Plants That Thrive in Bathrooms with Low Light

Bathrooms might not be the first place you think of when adding houseplants, but they’re surprisingly plant-friendly when you choose the right greenery. These rooms tend to be humid, steamy, and often lacking in bright light — all conditions that many tropical and shade-loving plants absolutely adore.

Adding plants to your bathroom does more than just beautify the space. It creates a spa-like ambience, promotes relaxation, and even helps purify the air from the aftershocks of hairspray, deodorant, and cleaning agents. But choosing plants for such tricky conditions can be confusing.

If you want to turn your washroom into a mini jungle retreat — without worrying about light levels or daily maintenance — you’re in the right place.

The Bathroom Environment: Light, Moisture & Temperature

Understanding Bathroom Conditions

Bathrooms are unique in three ways:

1. Low Light: Most bathrooms only have small or frosted windows.
2. High Humidity: Daily showers and baths raise moisture levels.
3. Temperature Swings: From steamy mornings to chilly nights.

These variables can stress traditional houseplants, but they’re ideal for moisture-loving, shade-tolerant species.

Best Low-Light Bathroom Plants

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Why it’s ideal: Thrives in humidity and indirect light.
• Styling tip: Hang it in a macramé holder above the bath or toilet.
• Care: Keep the soil moist and mist occasionally.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Why it’s ideal: Tolerates low light; blooms beautifully in bathrooms.
• Styling tip: Use as a floor plant in a minimalist pot.
• Care: Loves moist soil and filtered light.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Why it’s ideal: Adapts to various lighting; loves humidity.
• Styling tip: Let it trail from a shelf or cabinet.
• Care: Water when the topsoil feels dry.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Why it’s ideal: Handles moisture and indirect light well.
• Styling tip: Great for hanging baskets or shelves.
• Care: Water moderately; repot when root-bound.

5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

• Why it’s ideal: Almost indestructible; shade-loving.
• Styling tip: Ideal for dark corners or beside sinks.
• Care: Water every couple of weeks.

6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Why it’s ideal: Extremely tolerant of low light and neglect.
• Styling tip: Sleek in modern pots on countertops.
• Care: Let the soil dry between waterings.

7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Why it’s ideal: Loves to trail and thrives in humidity.
• Styling tip: Wrap around mirrors or let it hang elegantly.
• Care: Needs consistent moisture and pruning.

If you’re curious about basic plant care in dim spaces, don’t miss our article on How to Choose the Right Indoor Plants for Your Light Conditions.

Compact Bathrooms? No Problem

1. Utilise Wall Space

• Install floating shelves for small pots.
• Try wall-mounted planters to avoid countertop clutter.

2. Corner Greenery

• Use tall, slender plants like the Cast Iron Plant.
• Triangle planters can neatly slot into tight corners.

3. Hang From the Ceiling

• Macramé hangers save space and add texture.
• Choose trailing plants like pothos or ivy.

4. Shower-Friendly Plants

• Place ferns or peace lilies near the shower base for misty benefits.

Styling for a Spa-Worthy Look

Tone and Texture:

• Combine glossy leaves (like ZZ plants) with feathery fronds (like ferns)
• Use stone, ceramic or wooden pots to match your bathroom style

Keep It Cohesive:

• Choose a colour scheme (e.g., whites and greens or earthy tones)
• Repeat planters or materials for visual unity

Add Natural Elements:

• Wooden bath trays, bamboo ladders, and natural fibre rugs complement greenery beautifully

Bathroom Plant Care 101

Watering in a Humid Environment

• Most bathroom plants require less watering due to ambient humidity
• Always check the soil before watering

Preventing Mould and Mildew

• Don’t let water sit in saucers
• Ensure the bathroom has ventilation (fan or cracked window)

Leaf Cleaning

• Dust can mix with steam to create sticky residue
• Wipe leaves gently every couple of weeks

Pruning

• Remove yellow or droopy leaves
• Encourage bushier growth with light trimming

Rotation

• Give your plants a holiday in brighter rooms every few months

Seasonal Adjustments

Winter:

• Reduce watering frequency
• Move plants closer to available light

Summer:

• Monitor for fungal growth due to high heat + moisture
• Increase ventilation where possible

Real-Life Bathroom Plant Setups

Urban Flat with No Windows

• Uses LED grow lights above a mirror
• Hosts a peace lily and a spider plant on a wall shelf

Country Cottage Ensuite

• Ivy climbs around a frosted window frame
• A pothos trails from the vanity shelf
• A Boston fern hangs above the bath for that rainforest feel

Contemporary Loft

• Clean lines, black hardware, and a ZZ plant in a matte ceramic pot
• English ivy frames the shower cubicle like a living artwork

Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing Sun-Loving Plants: Save cacti and succulents for sunny spots
• Overwatering: Don’t assume humidity means plants don’t need soil checks
• Ignoring Drainage: Always use pots with drainage holes
• Letting Water Sit: Dump saucer runoff to prevent mould
• Cramping the Space: Leave room for breathing (yours and the plants’)

Conclusion: Green Up Your Washroom with Confidence

Bathroom plants don’t just survive in moist, dim spaces — they thrive there. With a bit of planning and the right selection of low-light greenery and humid room plants, you can transform your loo into a leafy, tranquil retreat.

Whether you’re after something bold like a peace lily or delicate like a trailing ivy, there’s a bathroom-ready plant with your name on it. Pair it with mindful styling and basic care, and your bathroom will feel like your own private spa in no time.

Got a favourite plant in your bathroom? Share it with us in the comments or tag your bathroom jungle photos with #BathroomBotanicals!

For more plant styling inspiration, explore our blog on How to Clean and Dust Your Indoor Plants Properly.