Bathrooms are one of the trickiest rooms to keep plants alive in due to the low light conditions. Many bathrooms have no windows or only a small window high up, meaning plants receive very little natural sunlight throughout the day.
However, there are some amazing plants that can still thrive despite the lack of light exposure. Here are some of the top options for bathroom plants that require little to no direct sunlight.
Plants that Thrive in Bathroom with No Light
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is one of the best-known low-light plants and a classic bathroom choice. With its broad, glossy leaves and dramatic white blooms, it adds beauty to any room. Peace lilies can survive in very low light and actually do better when not placed in direct sunlight.
They produce flowers periodically throughout the year as a sign that they are happy with their growing conditions. Just be sure not to overwater this plant, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Peace lilies are also excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants are tough as nails and one of the easiest houseplants to care for. They can go weeks without water and thrive in very low light. Their stiff, upright leaves with bold stripes or speckles make an attractive accent in a bathroom.
Snake plants release oxygen at night, making them a great plant to have in an enclosed bathroom space. They are also highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so may not be the best choice if you have curious pets in the home.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens come in a beautiful variety of leaf colors and patterns, like dark emerald green with cream or pink variegation. They prefer medium-to-low indirect light and can handle very low light conditions for periods of time.
Chinese evergreens are toxic to pets but make a lovely addition to a bathroom with their lush foliage. Keep the soil slightly moist and rotate the plant every few weeks so all sides receive equal light exposure. Propagation is also easy through stem or leaf cuttings.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
With its heart-shaped variegated or solid green leaves, pothos is one of the lowest-maintenance houseplants. It thrives in low to very low light and is quite happy in a bathroom.
Pothos is also a vigorous grower, trailing gracefully from baskets or letting vines cascade down walls and cabinets. It removes formaldehyde from indoor air. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and mist leaves occasionally for a humidity boost. Pothos is non-toxic to pets and children.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With their grassy green leaves and miniature plantlets that form on long stems, spider plants have a whimsical appeal. They do well in low to very low light and are excellent air purifiers.
Spider plants can go for over a week without water and produce offspring plantlets that can be removed and potted for gifts or to spread around the home. They are pet-friendly and thrive on neglect, making them a perfect choice for low-maintenance care in a bathroom.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant has thick, waxy green stems and leaves that resemble elongated grass blades. It is one of the toughest and most forgiving houseplants, able to survive with very little light, infrequent watering, and low humidity.
ZZ plants are virtually indestructible, though they may grow more slowly without optimal conditions. They remove indoor air toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Just water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
With its sturdy, dark green strap-like leaves, the cast iron plant lives up to its name. It tolerates very little light and can go for extended periods without water.
The cast iron plant thrives on neglect, making it a good choice for low-maintenance care. It releases oxygen at night and removes toxins like formaldehyde from indoor air. Just be sure not to overwater this plant. Propagation occurs through division of root clumps.
Janet Craig Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis, ‘Janet Craig’)
The Janet Craig dracaena features narrow, upright leaves with attractive yellow variegation. It grows well in low to very low light and prefers to stay on the slightly dry side between waterings.
Dracaenas add elegant vertical interest to a space and are very tolerant of poor growing conditions. They remove indoor air pollutants and thrive in bathrooms with their low care requirements. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
With its cascading branches covered in small, round leaves, the dwarf umbrella plant has an almost fern-like appearance. It tolerates low light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
Umbrella plants remove indoor toxins and add lush greenery to bathrooms. They are non-toxic to pets. Prune occasionally for shape and to control size in smaller spaces. Propagation is done through stem cuttings.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Chinese money plant has gained popularity recently due to its unique coin-shaped leaves and ease of care. It thrives in low to very low light and prefers to be on the dry side.
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Chinese money plants are excellent for bathrooms and remove indoor air pollutants. They propagate easily through leaf cuttings.
Bathrooms present a challenge for plant care due to low light conditions, but these options provide beautiful greenery that thrives with infrequent water and very little sunlight. Focus on low-maintenance varieties that release oxygen at night and clean the air. With the right plant picks, you can definitely have a lush indoor jungle even in your low-light bathroom!