7 Best Indoor Houseplants for Homes with Low Humidity

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
© iStock.com/Joimi Joh Abi

Written by Em Casalena

Updated: November 7, 2023

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Welcome to the world of low-humidity houseplants, where greenery thrives in even the driest corners of your home. In this article, we’ll dive into the botanical realm of low-humidity houseplants, where resilience meets beauty. 

1. Snake Plant

Two Dracaena trifasciata snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) and a small one on a wooden table at home

Snake plants can grow up to six feet tall.

©Adam Yee/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to selecting houseplants that thrive in low-humidity environments, the snake plant (Dracaena) is a top contender. This sturdy, appealing plant, which is native to West Africa, has developed a reputation for being a dependable indoor companion. Snake plants are an excellent alternative for houses with low humidity levels since they are not only aesthetically beautiful with their long, upright leaves but also very adaptable to diverse interior environments.

Snake plants have developed to live in desert parts of Africa, making them well-suited to low-humidity settings. They are a great option for homes with inadequate humidity levels because of their tolerance for dry air and their need for little watering. These plants are a sensible and healthy option for any house since they are particularly good at eliminating pollutants from indoor air.

2. ZZ Plants

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia or ZZ Plant

ZZ plants can grow up to three feet tall.

©iStock.com/Kseniia Soloveva

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another superb houseplant for low-humidity environments. ZZ plants are well-suited for homes with low humidity because they have evolved to withstand prolonged periods of drought in their natural habitat in eastern Africa.

One of the key features that make ZZ plants an ideal choice is their water-storing rhizomes. These underground structures allow the plant to store water, making it resilient to fluctuations in humidity levels. ZZ plants are not overly demanding when it comes to care, making them an excellent option for those who may not have a green thumb or tend to forget their watering duties.

3. Peace Lily

A potted peace lily's soil being tended to in a pot

The peace lily can grow to be four feet tall.

©iStock.com/Larisa Stefanuyk

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are renowned for their elegant white blooms and lush, dark-green foliage. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, these plants are adapted to thrive in environments with high humidity levels. However, they can also adapt and flourish in lower humidity settings with a little extra care.

To help peace lilies thrive in low humidity, occasional misting and placing a tray of water near the plant can provide the extra moisture they need. Their air-purifying properties are a bonus, as they help maintain a healthy indoor atmosphere.

4. Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior or cast-iron-plant or bar room plant with spotted leaves in pot

Cast iron plants can grow to be three feet high.

©mizy/Shutterstock.com

As the name suggests, cast iron plants (Aspidistra) are virtually indestructible and can endure a wide range of conditions, including low humidity. Originating from Asia, these hardy plants have earned their reputation for being incredibly low-maintenance.

Cast iron plants boast thick, leathery leaves that are well-equipped to retain moisture in dry air. They require minimal watering and can thrive in low-light conditions, making them a great addition to homes where humidity levels are less than ideal. Their robust nature means they can withstand neglect and still maintain their lush appearance.

5. Spider Plant

Bonnie Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Bonnie’) Beautiful spider plant also known as spider ivy or ribbon plant in flower pot in day sunlight

The spider plant can grow to be 15 inches tall in most varieties.

©Navaashay rawat/iStock via Getty Images

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are a common choice for indoor gardens because of their reputation for air purification and ease of maintenance.

These plants have long, arching leaves that are a striking shade of green with white stripes, adding a touch of elegance to any room. Spider plants are adaptive and can thrive in various conditions, including those with low humidity. They are also known for their ability to produce “spiderettes” or baby plants, which can be easily propagated, allowing you to expand your indoor garden effortlessly.

6. Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen)

The Chinese evergreen plant can reach up to three feet tall.

©iStock.com/firn

Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are another fantastic option for homes with low humidity. These Southeast Asian-born plants are well-known for their eye-catching variegated leaves and ability to thrive in indoor settings.

Chinese evergreens are well-recognized for being able to withstand low humidity levels. This makes them a great option for homes where dry air is an issue. They are available in a variety of colors and designs, giving a beautiful element to your house while requiring no upkeep. Just keep in mind that they are also toxic.

7. Bamboo Palm

Close-up on the leaves of a bamboo palm (chamaedorea seifrizii) of indoor plants, green leaves of indoor palms. Natural green leaves background

©Pereslavtseva Katerina/Shutterstock.com

Bamboo palms can grow quite tall, maxing out at about eight feet.

These palms thrive in bright, indirect light and can tolerate lower humidity levels compared to some other tropical plants. They have a natural ability to add moisture to the air through a process called transpiration. This makes them an excellent choice for enhancing indoor air quality in homes with low humidity.

Summary of the Best Indoor Houseplants for Homes with Low Humidity

#HouseplantSunlight Needs
1Snake PlantLow indirect light
2ZZ PlantLow to moderate indirect light
3Peace LilyLow to moderate indirect light
4Cast Iron PlantLow to moderate indirect light
5Spider PlantModerate to bright indirect light
6Chinese EvergreenLow to moderate indirect light
7Bamboo PalmLow to moderate indirect light.


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

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