Checklist

Low-Light Plant Placement Checklist

Use this before buying a plant for a hallway, shelf, bedroom corner, or windowless-looking room.

Pass or fail checks

CheckPassFail
Sky visibilityYou can see sky from the plant spotNo sky visible from the spot
Reading testYou can read small print without a lamp at middayYou need a lamp during daytime
DistanceWithin 8 ft of a windowAcross a room, behind a wall, or in a hallway
Plant typeKnown tolerant foliage plantFlowering, variegated, succulent, or herb

Decision tree

  1. If no daylight reaches the spot, use a grow light or choose a non-living display.
  2. If daylight is weak but present, choose ZZ plant, snake plant, cast iron plant, or pothos.
  3. If the plant stretches within a month, move it closer to glass before changing watering or fertilizer.