10 Succulents for Low Light Environments

Succulents are plants that store water in their tissues, enabling them to live in severe environments such as a desert. Many succulents thrive with full sun exposure. Once some varieties become accustomed to a low light environment, however, they can remain there indefinitely as long as they are cared for properly. Because succulents retain moisture in their thick foliage, they require soil that drains well and less water than typical houseplants.

1. Mason’s Congo
Originating in central Africa, Mason’s Congo (Sansevieria masoniana) can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall by 2 feet (60 cm) wide. As an indoor plant, it requires little light or water. Its wide, dark-green leaf stalks are covered with lighter green spots, providing a statement in any office, and the plant is simple to maintain. Mason’s Congo is hardy outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zone 10.

2. Jade Plant
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular indoor plant. It requires minimal watering and is known in Japanese folklore as the Money Plant. According to legend, it can lead to financial success. The thick trunk and branches give this plant a tree like look similar to a bonsai tree. If planted outdoors, the jade plant is considered a perennial succulent, thriving in sunlight to partial shade in areas where it is hardy, USDA zones 10a to 11a.

3. Gasteria
The Gasterias (Gasteria sp.) grow well indoors. Similar to the Aloe plants, Gasteria has long, spiny, green leaves that grow in a rosette or spiral form. The leaves are spear-shaped and, as true with all succulents, swollen with water-storing tissue. Gasteria is named for its stomach-shaped flowers. The largest Gasteria grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Gasteria is hardy outdoors in USDA zone 11 in sandy soil.

source pic: Amazon.com

4. Zebra Plant
Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata) doesn’t take up much room and needs even less care. It’s the ideal succulent for busy lives. Hailing from South Africa, plants perch on soil and sport a tidy form with leaves that boast striking horizontal white stripes. Zebra Plant is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 9 through 11.

5. Aloe Vera
Perhaps the most commonly known succulent is Aloe vera. It can be grown in low-light environments, although it thrives in sunlight. Aloe vera is hardy outdoors in USDA zone 9

6.Schlumbergera—Holiday Cacti
Technically, this is not one plant, but 3 diverse species that are summed up under the name Schlumbergera. Don’t worry, allow us to explain.

•  The Schlumbergera truncates is called the Thanksgiving cactus and has pointed leaf margins.

These names are as a result of the holiday closest to the dates when their flowers bloom and the main difference being the shape of the leaves. Isn’t that pretty cool, so thoughtful if you ask me!


This spineless cactus has leaf-like pods that look like they have been stapled together, while the stems act as photosynthesis organs for the plant. Large, bright and colourful flowers pop up from areoles on the tips of the stems and range in color to include yellow, orange, white, pink, red, scarlet, salmon and magenta. 


7. Echeverias

Echeverias extend from Mexico south to north-western South America. Echeverias are characterized by their gorgeous rosettes with exquisite features. The rosettes vary in shapes and sizes from tight and short-stemmed or long stems with hanging rosettes.

They can remain small or grow up to 8 inches wide. The leaves also vary widely, from thin to thick, and smooth to furry, and come in many different shades and colors. Due to their beauty and desirability, many hybrid echeverias are available.  

8.Rhipsalis 

Rhipsalis is a cacti genus native to the rainforests of South America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Two things set rhipsalis apart from other succulents. The first thing is they are epiphytes by nature.

Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants. They get moisture and nutrients from their surroundings. The second thing that sets them apart is that their native habitat is in the rainforests. While most people think of cacti and succulents as desert plants that require bright and dry conditions, rhipsalis do not thrive in direct sunlight and very dry soil. 

9. Hoya

Native to Southern India, East Asia and Australia,  hoya plants are known for their thick, almost heart-shaped leaves and vine-like qualities. Hoyas are also known as the Hindu Rope or Wax Plant. Not all hoya species are succulents, but some are.

These plants do not need direct sunlight. Most do well in partial shade and need protection from intense heat as well as frost. They are typically grown in hanging baskets as indoor plants.

10.Parodia Haselbergii (Scarlet Ball Cactus)

Native to Brazil and the highlands of South America, Parodia Haselbergii can survive in the shade and low light conditions. They prefer bright sun to thrive, with protection from intense heat.

Parodia Haselbergii range in size and can be solitary or form clusters. Grayish-green in color, they produce bright orange or yellow flowers.