15 Best and Worst Succulents for Low Light: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growing

We may be paid a commission if you purchase through links on this page. More info.

Several potted succulents, perfect for indoor growing, are arranged in white containers on a wooden surface, illuminated by sunlight streaming through a nearby window.

Think all succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive? Think again! While these desert-dwellers have a reputation for being sun-lovers, some surprising species have adapted to flourish in shadier spots.

Understanding which succulents can handle low light conditions can be the difference between a thriving indoor garden and a collection of stretched, unhappy plants.

Whether you’re dealing with a dim office space or a north-facing apartment, choosing the right succulent species is crucial. Some varieties actually prefer filtered light and will burn in direct sun, while others will desperately stretch toward any available light source, becoming leggy and distorted in lower light conditions.

Best Low-Light Succulents for Indoor Growing

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Source: hillsidegardenph

Snake plants stand out as one of the most adaptable succulents in full shade for low-light settings.

These sturdy plants thrive in shaded corners and can handle irregular watering patterns. Place them 6-10 feet from a window, and they’ll maintain their upright, architectural form.

The key to success with snake plants is avoiding overwatering – let the soil dry completely between waterings.

Haworthia Species

zebra haworthiaSource: @botanicalsmh

Haworthias excel in indirect light conditions, making them perfect for desk plants or bathroom windowsills. Their compact rosette form stays tight even in lower light, unlike many other succulents.

These small plants prefer bright, filtered light but won’t suffer in shadier spots.

Water sparingly – about every 2-3 weeks in growing season and less in winter.

Holiday Cacti (Schlumbergera)

christmas cactus blooming

Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti naturally grow under tree canopies in their native habitat.

These plants flower reliably even in lower light conditions.

Position them near an east or north-facing window for best results. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mist occasionally to boost humidity.

Forest Cacti (Including Rhipsalis)

A potted fishbone cactus plant with long, wavy green leaves thrives in low light, sitting on a white surface against a plain white background.Source: plantastic_mr_fox

Forest cacti, like the fishbone cactus, have adapted to growing beneath tree canopies. These plants prefer filtered light and can burn in direct sun.

Place them near bright windows with sheer curtains for protection.

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy, and provide good air flow around the plant.

Gasteria

GasteriaSource: chu_chu_mouse

Similar to Haworthias, Gasteria species handle low light well.

Larger varieties like Gasteria Acinacifolia can reach impressive sizes even in shade.

These tough plants need minimal attention – water only when the soil is completely dry, and place them in bright, indirect light for best growth.

Peperomia Varieties

Peperomia plantSource: shelleys.indoor.jungle

While not all Peperomias are true succulents, many species store water in their thick leaves.

These compact plants grow well under office lights or in north-facing windows.

Water when the top layer of soil dries out, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.

Tips for Success

  • Rotate plants quarterly to promote even growth
  • Check soil moisture with your finger before watering
  • Clean leaves monthly to maximize light absorption
  • Watch for signs of insufficient light (stretching, pale leaves)
  • Reduce watering frequency in low-light conditions
  • Consider supplemental lighting during winter months

Remember that while these plants tolerate low light, they still need some brightness to thrive.

Monitor their growth and adjust positions if they show signs of light stress.

Most importantly, match your watering routine to the available light – plants in shadier spots need less frequent watering than those in brighter areas.

Worst Succulents for Low Light Conditions

Echeveria

echeveria lolaSource: @succycrazy

These rosette-shaped succulents need bright sunlight to maintain their compact form. In low light, Echeveria quickly become stretched and leggy, with wide spaces between leaves.

Their characteristic tight leaf pattern falls apart without adequate light, and the plants often drop lower leaves. Even bright indirect light usually isn’t enough – these plants need direct sun exposure to stay healthy.

Learn more about Echeveria in our guide here.

Sedum

Source: @franka.succulent.art

Most Sedum varieties look cool when grown properly but require full sun to keep their dense growth pattern. In low light settings, they grow thin, weak stems and sparse leaves.

The colorful varieties lose their vibrant hues and turn a pale green. Indoor lighting rarely provides enough intensity for these sun-loving plants, making them better suited for outdoor gardens.

