In spaces like bathrooms where natural light can be scarce, the right plants can still flourish without the need for direct sunlight. Low-light plants are an excellent solution to brighten up these dimmer spaces while offering additional benefits, such as purifying the air and creating a soothing atmosphere. The high humidity in bathrooms can be an advantage for many plants, making them perfect companions for those seeking greenery in their homes.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Source @poteydotcom
The Snake Plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the hardiest plants that can thrive in low-light environments. With its upright, sword-like leaves that come in shades of green and yellow, it adds a bold architectural touch to any space. This plant is incredibly low maintenance, requiring water only every two to three weeks and tolerating a wide range of temperatures. It thrives in humid conditions, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. Additionally, it is non-toxic to pets, making it safe for households with animals.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Source @thelecaqueen
The ZZ Plant is a popular choice for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to withstand neglect. This plant can survive in spaces with very low light, and it requires little attention. ZZ Plants prefer to be watered when the soil is completely dry, and they are not fussy about humidity. They can handle bathroom conditions quite well, growing best in temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. Though this plant is known for being easy to care for, it’s important to note that it is toxic to pets, so it should be placed in areas that are out of their reach.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Source @pothosiblyaboutplants
Pothos is a highly versatile trailing vine that thrives in low-light spaces and can adapt to a variety of conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves, which come in green and variegated patterns, make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. This plant is perfect for bathrooms, where the humidity can help it grow, but it should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. While pothos is a low-maintenance plant, it is toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of reach of curious animals.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Source @plantlifelove_1
The Peace Lily is known for its striking white flowers and glossy green leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom. This plant thrives in the low-light conditions typical of bathrooms and benefits from the increased humidity. Peace Lilies are particularly good at purifying the air, filtering out harmful chemicals and toxins. They prefer to have their soil kept moist, and they are quite forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally. Another advantage is that Peace Lilies are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe option for homes with animals.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Source @theoliviabloom
The Spider Plant, with its long, arching leaves and occasional white flowers, is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its ability to thrive in low light and humid environments. It is also an excellent air purifier, helping to remove toxins from the air. This plant is very easy to care for, requiring water only when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Spider Plants do well in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F and are non-toxic to pets, making them an ideal addition to a family bathroom.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Source @urbanlushnz
Philodendrons are well-known for their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines that can create a lush, tropical feel in your bathroom. These plants are perfect for low-light environments and are very tolerant of humidity, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms. They require minimal care, needing water only when the soil is dry. While the Philodendron is easy to maintain, it is important to note that it is toxic to pets, so placement should be considered carefully in homes with animals.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Source @eduardsgreenery.wpg
English Ivy is a versatile plant that can thrive in the low light found in many bathrooms. With its trailing vines and lobed leaves, English Ivy can add a touch of greenery to shelves or hanging baskets. This plant grows well in humid conditions and enjoys cooler temperatures, making it ideal for bathrooms. It is relatively low-maintenance, but it’s crucial to avoid overwatering. English Ivy is toxic to pets, so it should be placed out of their reach.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Source @naturebymarcbeyrouthy
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Although it’s more commonly associated with brighter spaces, Aloe Vera can do well in the indirect light of a bathroom. It prefers to be watered when the soil is dry and does not require frequent attention. Aloe Vera is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for homes with animals. Additionally, its thick, fleshy leaves can help moisturize skin and treat burns, making it an excellent addition to any bathroom.
9. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Source @houseplantjournal
The Cast Iron Plant is aptly named for its tough, resilient nature. It can thrive in low-light environments, making it an ideal choice for a bathroom that doesn’t receive much sunlight. This plant is characterized by its large, dark green leaves, which grow in a bold, upright fashion. The Cast Iron Plant is easy to care for, requiring little more than occasional watering when the soil feels dry. It also tolerates varying temperatures and humidity levels, making it perfect for the fluctuating conditions of a bathroom. This plant is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with animals.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Source @theoliviabloom
The Chinese Evergreen is a low-maintenance plant that does well in low-light conditions and can tolerate the higher humidity levels found in bathrooms. Known for its attractive foliage, which can be green, silver, or even tinged with red or pink, the Chinese Evergreen is a striking addition to any bathroom. It requires only occasional watering when the soil becomes dry and is relatively forgiving if you forget to water it. However, it is toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of reach of animals.
11. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Source @poteydotcom
Dracaenas are elegant plants with slender, arching leaves that can add sophistication to your bathroom decor. They thrive in indirect light and are well-suited for the high humidity found in bathrooms. Dracaenas are easy to care for, requiring water only when the soil has dried out. They do best in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F and are a great choice for low-light bathrooms. However, it’s important to remember that Dracaenas are toxic to pets and should be placed in areas where animals can’t access them.
12. Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Source @sophanya_indoorplants
Bamboo, often referred to as “lucky bamboo,” is a unique plant that can grow well in low-light conditions. It’s commonly found in water-filled containers, though it can also thrive in soil. Bamboo is low-maintenance, requiring regular water changes if grown in water and occasional watering if planted in soil. This plant enjoys moderate to high humidity, making it an excellent option for bathrooms. Bamboo is non-toxic to pets, so it can be safely placed in households with animals.
13. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Source @thelecaqueen
Maidenhair ferns are delicate, graceful plants that thrive in the humidity of a bathroom. With their lacy, green fronds, they add a touch of softness and beauty to the space. Maidenhair ferns prefer to have their soil kept moist, and they enjoy indirect light and cool temperatures. They are well-suited for bathrooms with moderate to high humidity, though they may require a little extra care in terms of watering. Maidenhair ferns are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for families with animals.
14. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Source @stunningplants1990
Begonias are known for their beautiful, often colorful foliage, which can come in a variety of hues, including shades of red, pink, and green. These plants do well in the low-light and humid conditions of a bathroom, where their unique leaves can brighten up the space. Begonias should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, and they thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. While they are lovely plants, they are toxic to pets, so they should be placed out of reach.
15. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Source @leafmeupsg
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a unique fern with broad, glossy fronds that form a rosette in the center. This fern thrives in low-light environments and enjoys the humidity found in bathrooms. It prefers to have its soil kept moist and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms. The Bird’s Nest Fern is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe option for pet owners.
16. Cress (Lepidium sativum)
Source @plantsbymelissa
Cress is a fast-growing, small-leafed plant that can do well in bathrooms with low light. It grows quickly, making it a fun addition to a bathroom herb garden. Cress thrives in moist soil and enjoys the humidity of the bathroom. While it’s low-maintenance, it’s essential to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Cress is also non-toxic to pets, making it a safe and practical addition to any home.
17. Ferns (Various Species)
Source @littlefarmcottage_tas
Ferns, in general, are excellent bathroom plants due to their love of humidity and low-light tolerance. There are many varieties of ferns to choose from, including Boston Ferns and Rabbit’s Foot Ferns. Ferns are low-maintenance, requiring regular watering and occasional misting to maintain humidity levels. They thrive in the moist conditions found in most bathrooms and are non-toxic to pets.
18. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a small, elegant palm that thrives in low-light environments and is particularly well-suited for the bathroom’s humid conditions. Its feathery, arching fronds add a tropical touch to any bathroom, and it requires very little care. Water the Parlor Palm when the soil is dry, and it will do well in temperatures between 60-75°F. This plant is also non-toxic to pets, making it a safe and beautiful option for homes with animals.
19. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Source @zionbotanical
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that can add a lush, tropical feel to your bathroom. This plant thrives in low-light conditions and can be placed in a variety of locations, including hanging baskets or on shelves. It requires minimal care, needing water only when the soil is dry. However, it is toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of reach of animals.
20. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
Source @theoliviabloom
Lucky Bamboo is a popular plant that thrives in low-light environments and can be grown in water or soil. It is a symbol of good luck and prosperity and is particularly suited for bathrooms due to its preference for high humidity. Lucky Bamboo is easy to care for, requiring only regular water changes if grown in water and occasional watering if grown in soil. It is also non-toxic to pets, making it a safe addition to pet-friendly homes.
21. Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)
Source @planty_club
Pilea, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a unique plant with round, coin-shaped leaves that add a fun touch to any bathroom. It thrives in low-light conditions and can be placed on shelves or countertops to brighten up the space. Pilea prefers to be watered when the soil becomes dry and does well in temperatures between 60-75°F. This plant is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe option for households with animals.
