Living in Iowa often means dealing with rooms that don’t get much natural light, especially basements and interior spaces.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and benefits of indoor plants! Certain plants actually thrive in low-light conditions and can brighten up even the darkest corners of your home.
1. Snake Plant
Known for surviving just about anywhere, the snake plant handles Iowa’s dry indoor winters like a champ. Its thick, sword-shaped leaves store water efficiently, meaning you only need to water it once every few weeks.
Perfect for forgetful plant owners, it actually prefers being ignored rather than fussed over. Plus, it helps clean the air while you sleep, making bedrooms ideal spots for this hardy survivor.
2. Pothos
With trailing vines that can grow several feet long, pothos adds a jungle vibe to any dark space. The heart-shaped leaves come in various shades, from deep green to golden yellow, brightening up boring corners.
Water it when the soil feels dry, and watch it bounce back quickly even after neglect. You can easily propagate cuttings in water, creating new plants to share with friends or fill more spaces.
3. ZZ Plant
Sporting shiny, waxy leaves that almost look fake, the ZZ plant thrives on neglect and dim conditions. Its underground rhizomes store moisture, allowing it to go weeks without watering during Iowa’s cold months.
Growth happens slowly but steadily, producing new shoots that emerge from the soil like little green spears. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them gleaming and dust-free for maximum visual impact.
4. Cast Iron Plant
Living up to its tough name, the cast iron plant handles neglect, temperature swings, and darkness without complaint. Its broad, deep green leaves arch gracefully, creating an elegant presence in forgotten corners.
Originally from the forest floors of Asia, it’s naturally adapted to low light and irregular watering. Iowa homeowners love how it survives basement offices and hallways where other plants would quickly give up.
5. Peace Lily
Unlike most flowering plants, peace lilies produce elegant white blooms even in shadowy spots. The plant actually tells you when it needs water by drooping dramatically, then perking up within hours of a drink.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves occasionally during Iowa’s dry winter months. Its air-purifying qualities make it a favorite for bedrooms and basement family rooms throughout the state.
6. Chinese Evergreen
Featuring stunning patterns of silver, pink, or red splashed across green leaves, Chinese evergreens bring color to lightless spaces. Different varieties offer unique markings, so you can collect several without your room looking repetitive.
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, and avoid cold drafts near doors during Iowa winters. Did you know? NASA studied this plant for space stations because of its amazing air-cleaning abilities!
7. Dracaena
With spiky leaves sprouting from woody canes, dracaenas add architectural interest to bland spaces. Many varieties exist, from the compact to the towering, fitting different room sizes and ceiling heights.
They grow slowly in low light, which means less pruning and maintenance for busy Iowa families. Yellow leaf tips usually signal overwatering or fluoride in tap water, so consider using filtered water for best results.
8. Philodendron
Fast-growing and forgiving, philodendrons adapt quickly to whatever light you can offer them. The classic heartleaf variety trails beautifully from shelves, while upright types like the Congo add bold tropical flair.
Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and wipe dust from leaves to help them absorb available light more efficiently. These plants root easily in water, making propagation a fun project for kids learning about plant care.
9. Spider Plant
Producing adorable baby plants on long stems, spider plants practically beg you to share them with neighbors. The arching foliage with cream stripes creates movement and visual interest even in static, dark rooms.
Extremely tolerant of inconsistent watering and poor conditions, they’re perfect starter plants for Iowa kids learning responsibility. The baby plantlets can be potted up or left dangling for a cascading effect that softens hard edges.
10. Parlor Palm
Bringing a touch of the tropics to Iowa basements, parlor palms have delicate, feathery fronds that sway with air movement. Originally from rainforest understories, they’re naturally equipped to handle minimal light and humidity.
Keep soil evenly moist and mist occasionally during heating season to prevent brown leaf tips. Growing slowly to about four feet tall, they fit perfectly in corners without overwhelming small rooms or low ceilings.
11. Lucky Bamboo
Not actually bamboo but a type of dracaena, lucky bamboo grows happily in just water and pebbles. The sculptural stalks can be trained into spirals and arrangements, adding artistic flair to desks and shelves.
Change the water weekly and keep it at room temperature to prevent shock during Iowa’s temperature swings. According to tradition, different numbers of stalks bring different kinds of luck, making gift-giving extra thoughtful and fun.
12. Prayer Plant
Named for leaves that fold upward at night like praying hands, this plant offers fascinating daily movement to observe. The stunning foliage features patterns of deep green, light green, and red that catch whatever light is available.
Prefers consistently moist soil and higher humidity, so grouping it with other plants or using a pebble tray helps during Iowa’s dry months. Kids especially love watching the leaves rise and fall with the sun’s cycle!