12 Best Plants for Bathrooms: Thriving in Low Light and Humidity

Plants that can handle low light and high humidity make the best additions to bathrooms of any size. These adaptable species bring color, texture, and a sense of calm to your daily routine—without demanding complicated care. With the right selection, even the smallest or least sunny bathroom can become a calming green space that feels more inviting and alive. Choosing the best plants for bathroom conditions helps ensure your greenery not only looks good, but stays healthy over time.

Why Choose Low Light Plants?

Bathrooms rarely offer the ideal conditions most houseplants need, but low light plants are naturally suited to overcome the challenges these spaces present. Between limited sunlight, warm and moist air, and tight space, not every plant can adapt. However, certain species have evolved to survive — and even grow steadily — under indirect light and high humidity. Choosing the best plants for bathrooms helps you enhance the space without constantly worrying about harsh upkeep or relocation for light exposure.

Humidity-loving plants in particular benefit from the steamy air produced by showers and baths. This moisture reduces the need for frequent watering and supports healthy leaf growth, especially for tropical plants that mimic their native habitat. Low light plants also don’t require direct sun, making them well-suited for bathrooms with small frosted windows or north-facing layouts that limit brightness. These plants contribute to air quality, visual appeal, and an overall calming atmosphere while asking for very little in return.

Aside from the aesthetics, introducing the right bathroom plants can support your overall wellness routine. The daily rituals of brushing your teeth or unwinding in the tub can feel more intentional when you're surrounded by greenery. For spaces that may otherwise feel stark or confined, plants offer color, softness, and a sense of calm. Selecting species that actually appreciate the low-light, high-humidity conditions ensures your care effort is rewarded with healthy growth and longevity.

12 Best Plants for Bathrooms

Humidity and limited sunlight often make bathrooms feel off-limits for houseplants, but there are species that actually prefer these conditions. The best plants for bathrooms combine adaptability to low light with an appreciation for consistent moisture in the air. These plants don’t just survive—they continue to grow with minimal interference, and their compact nature makes them perfect for windowsills, shower corners, and vanity tops. Here's a breakdown of 12 excellent options that meet both the visual and environmental needs of the space.

1. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are among the most dependable humidity loving plants. Their feathery fronds soak up moisture from the air, making them ideal for warm, steamy bathrooms. These ferns can tolerate low light, though they grow best with indirect sun. If placed near a filtered window or under a skylight, their green foliage will stay bright and lush. Regular misting isn’t usually necessary thanks to the ambient humidity, making them low-effort companions.

Their arching fronds help soften the hard surfaces of tile and porcelain, creating a more balanced and welcoming look. Boston ferns are non-toxic, which is an added bonus for homes with pets.

2. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are elegant and highly adaptable. Known for their dark green leaves and bright white spathes, they’re one of the most popular bathroom plants for a reason. They tolerate low light conditions extremely well and actually prefer indirect light over full sun, which can scorch their leaves.

These plants also help improve indoor air quality, and their soil likes to stay moist, which pairs well with the humid air of most bathrooms. Occasional wiping of the leaves keeps them dust-free and healthy.

3. Pothos

Pothos is a reliable choice for anyone seeking the best plants for bathroom shelves or hanging baskets. This vine grows quickly and trails elegantly, adding a vibrant splash of green to any corner. It thrives in low light and doesn't mind high humidity, which makes it an easy fit for spaces without direct sunlight.

It only needs watering when the top inch of soil dries out, which happens less frequently in humid rooms. Pothos is also forgiving—perfect for new plant parents or those with inconsistent schedules.

4. Spider Plant

Spider plants are famous for their tolerance and air-purifying qualities. Their long, arching leaves work well in hanging planters or on high ledges. They handle low light well and benefit from bathroom humidity, which helps prevent their tips from drying out.

They’re fast growers and often produce baby offshoots, called spiderettes, which can be clipped and propagated easily. This makes them a great value option if you want to expand your plant collection.

5. ZZ Plant 

The ZZ plant, short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is known for its waxy, glossy leaves and no-fuss nature. It stores water in its thick rhizomes and doesn’t require frequent watering. It also adapts well to low light, making it suitable for bathrooms with minimal window exposure.

It’s slow-growing but very resilient. As long as it’s not overwatered, the ZZ plant will maintain its sleek, upright appearance for years with little maintenance.

6. Snake Plant

Snake plants, or Sansevieria, are valued for their structural leaves and air-purifying abilities. They prefer bright, indirect light but can manage in low light too. Their roots can rot if the soil stays soggy, but bathroom humidity is generally not an issue as long as the pot drains well.

These upright plants are great for narrow spots or beside sinks where space is tight but visibility is high. Their architectural shape brings contrast to the softer features in a bathroom.

7. Philodendron

Philodendrons are fast-growing vines or upright varieties that appreciate moderate light and moisture. Their broad leaves help bring a tropical feel to bathrooms, and they’re particularly forgiving about lighting shifts.

You’ll need to keep the soil lightly moist but not wet. The ambient steam from showers often helps maintain the right moisture balance in between waterings. Regular pruning keeps them compact and encourages fuller growth.

8. Cast Iron Plant

True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly sturdy. It tolerates low light, fluctuating temperatures, and irregular watering. This makes it ideal for guest bathrooms or half-baths that aren’t used daily.

