Living in Minnesota means braving long, dark winters—and often making do with rooms that get little to no sunlight. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on houseplants.
Even windowless corners can come alive with the right greenery. Hardy, low-light plants like snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants thrive with minimal sun.
I’ve found that adding a few of these tough beauties instantly warms up a space. They bring life, color, and a much-needed dose of nature to winter-weary homes.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Nearly indestructible, the snake plant survives on neglect and minimal light. Its tall, sword-like leaves grow upward and come in various shades of green with yellow edges.
Water it once every few weeks, and it will happily sit in your windowless bathroom or hallway. Snake plants also purify air by removing toxins, making them both beautiful and functional for Minnesota homes year-round.
2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
With cascading vines covered in heart-shaped leaves, pothos adds charm to shelves and hanging baskets. This plant tolerates almost any lighting condition and forgives forgotten waterings.
You can grow it in soil or even water! Pothos comes in golden, marble, and neon varieties, giving you options to match your decor. Perfect for beginners, it grows quickly and looks lush without demanding much attention or sunlight.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Shiny, waxy leaves make the ZZ plant look polished and modern. It stores water in its thick roots, so you only need to water it monthly.
This plant thrives in artificial light, making it ideal for offices or basements without windows. ZZ plants grow slowly but steadily, eventually reaching a few feet tall. Their glossy appearance and minimal care requirements make them a favorite for busy Minnesota households.
4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Earning its name from toughness, the cast iron plant withstands neglect, low light, and temperature fluctuations. Broad, dark green leaves arch gracefully from the base.
It grows slowly but remains attractive for years with little effort. Dust the leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best. This Victorian-era favorite remains popular today because it truly thrives where other plants would struggle, especially in Minnesota’s challenging indoor conditions.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Elegant white blooms emerge from glossy green foliage, even in dim rooms. Peace lilies actually prefer shade over bright light and will tell you when they need water by drooping slightly.
A quick drink perks them right back up! They also filter airborne toxins, improving indoor air quality. With minimal care, peace lilies bloom several times yearly, adding beauty and freshness to windowless spaces throughout Minnesota winters.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Striking patterns and colors ranging from silver to pink make Chinese evergreens eye-catching additions to any room. They adapt well to low light and require watering only when soil feels dry.
Different varieties offer unique leaf patterns, so you can collect several without repetition. These tropical beauties handle Minnesota’s dry indoor winter air better than many houseplants. Simply wipe leaves occasionally to maintain their vibrant appearance and health.
7. Dracaena (Various Species)
Tall and tree-like, dracaenas bring vertical interest to corners and empty spaces. Varieties like corn plant and dragon tree offer different leaf shapes and colors.
They tolerate low light remarkably well and need water only when the top few inches of soil dry out. Dracaenas can grow quite tall over time, creating dramatic focal points. Their architectural form and easy care make them excellent choices for Minnesota homes with limited natural lighting.
8. Philodendron (Heartleaf)
Vining heartleaf philodendrons trail beautifully from shelves or climb up moss poles. Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves stay attractive even in very low light conditions.
Water when soil feels dry, and occasionally trim stems to encourage bushier growth. Philodendrons root easily in water, so you can propagate new plants from cuttings. This classic houseplant has graced Minnesota homes for generations because it simply refuses to give up, even in challenging conditions.
9. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name, lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo but a type of dracaena. It grows happily in water or soil with minimal light requirements.
Arrange stalks in decorative patterns or let them grow straight for a clean, modern look. Change the water weekly if growing in vases. Lucky bamboo symbolizes good fortune in feng shui, making it both a practical and meaningful addition to windowless Minnesota rooms throughout the year.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Bringing tropical vibes to Minnesota homes, parlor palms feature delicate, feathery fronds that add softness to any space. They’ve been popular houseplants since Victorian times because they tolerate low light beautifully.
Keep soil slightly moist and mist occasionally during dry winter months. Parlor palms grow slowly, eventually reaching three to four feet tall. Their graceful appearance and forgiving nature make them wonderful choices for adding greenery to rooms without windows.
11. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Arching leaves striped with white or cream create a fountain-like appearance. Spider plants produce baby plantlets on long stems, which you can easily root to create new plants.
They adapt to various light conditions, including rooms with only artificial lighting. Water when soil dries out, and trim brown tips if they appear. Spider plants are incredibly forgiving and bounce back from neglect, making them perfect for busy Minnesota households seeking low-maintenance greenery.
12. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Delicate, lacy fronds create an ethereal appearance that softens any space. While maidenhair ferns need consistent moisture, they thrive in low light and high humidity.
Place them in bathrooms or near humidifiers to keep them happy during Minnesota’s dry winters. Mist regularly and keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Though slightly more demanding than other low-light plants, their stunning beauty rewards the extra attention in windowless rooms.