Living in Michigan comes with its unique indoor gardening challenges, especially in spaces without natural light. Whether you’re in a basement apartment, a north-facing room, or just a dark corner of your home, finding plants that thrive without windows can seem impossible.
Don’t worry though – there are plenty of green friends that can brighten up your windowless Michigan spaces without demanding the sunlight we often lack during our long winters.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
These tough-as-nails plants have earned their reputation as nearly indestructible. During Michigan’s gloomy winter months, they continue growing while other plants struggle.
Watering requirements are minimal – once every 2-3 weeks is plenty in low light areas. I’ve kept one in my windowless bathroom for years with just the occasional overhead light.
The upright, sword-like leaves add architectural interest without taking up much floor space, making them perfect for tight Michigan apartments or basement living areas.
2. ZZ Plant
Practically indestructible, ZZ plants thrive in the low light conditions common in Michigan homes during our long winters. Their glossy, dark green leaves maintain their beauty even in the dimmest corners.
Water sparingly – about once a month is sufficient. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill these drought-tolerant beauties. My ZZ has survived three apartment moves and plenty of neglect.
Native to Africa, these plants store water in their thick rhizomes, making them incredibly forgiving when you forget about them for weeks at a time.
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Hardy trailing vines that forgive even the most neglectful Michigan plant parents. The variegated leaves add a splash of brightness to dreary spaces during our long winters.
Growing them couldn’t be easier – they adapt to almost any indoor condition. When placed on a high shelf, the vines create a waterfall effect as they cascade downward, adding dimension to flat walls.
Propagating is a breeze too. Simply snip a piece, place it in water, and watch roots develop. I’ve shared cuttings with neighbors throughout my apartment building.
4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Sporting beautiful patterned leaves in silver, green, and sometimes pink, these plants bring color to dim Michigan interiors. Their ability to brighten dark corners makes them especially valuable during our gray winter months.
Forgiving by nature, they tolerate inconsistent watering and the dry indoor air from our heating systems. Last winter, mine thrived despite sitting far from any windows in my basement family room.
Originally from tropical forest floors, they’ve evolved to flourish in low light conditions, making them perfect companions for Michigan’s shorter daylight hours.
5. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, this plant is practically indestructible – perfect for Michigan homes where light is scarce and heating systems create dry conditions. The long, arching dark leaves grow slowly but steadily even in challenging environments.
Watering needs are minimal – every two weeks is plenty, even less in winter. During last year’s power outage, mine survived a week of complete darkness and temperature fluctuations without complaint.
For Michigan plant lovers with busy schedules, few options are more accommodating or require less maintenance while still providing elegant greenery.
6. Peace Lily
Among the few flowering plants that perform well without direct sunlight, peace lilies bring elegance to dim Michigan spaces. Their white blooms appear periodically throughout the year, brightening even the darkest winter days.
Dramatic by nature, they’ll droop when thirsty but quickly perk up after watering. This helpful indicator prevents the guesswork that comes with other houseplants.
Beyond their beauty, peace lilies help purify indoor air – particularly valuable during Michigan winters when windows stay closed for months and indoor air quality suffers.
7. Lucky Bamboo
Growing in just water or soil, lucky bamboo brings a touch of minimalist style to Michigan homes lacking natural light. The spiraling stems create visual interest even without flowers or showy foliage.
Traditionally symbolizing good fortune, these plants make thoughtful housewarming gifts for fellow Michiganders moving into apartments or basement units. My neighbor’s collection has thrived for years in her windowless hallway.
Care couldn’t be simpler – change the water every few weeks if growing hydroponically, or water sparingly if planted in soil. They prefer room temperature water without chlorine.
8. Parlor Palm
Bringing tropical vibes to Michigan’s indoor spaces, these compact palms thrive in low light while adding texture and height. Their feathery fronds create gentle movement with even the slightest airflow from heating vents.
Historically popular during Victorian times in low-light parlors, they continue their legacy in today’s homes. The slow growth rate means they won’t quickly outgrow your space.
Humidity lovers by nature, they appreciate occasional misting during dry Michigan winters. Placing them in bathrooms works wonderfully – mine has lived for years in my windowless powder room with just occasional LED lighting.
9. Spider Plant
Arching green and white striped leaves make spider plants instantly recognizable and perpetually popular. They tolerate Michigan’s indoor conditions beautifully, whether in bright or dim locations.
Famous for producing baby “spiderettes” that dangle from long stems, these plants are essentially self-propagating. My original plant has spawned dozens of offspring that I’ve shared with friends throughout the state.
Air purifying qualities make them especially valuable for Michigan winters when we’re sealed indoors with limited ventilation. Just trim any brown tips that develop from dry air caused by our heating systems.
10. Philodendron
Adaptable and forgiving, philodendrons come in climbing or non-climbing varieties that all perform admirably in low light. The heart-shaped leaves add a touch of romance to otherwise stark Michigan interiors.
Nearly impossible to kill, they bounce back even after periods of neglect. During my two-week vacation last winter, mine survived without water and minimal light.
For Michigan plant parents seeking something that grows noticeably, philodendrons provide that satisfaction even in dark corners. The vining types can be trained around doorways or along bookshelves to add living architecture.
11. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Known for their fascinating daily leaf movements, prayer plants fold their patterned leaves upward at night as if in prayer. This unique behavior adds a dynamic element to Michigan homes lacking natural light.
The stunning leaf patterns in shades of green, red, and cream bring natural artistry to dim spaces. Few low-light plants offer such decorative foliage with minimal care requirements.
Slightly higher humidity needs can be met by grouping with other plants or using a pebble tray with water. Even in my dry apartment during winter, mine thrives with occasional misting.
12. Dracaena
Available in numerous varieties with different leaf patterns and colors, dracaenas bring tropical flair to Michigan homes year-round. Their upright growth creates vertical interest in rooms lacking architectural features.
Slow-growing and long-lived, these plants become companions for years. My Dracaena marginata has followed me through three different Michigan apartments, thriving in each despite varying light conditions.
Caring for them requires minimal effort – water when the top inch of soil feels dry and dust the leaves occasionally. They’re particularly suited to Michigan basements where temperatures remain stable.