Its dark green leaves grow slowly but steadily. Since it isn’t picky about humidity, it won’t mind if the bathroom is only occasionally steamy.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is best known for its skin-soothing gel, but it’s also a visually appealing addition to a sunny bathroom. While it prefers more light than some other low light plants, it can adjust to partial shade if the room has decent brightness.

It thrives in the kind of indirect light found near frosted windows and requires only occasional watering. Be sure the pot drains well, as standing water can damage its roots.

10. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen plants offer striking variegated leaves and tolerate a range of indoor conditions. They prefer high humidity and low to medium indirect light, both of which align well with bathroom conditions.

They’re also relatively compact, making them suitable for countertops or shelves. Their visual appeal lies in the patterned leaves, which can include silver, red, or cream, depending on the variety.

11. Bamboo

Lucky bamboo can grow in just water, making it one of the easiest plants to care for in a bathroom. It’s commonly placed in glass vases with pebbles for support and requires very little attention beyond an occasional water change.

It handles low light well and adds a minimalist, peaceful vibe to modern or spa-like bathrooms. Just make sure it's kept away from direct sun, which can turn its stalks yellow.

12. Orchid

Orchids are often misunderstood as high-maintenance, but they actually flourish in high humidity and indirect light. A bathroom with filtered sunlight creates a microclimate that mimics their native tropical setting.

They should be watered sparingly but misted occasionally if the air dries out. With the right care, they produce stunning blooms that last for weeks and add a refined feel to your space.

These 12 options are more than ornamental. Each one adapts naturally to bathroom conditions, helping to soften the space and support indoor air quality. Selecting the right combination of low light plants and humidity-loving plants lets you create a lush indoor oasis—no matter how small or shaded the room may be.

Tips for Bathroom Plant Care

Keeping the best plants for bathroom spaces healthy requires a slightly different approach from other rooms in your home. The mix of low light and constant humidity can support many species, but you’ll need to adjust your routine to prevent overwatering, mildew, and root rot. Small changes in placement, watering habits, and pot selection can make a big difference. Here are some simple care strategies to help your bathroom plants stay strong and vibrant:

• Choose containers with drainage holes: Excess moisture is one of the most common problems in bathrooms. Even humidity loving plants can suffer if water pools at the bottom of their pots. Use containers with drainage holes, and pair them with saucers to protect your surfaces.

• Use moisture-loving soil blends: Some plants prefer fast-draining soil, while others do best with moisture-retentive mixes. Match the soil type to the specific plant’s needs. For example, a fern may need more organic material, while a snake plant prefers a cactus mix.

• Wipe down leaves regularly: Steam from showers can leave residue on plant leaves. Gently wiping them every week or so with a damp cloth helps with photosynthesis and discourages pests or fungal growth.

• Rotate plants every few weeks: If your bathroom has a window, rotate plants occasionally to ensure all sides receive light. This helps them grow evenly and avoids leaning or lopsided growth.

• Watch for overwatering: Bathrooms stay humid, which slows soil drying time. Always check soil moisture before watering—many plants will need water less frequently than you expect.

• Increase airflow when needed: Cracking a window or turning on a fan for a short time can prevent mold and mildew buildup. Good airflow also helps soil dry evenly and keeps leaves from staying damp too long.

• Group plants with similar needs: If you have more than one plant in the bathroom, group them based on light and water preferences. This makes it easier to manage their care and reduces the risk of over or under watering.

These small but effective adjustments will keep your bathroom plants in better shape with less stress on your end. Instead of forcing indoor plants to tolerate subpar conditions, you're providing a setup that supports their natural strengths. That means longer-lasting greenery and fewer replacements. Keeping plant health consistent in bathrooms comes down to giving each one the right foundation and attention based on its preferred conditions.

FAQs About 12 Best Plants for Bathrooms: Thriving in Low Light and Humidity

What are the best plants for bathroom spaces with no windows?

Plants like ZZ plant, snake plant, and lucky bamboo are ideal for windowless bathrooms. These low light plants can handle minimal natural light and benefit from humid conditions.

Can I keep succulents in the bathroom?

Most succulents prefer dry air and direct sun, making them a poor match for humid bathrooms. Aloe vera is the exception—it can adjust to humidity if placed near a window.

How do I prevent mold in bathroom plant soil?

Use pots with proper drainage and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Increasing airflow with a fan or window crack helps reduce moisture buildup.

Do bathroom plants need to be watered less often?

Yes, humidity slows down evaporation, so bathroom plants usually need water less frequently. Always check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.

What are the easiest bathroom plants for beginners?

Pothos, spider plant, and peace lily are great beginner-friendly options. They are low maintenance and adapt well to low light and fluctuating moisture levels.

Fern’s Leafy Learnings

• Low light plants are ideal for bathrooms with limited sunlight and consistent humidity.

• The best plants for bathroom settings include species that naturally enjoy humid air like ferns, pothos, and peace lilies.

• Containers with drainage holes and humidity-tolerant soil mixes help reduce overwatering risks.

• Regular maintenance like rotating plants and wiping leaves keeps them healthier and looking better.

• Grouping plants with similar care needs simplifies your routine and supports long-term success.

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