10 Best Low-Light Plants For Your Bathroom
You cannot put just any plant in a bathroom and expect it to thrive. Many plants aren't happy with extreme temperature fluctuations, which is the case in most bathrooms.
It's warm and humid when you shower or bathe and quite cold when not used. Furthermore, many bathrooms have low natural light coming in, and some don't even have a window.
It takes a special plant to survive such conditions, all of which you'll find in this list.
Also, check which plants are best for your kitchen, and read up on common indoor plant problems to ensure your plant babies get the best care in the world.
Disclaimer: LiveByLists accepts forms of compensation and is a participant in affiliate networks, including Amazon Associates. This means that when I provide a link to a product you can purchase from affiliate websites, I receive a small percentage at no extra cost. Read more.
10 Best Plants For Your Bathroom
1. Bamboo
Bamboo love humidity and can grow in the shade; however, they need a few hours of sunlight during the day.
This one is not for you if you have a very dark bathroom.
If you have the time and the memory of an elephant, move your plant to a sunny spot for a few hours each day and then back to the bathroom for that tropical feel.
What's excellent about Bamboo is that you can grow them in water for a few months before repotting them in a sandy potting mix.
2. Chinese Evergreen
There are about 20 species of Chinese Evergreen, most of which are super forgiving and adaptable.
Chinese Evergreens:
Do not like cold drafts.
Love humidity but can tolerate dry air.
Prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate low-light conditions.
Help purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making them a great choice for a bathroom where chemical cleaning products may be used.
They can survive even if you forget to water them for a while.
3. Ferns
Ferns are great because they can handle temperature fluctuations and humidity in bathrooms.
They purify the air by removing pollutants and adding oxygen.
It is necessary to choose fern species that can tolerate low light and damp environments. Some can even hang in the shower. If they regularly get drenched - no problem, as long as you ensure proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating and causing damage to their roots.
4. Peace Lily
You won't need to fuss around your Peace Lily. It's an easy-to-care-for plant that will tell you exactly when it needs water - the leaves will droop dramatically.
However, they are poisonous to cats, so be careful where you place these.
If your Peace Lily isn't flowering, it might mean your bathroom gets too little natural light; move it to a brighter spot for a while.
5. Snake Plant
These are such hardy, low-maintenance plants. Depending on the variety, you'll get different colors, heights, and clumps growing together.
Since they need very little water, a common problem with these is overwatering, which leads to root rot.
Snake plants are get-them-and-forget-them plants. They don't need much attention and will grow wherever you put them.
6. Spider Plant
You can have these in every room of your house. In rooms that get hours of sun or others that are darker and colder, your Spider plant will be a-okay.
They thrive in most conditions, but their leaves will burn in direct sunlight.
They become a pale green when they need to be watered, but don't wait until then to give them a drink. Follow a consistent watering schedule to prevent undue stress on your plants.
They grow little plantlets from long stems, which later grow roots and can be removed and repotted.
7. Pothos
Depending on how you prune these, they'll either grow full and bushy or have long vines that look stunning hanging off a shelf.
Their leaves will burn in direct sunlight, but they do well in bright or low light.
If your Pothos leaves turn yellow or start to curl, you'll likely need to adjust your watering schedule. It's not easy to kill these plants, so if you're succeeding, you're going very wrong somewhere.
8. Weeping Fig
These grow into cute small trees and prefer bright, indirect light.
They don't like sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or soggy soil.
Ensure proper drainage to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
It is important to provide enough space for the tree to grow; it is a tree, after all.
They'll drop their leaves when they're unhappy but will recover quite nicely once you've found the perfect spot for them.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that some people may be allergic to the sap or pollen of the Weeping Fig tree.
9. Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Ferns love high humidity and moderate light.
They're unique plants called epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants or objects and do not require soil to survive.
I'd suggest having a potted one in your bathroom rather than one mounted on wood or a wire frame.
Their leaves start to droop when they need water, but they can be sensitive to overwatering. Keep the soil moderately moist and mist the leaves regularly to provide enough moisture.
Monitor for pests such as spider mites and address such issues swiftly.
10. Calathea
Calathea likes moist soil but doesn't like standing in water, make sure your pot has big enough drainage holes.
It loves the heat and humidity of a bathroom.
Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or direct sunlight.
They benefit from regular misting to maintain humidity levels.
More good news - Calatheas are safe for cats!
The Bottom Line
If you're still wondering whether you should get plants for your bathroom, I can answer for you - get them! However, it's important to consider the specific conditions of your bathroom, such as lighting and ventilation, when selecting plants to ensure they will thrive in the space. And you don't have to fill up every available space. To make a statement, consider a bigger plant or two. With a little bit of care and attention, adding plants to your bathroom can help create a peaceful and rejuvenating oasis in your home.