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Source: @succulent_crazy_sisters

This trailing succulent demands bright conditions to maintain its characteristic dense leaf pattern. Without strong light, new growth becomes thin and sparse, with large gaps between leaves.

The trademark “tail” effect disappears as the plant stretches toward light sources. Even south-facing windows might not provide enough light for optimal growth.

Aeonium

Two dark purple, glossy succulents with rosette shapes thrive in pots, basking happily even in full sun.Source: succulentyyy

Aeonium species need strong morning sun to develop their striking colors and maintain compact rosettes. In low light, they lose their rich purple, red, or yellow tints and become plain green.

The stems stretch out, creating an unattractive, elongated appearance. These plants naturally grow in open, sunny areas and struggle indoors.

Euphorbia

Source: @niwa.botanic

Most Euphorbia species evolved in bright, sunny conditions and can’t adapt to low light. They become weak and prone to pest problems when light levels are insufficient.

Their growth becomes irregular and distorted as they search for better light sources.

These plants need the brightest possible conditions to stay healthy.

Lithops

living stone lithopsSource: @story_ofplants

These “living stones” need intense light to maintain their unique form and complete their yearly growth cycle. Without strong light, they can’t produce flowers or create new leaves properly.

Indoor lighting typically falls short of their needs, making them unsuitable for low-light spaces.

Agave

A large, symmetrical agave plant thrives in full sun, its thick, pointed blue-green leaves standing out against the reddish-brown soil.Source: p.i.g.f.i.s.h

Agave plants require strong, direct sunlight to maintain their rigid structure and distinctive leaf patterns.

In low light, their leaves become soft and floppy, losing the architectural appeal that makes them popular.

They’re outdoor plants at heart and won’t thrive in typical indoor lighting conditions.

Sempervivum

Sempervivum ArachnoideumSource: @planetcactus

These mountain-dwelling succulents need intense sunlight to maintain their tight rosette form. In low light, they quickly stretch out and lose their compact shape.

Their natural habitat in rocky, alpine regions makes them poorly suited for indoor growing. Without strong light, they become weak and often fail to produce offsets.

Understanding Succulents and Their Light Needs

Basic Light Requirements

Most succulents need light daily to stay healthy and maintain their compact shape.

When placed in areas with insufficient light, these plants often show signs of stress through etiolation – a process where they stretch toward light sources and become leggy.

While etiolated plants aren’t necessarily unhealthy, the stretched growth is permanent and can only be fixed through propagation.

Natural vs. Artificial Light

South-facing windows offer the best natural light for succulents indoors. Morning light from east-facing windows provides good intensity without the risk of burning.

To make the most of available light, keep windows clean and consider using mirrors to reflect light onto your plants.

When natural light isn’t enough, artificial lighting can help – particularly during winter months or in darker spaces.

Signs of Light Problems

Watch for these indicators that your succulent needs light adjustment:

  • Stretching or elongated growth between leaves
  • Pale or faded leaf color
  • Leaning or reaching toward light sources
  • New growth appearing smaller than usual

For succulents in low-light settings, it’s important to adjust watering habits. Plants in shade typically need less frequent watering than those in bright light, as water evaporates more slowly in these conditions.

Creating the Right Environment

Even shade loving succulents need some light – none can survive in complete darkness.

Position plants within 6-10 feet of a window, and rotate them regularly to promote even growth.

During winter months, when natural light decreases, you might need to move plants closer to windows or add artificial lighting to maintain healthy growth.

Remember that while these varieties can handle lower light conditions, they still benefit from bright, indirect light. The key is finding the sweet spot between too much and too little light for each specific plant.

Start with these shade-tolerant varieties if you’re working with limited light, and adjust their placement based on how they respond.

Making the Right Choice for Your Space

Selecting the perfect succulent for your lighting conditions can make the difference between a thriving, low-maintenance plant and a constant struggle. While many popular varieties like Echeveria and Sedum need bright light to maintain their beautiful forms, shade-tolerant options like Snake Plants and Haworthias can create stunning displays even in dimmer conditions.

Remember that even the most shade-tolerant succulents need some light to survive. By choosing from our recommended low-light varieties and avoiding the sun-loving species, you’ll set yourself up for success in your indoor gardening journey. The key is matching the right plant to your specific environment and being realistic about your lighting conditions.

Leave a Comment