Free samples
Recieve 2 free samples with orders over $50. Simply use the code at checkout.
SAMPLESALE
Not every Toronto home is blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows and southern exposure. Maybe you're in a condo where the building next door blocks most of your light. Maybe you've got a north-facing apartment or that one dark hallway that feels like a cave.
Here's the good news: plenty of plants actually prefer low light. We're not talking about keeping them barely alive; we mean genuinely happy, growing, beautiful plants that evolved in forest understories and shaded conditions.
After 15 years at Willem & Jools working with Toronto's urban dwellers, we've learned which plants handle our unique challenges, long winters with limited daylight, condos with small windows, Victorian homes with deep rooms far from natural light.
Let's talk about which ones work and how to keep them thriving.
What "Low Light" Actually Means
Plant care advice throws around "low light" constantly, so let's clarify what that means in real terms:
-
Rooms with north-facing windows
-
Spaces 5-10 feet away from any window
-
Rooms with windows blocked by buildings or trees
-
Hallways, bathrooms, or interior rooms with minimal natural light
-
Any space where you'd need a lamp to read comfortably during the day
Low light doesn't mean no light. Even shade-loving plants need some light to survive. But in Toronto, our latitude means winter daylight is limited anyway—even rooms with decent windows get pretty dim from November through February.
The Top Low-Light Champions
These plants genuinely thrive without much light and forgive occasional neglect.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If we could only recommend one plant for dark Toronto apartments, it'd be the snake plant. Those upright, sword-like leaves handle almost any light level, and they're drought-tolerant, meaning you can forget about them for weeks.
Water every 2-3 weeks in winter, maybe weekly in summer. They also purify air while looking sleek and modern. The darker green varieties handle lower light better than highly variegated ones.
Want one for your space? Order a snake plant from Willem & Jools — we deliver throughout the GTA and can advise on the right variety for your light conditions.
Pothos
The ultimate beginner plant. These trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves grow happily from bright light to pretty dim corners. They're nearly impossible to kill.
Growth might slow in low light, but pothos adapts beautifully. Drape them from shelves, let them climb poles, or train them along walls. Water when the top couple inches of soil feel dry (usually every 7-10 days).
Jade pothos (solid green) tolerates the lowest light. Golden pothos (yellow variegation) needs slightly more.
Pothos are one of our most popular recommendations for Toronto condos. Browse our plant selection at willemandjools.com and we'll get one to your door.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants look like they should be fussy with those glossy, architectural leaves that seem almost artificial. But they're ridiculously low-maintenance.
They grow from rhizomes that store water, handling drought incredibly well. In low light with Toronto's dry winter air, you might water once a month. Overwatering is basically the only way to kill them.
They stay compact, look sophisticated, and ask for almost nothing in return.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
The name says it all. Victorian homes used these specifically because they handled dim, gas-lit rooms. They're darkness specialists with large, glossy leaves that emerge directly from soil on long stems.
They grow slowly, tolerate neglect, handle temperature swings, and genuinely prefer low light. Too much light actually damages their leaves. Perfect for that dark corner or north-facing room.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Gorgeous varieties with silver, pink, or red patterns on dark green leaves. They handle typical indoor temperatures, tolerate dry air (helpful for Toronto winters), and don't need frequent watering.
More colourful varieties need slightly more light than solid green ones, but they're all pretty forgiving. They stay compact—perfect for tabletops or shelves.
Peace Lily
Unique on this list because they actually flower even in low light—those elegant white spaths appear year-round, though less frequently in darker spots.
They're also dramatic communicators: when they need water, they droop obviously. Water them, and within hours they perk back up. Makes them surprisingly easy for beginners.
They love humidity, so Toronto bathrooms work perfectly.
Strategic Placement Tips
Where you put plants matters as much as which ones you choose.
North-Facing Windows: Plants right at north windows get indirect, consistent light—perfect for low-light lovers. Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants thrive here.
Several Feet from Windows: The 5-10 foot range from windows? Stick with snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants. Rotate them quarterly so all sides get exposure.
Dark Corners: That corner far from any window needs your toughest plants—snake plant or ZZ plant. They'll grow slowly but stay healthy.
Bathrooms: Small windows or none at all, but the humidity helps. Pothos, philodendrons, and peace lilies thrive here even with minimal light.
Hallways: Long, dim hallways are perfect for snake plants or dracaenas. Their vertical form fits narrow spaces.
Basements: If you have ground-level windows, even small ones, place plants directly in front. For completely windowless basements, you'll need artificial grow lights.
