Picking the right plants to grow in a low-light bathroom can seem challenging, but with a careful selection of low-light varieties, you can create a lush, tranquil oasis. As you consider options, keep these key factors in mind:
- Many tropical plants thrive in warm, humid bathrooms if provided adequate light. Varieties like pothos, Chinese evergreen, and ZZ plants are great choices.
- While some bathroom plants like moisture, take care not to overwater, as soggy soil leads to root rot. Allow plants to dry out somewhat between waterings.
- Low-light plants grow slower, so expect a more moderate pace even in ideal conditions. Give them time to fill out and be patient.
- Artificial light can supplement what’s lacking naturally. Grow lights and fluorescents help low-light varieties flourish.
- Always check if a plant is toxic before placing it in a home with children or pets. Some common bathroom plants can pose risks if ingested.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
The dieffenbachia houseplant, also known as “dumb cane,” is a tropical perennial shrub admired for its large, showy leaves featuring unique white or yellow variegated patterns. Native to the warm, moist forests of Central and South America, this popular houseplant grows up to 6 feet tall indoors and flourishes in steamy bathrooms. Its lush green and cream foliage brightens any space.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia amoena
- Sun Exposure: Low to medium indirect light
- Soil Type: Rich, humus-y potting mix. Allow to partially dry between waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5
- Toxicity: Toxic – Keep away from children and pets
Chinese Evergreen
An easy-going houseplant hailed for its low-maintenance nature, the Chinese evergreen features showy, broad emerald and silver variegated leaves emerging from woody stems in shades of brown and green. This tropical plant remains compact indoors, growing under 3 feet tall at maturity over the years. Its colorful foliage thrives with moderate water.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Aglaonema species
- Sun Exposure: Low to medium light
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil. Allow to partially dry between waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5
- Toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested
Heartleaf Philodendron
A vining tropical plant, the beloved heartleaf philodendron bears graceful, deep green heart-shaped leaves on long cascading stems perfect for hanging containers. With maturity, this trailing philodendron sends out aerial roots, allowing it to cling anywhere with ample warmth and moisture, like steamy bathrooms. Keep soil moderately moist for best growth.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum
- Sun Exposure: Low to medium indirect light
- Soil Type: Loose, well-draining potting mix. Allow to partially dry between waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5
- Toxicity: Toxic if ingested
Cast Iron Plant
Nearly indestructible, the cast iron plant features long, pointed, dark green leaves that emerge directly from the soil in a fountain shape. A hardy houseplant that lives up to its name, the cast iron plant withstands extreme conditions like dark, gloomy bathrooms and infrequent watering while helping filter indoor air. Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
- Sun Exposure: Any light level, even total darkness
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil. Allow to dry thoroughly between sparse waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0-7.0
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Boston Fern
Beloved for its graceful, arching green fronds, the Boston fern thrives in warm, humid bathrooms. This frothy fern reaches impressive lengths when given the right care, such as consistent moisture, good light, and excellent drainage. Occasionally, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. The delicate texture and vibrant color of Boston ferns beautifully enhance bathrooms.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
- Sun Exposure: Medium bright light, tolerates low light
- Soil Type: High-quality potting mix for ferns. Keep evenly moist, not soggy or dry.
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline, around 7.0
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Cape Primrose
A flowering tropical houseplant, Cape primroses produces abundant clusters of showy blossoms in shades of white, pink, purple, orange, and red that stand out against rich green foliage. They thrive in steamy bathrooms yet do best when given bright, warm light for at least part of the day. With proper care, vivid Cape primrose flowers will continuously bloom to elevate any bathroom décor.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Streptocarpus species
- Sun Exposure: Bright light for prolific flowering, tolerates low light
- Soil Type: Peaty, high-quality potting mix. Allow to partially dry between waterings.
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.5
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Spider Plant
The spider plant earns its name from the arching flower stalks or “spiderettes” trailing its vibrant foliage. Incredibly easy to grow, spider plants flourish in most light conditions while cleansing impurities from stuffy bathroom air. Clip off brown leaf tips for a tidy appearance. With regular watering, spider plants make carefree enhancements perfect for countertops or wall-mounted holders.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Sun Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light, quite tolerant of low light
- Soil Type: Loose, high-quality potting mix that drains well
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline, around 7.0
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
Peace Lily
A favorite houseplant known for its graceful green leaves and elegant white flowers, the peace lily thrives in high humidity and warm temperatures found in most bathrooms. Give peace lilies moderate light to encourage gorgeous blooming. Repot annually in rich potting mix, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between thorough waterings. Display peace lily’s stunning blooms as living bathroom art.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum species
- Sun Exposure: Medium to bright light for prolific blooms, quite tolerant of low light
- Soil Type: Loose, well-draining potting soil. Allow to partially dry between thorough waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5
- Toxicity: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo forms dense clumps of slender green stalks growing upright in clear containers of fresh water. A tropical member of the Dracaena genus rather than a true bamboo, lucky bamboo tolerates exceedingly low light, earning its popularity as a striking zero-maintenance addition to bathrooms lacking windows. Check water levels frequently, changing every two weeks. Display arranged lucky bamboo stems in your favorite vessel.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
- Sun Exposure: Extremely tolerant of low light
- Soil Type: Can be grown in water or loose potting soil. Change water every two weeks if grown in water.
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic, around 6.0
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
ZZ Plant
Nearly impossible to kill, the tidy ZZ plant remains compact in low-light bathrooms, with its thick, rounded leaflets emerging along stiff plant stems. Boasting waxy leaves resistant to drought and arid conditions, ZZ plants require only occasional watering, about once monthly, and reward neglect with steady growth. Display ZZ’s gleaming leaves and sculptural form atop bathroom counters as living bathroom décor.
Key Details:
- Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Sun Exposure: Extremely tolerant of low light
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil. Allow to thoroughly dry between sparse waterings.
- Soil pH: Slightly alkaline, between 7.0-7.5
- Toxicity: Toxic if large quantities ingested
Over twenty excellent low-light candidates exist for growing in low _light bathrooms. The plants detailed above offer just a sampling of the many choices available for creating lush, enjoyable spaces even without natural light sources. Bathroom plants lend color, texture, visual interest, and life to sterile environments.
Prepare soil properly, allow drainage holes for excess moisture, and water appropriately for species to keep plants healthy. Consider installing energy-efficient grow lights to supplement when light is lacking. With a little TLC and the right plant picks, a bathroom jungle oasis awaits! Don’t be afraid to try your green thumb with this shady room.
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