variation of the Jade Plant with tubular, green leaves that resemble ogre ears or tiny trumpets.
Its quirky appearance makes it a fun and decorative plant for indoor gardens.
This hardy succulent thrives in low to moderate light and prefers temperatures between 55–75°F.
It requires well-draining soil and occasional watering, as its fleshy leaves store moisture, allowing it to withstand drought.
7. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)
The African Milk Tree is a tall, striking succulent with thick, triangular stems and small, green leaves along its ridges. Its upright growth adds height and structure to any indoor plant collection.
This plant can tolerate low-light conditions but grows best in bright, indirect light.
It prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F and requires minimal watering, as it stores water in its thick stems. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot.
8. String of Hearts
String of Hearts is a delicate, trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves cascading down thin, wiry stems. Its romantic, cascading foliage makes it perfect for hanging planters and shelves.
This plant adapts well to low-light conditions but thrives in indirect light.
It prefers temperatures between 60 75°F and requires occasional watering, as its semi-succulent leaves store moisture. Well-draining soil helps prevent overwatering.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a well-known succulent with thick, fleshy leaves filled with soothing gel. Its spiky, green foliage adds a fresh and modern touch to any indoor space.
This plant can survive in low-light conditions but grows best with some indirect sunlight.
Aloe vera prefers temperatures between 55 80°F and does well in dry environments. It requires infrequent watering, as its leaves retain moisture, making it highly drought-resistant.
10. Pinwheel Desert Rose (Aeonium arboreum)
Pinwheel Desert Rose is a compact succulent with thick, twisted stems and bright green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Its sculptural shape makes it a visually appealing houseplant.
This plant does well in indirect light and can tolerate lower light conditions.
It prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F and thrives in dry environments with well-draining soil. Watering should be minimal, as its thick trunk stores moisture.
11. Propeller Plant (Crassula falcata)
The Propeller Plant features unique, overlapping, propeller-shaped leaves in a soft blue-green colour.
Its unusual leaf structure adds an interesting visual element to indoor gardens.
This drought-tolerant succulent can grow in low to moderate light and prefers warm temperatures between 60–80°F. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires occasional watering, making it an easy-care plant.
12. Snake Plant
Mother-in-law’s Tongue, known as the Snake Plant, has tall, sword-like leaves with striking green and yellow variegation.
Its bold, upright foliage enhances modern and minimalistic interiors.
This hardy plant thrives in low-light conditions and can tolerate neglect. It prefers temperatures between 60–80°F and does well in dry environments. Watering should be infrequent, as overwatering can cause root rot.
13. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
Panda Plant is a fuzzy succulent with silvery-green leaves edged in brown. Its soft, velvety texture makes it a charming houseplant.
This plant can tolerate low light but prefers bright, indirect light. It thrives in temperatures between 60–75°F and requires well-draining soil. Watering should be minimal to prevent overwatering.
14. Ocean Star Hahnii
Ocean Star Hahnii is a compact, rosette-forming Snake Plant with wavy, green-and-yellow-striped leaves.
Its small size makes it perfect for tabletops and shelves.
This resilient succulent grows well in low-light conditions and requires minimal care. It prefers temperatures between 60–80°F and dry soil, with infrequent watering.
15. Burro’s Tail
Burro’s Tail is a trailing succulent with plump, overlapping, blue-green leaves that spill beautifully from hanging pots. Its cascading growth adds a soft, flowing element to indoor spaces.
This succulent can handle lower light conditions but prefers bright, indirect light. It thrives in temperatures between 60–75°F and needs well-draining soil with occasional watering.
16. Wax Flower
Wax Flower is a vine succulent with thick, waxy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. It’s glossy foliage and delicate blooms make it a favourite for indoor plant lovers.
This plant adapts well to low-light conditions but flowers best with bright, indirect light.
It prefers temperatures between 60–80°F and requires occasional watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
17. Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail Palm is a unique succulent with a bulbous trunk that stores water and long, curly green leaves that cascade like a ponytail. Its striking form makes it a bold statement plant.
This hardy succulent can tolerate low light but thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F and requires infrequent watering due to its moisture-storing trunk.
18. Ox Tongue (Gasteria)
Ox Tongue is a compact succulent with thick, rough-textured leaves speckled with white spots. Its unusual leaf shape and pattern add interest to any plant collection.
This low-maintenance plant does well in low-light environments. It prefers temperatures between 60–75°F and thrives in dry conditions with minimal watering.
19. Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus is a festive succulent with segmented, green stems and vibrant flowers that bloom in winter. Its cascading growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets.
This plant adapts to low-light conditions but flowers best with some indirect light. It prefers temperatures between 60–75°F and requires slightly more water than most succulents, especially during its blooming period.
Conclusion
Growing succulents in low light is possible with the proper plant selection and care. While they may grow more slowly and require occasional light adjustments, these hardy plants can still thrive in dimmer environments.
By choosing shade-tolerant varieties, ensuring proper watering, and providing occasional indirect light or artificial supplementation, you can enjoy the beauty of succulents even in spaces with minimal natural sunlight.
Whether you’re decorating a low-light office, a cosy apartment, or a shaded corner of your home, these succulents offer a resilient and low-maintenance way to bring greenery indoors. With attention to their needs, they can flourish, adding texture, colour, and life to any indoor setting.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting