Best houseplants for darker days – one ‘keeps room fresh’ with ‘air-purifying properties’

As approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, many Brits will start spending more time indoors with less natural light.

This shift can make our living spaces feel darker and more closed in, but the right can help bring warmth, colour, and a breath of fresh air into your home.

Not only do plants brighten up those dull corners, but many varieties are perfectly suited for low-light conditions, thriving even during the darker months.

recommended a list of houseplants to add to your home in winter, with one standing out for its “air-purifying properties”.

They said: “Now that the clocks have gone back, daylight hours will become shorter, and many of us will find ourselves waking up and winding down in darkness. While we might crave those sunny days, there’s a silver lining: some houseplants actually thrive in lower light conditions.”

Houseplants that thrive in dimmer spaces and care facts to take into account:

Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea Lancifolia)

With its striking, sword-shaped leaves, the Rattlesnake Plant is ideal for shady corners or rooms with minimal natural light. It not only adds a sleek, modern aesthetic but also releases oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.

Though relatively low-maintenance, it does require consistent care, as neglecting watering or exposing it to cooler temperatures can cause it to wither. To clean dust from its leaves, simply wipe them with a damp cloth rather than using shine products.

Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)

The Prayer Plant stands out with its vivid green leaves adorned with red veins and pink undersides. It’s named for the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer.

This unique plant is part of the Calathea family and is famous for its colourful, patterned foliage that moves with the changing light throughout the day.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisi)

A timeless classic, the Peace Lily thrives in low to medium light, brightening darker rooms with its glossy leaves and elegant white blooms.

Its air-purifying properties help keep the air fresh, and it also provides a visual cue for when it needs watering—the leaves begin to droop when it’s time for a drink.

String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)

This trailing beauty, with its heart-shaped leaves splashed in yellow and lime green, thrives in low light and adds a cheerful pop of colour to otherwise dull spaces.

The String of Hearts is adaptable and easy to care for, making it a perfect choice for rooms lacking bright natural light.

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)Devil’s Ivy is a hardy plant that can thrive in various light conditions, from low light to bright indirect light.

Known for its variegated green and yellow leaves, it is an excellent option for new plant owners, as it’s easy to grow and looks great hanging or on shelves with its long, cascading vines.

Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)The Parlour Palm is known for its lush, feathery fronds and long stems, making it a visually striking addition to any space.

Native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico, it thrives in low light and cooler temperatures, while also serving as an effective air purifier—making it both a beautiful and functional plant for your home.