The Mistakes That Actually Kill Plants
Overwatering (The Big One)
In low light, plants photosynthesize less and use less water. Soil stays moist way longer. The watering schedule that worked in bright light becomes overwatering in dim conditions.
Always check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil—if it's still moist, wait. In Toronto winters, you might water half as often as in summer.
Dust Buildup
Dust blocks light absorption. In low-light conditions where every bit matters, dusty leaves mean even less photosynthesis. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Choosing Heavily Variegated Plants
Lots of white or yellow on leaves need more light to maintain those colours. In truly dark spaces, choose solid green or mostly green varieties—more chlorophyll means better low-light tolerance.
Expecting Fast Growth
Low light means slow growth. That's normal, not a problem. Don't interpret it as failure or try to "fix" it with more water or fertilizer.
Over-Fertilizing
Plants in low light need very little fertilizer—maybe quarterly. They're growing slowly, so they're not using many nutrients. Excess fertilizer builds up and damages roots.
Do You Actually Need Grow Lights?
You need them if: You have a completely windowless room. Even low-light plants need some light.
You don't need them if: You have any windows at all—even north-facing or small ones. These plants evolved for forest understories. They're adapted to dim conditions.
If you do use them: Small LED grow lights are inexpensive and energy-efficient. Place them 12-18 inches from plants, run 8-12 hours daily. Don't overdo it—low-light plants prefer dim conditions.
Toronto's Seasonal Reality
Winter (November-February)
Days are short, and even south-facing windows get limited light. Your plants will grow very little or go nearly dormant. This is normal.
Reduce watering significantly—maybe once or twice a month for many low-light plants. Check the soil; it stays moist much longer in winter.
Summer (May-August)
Even north-facing windows get more light. Your plants might actually grow a bit. Water more frequently as they're using more water, but always check the soil first.
Don't suddenly move plants to brighter spots—they can sunburn. Low-light plants that get sudden direct sun develop brown, crispy patches.
Quick Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: Overwatering, especially in low light. Check soil moisture, reduce watering frequency.
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering. Toronto's winter heating makes air dry. Mist occasionally or group plants together.
Leggy, stretched growth: Not enough light even for low-light plants. Move closer to a window or add supplemental light.
Wilting despite wet soil: Overwatering has progressed to root rot. Remove plant from pot, cut away mushy roots, repot in fresh soil, water way less.
No growth at all: Normal in winter. If it's summer with no growth for months, check if it's root-bound and needs repotting.
What to Look for When Buying
Buy plants that look healthy—firm leaves, no yellowing, compact growth. Avoid plants with lots of brown tips, yellowing, or that feel loose in their pots.
Check underneath leaves for pests—tiny bugs, webbing, or sticky residue. Bringing home an infested plant spreads problems to all your plants.
At Willem & Jools, we source quality plants suited to Toronto's urban conditions. We understand the light challenges in condos and apartments and recommend plants that'll genuinely work for your space.
FAQ: Low-Light Plants
What plant survives with almost no light?
Snake plants and ZZ plants handle the lowest light while staying healthy. Cast iron plants are also extremely tolerant. We carry all of these at Willem & Jools. Order online for delivery across the GTA.
Can plants live in a room with no windows?
Not indefinitely without artificial light. Even shade-loving plants need some light. A small grow light solves this easily.
How often should I water plants in low light?
Much less frequently—check the soil and only water when the top 2 inches are dry. Maybe every 2-3 weeks in winter, weekly in summer.
Why is my low-light plant dying?
Usually overwatering. In low light, the soil stays wet longer. Reduce watering and ensure pots have drainage holes.
Will low-light plants grow faster with more light?
Yes, but don't suddenly move them into bright direct sun—they'll burn. These plants are adapted to shade. Let them do their thing.
Are low-light plants good for beginners?
Generally, yes—they're usually drought-tolerant and forgiving of neglect, making them easier overall.
Making Dark Spaces Green
Just because a room lacks light doesn't mean it can't have gorgeous, thriving greenery. The right plants transform dark Toronto apartments, hallways, and rooms into lush spaces.
Choose plants adapted to low light and treat them accordingly—less water, occasional rotation, patience with slow growth. They're not struggling; they're living exactly as they evolved to.
Visit Willem & Jools at willemandjools.com to explore our selection of low-light plants perfect for Toronto's urban living. With over 15 years of experience, we understand the challenges in Toronto condos and apartments with limited windows.
We source healthy plants selected for their ability to thrive in lower light—from snake plants and pothos to ZZ plants and philodendrons. Order online for GTA delivery, or contact us for advice about which plants will work in your specific space.
