Not all bathrooms are well-lit. However, these areas can provide the ideal environment for moisture-loving foliage. So, how do you find low-light bathroom plants, and then keep them healthy?
First of all, which plants grow well indoors and can thrive in low light conditions? I’ve included a brief list below, some which I got from HGTV.
Best Low Light Bathroom Plants:
- Peace Lily
- English Ivy
- Pothos
- Snake Plant
- Maidenhair Fern
- Philodendron
- Calathea
- Rex Begonia
- Lucky Bamboo
- Chinese Evergreen
- Spider Plant
- Prayer Plant
How to Make a Dark Bathroom Brighter…
Now that we’ve looked at potential candidates for your low-lit bathroom, let’s see how we can add light to the space. I mean, even though some plants can survive indoors or prefer shade, it doesn’t mean that they don’t like light.
In fact, most houseplants look healthier when placed near a sunnier window or underneath a skylight. Having said that, some plants can actually thrive in artificial light, like lucky bamboo.
Note: As most interior decorators will tell you, painting a room white will make it appear larger and lighter. In addition, adding mirrors can reflect light throughout the room even more.
If your bathroom has a window, try to allow as much light in as possible. For example, don’t cover the window with blinds or a curtain. You also want to trim back foliage outside that may be blocking incoming light.
Keeping the window partially open can also increase air flow, which plants like. Speaking of air flow, some of the best plants for bathrooms include varieties that you can hang.
Not only do they get better air circulation, they most likely will receive more light.
What if You Have a Dark Bathroom with No Windows?
As I mentioned above, some indoor varieties can survive on artificial light alone, like lucky bamboo. However, most low light houseplants will do better with at least some sunlight vs a windowless space.
Therefore, if your bathroom sits in the center of your house and doesn’t contain windows, you may want to consider artificial foliage. Faux plants don’t care if the room gets no natural light, because they still stay green anyways. =)
I used to be totally against artificial plants. However, I’ve noticed over the years that some silk plants can look very realistic.
Plus, these low-maintenance replicas require no care, except maybe a light dusting now and then. You won’t have to water them, check for bugs or disease or pick up dead leaves.
In fact, you can easily build a faux living wall in your bathroom that looks cool even if the foliage feels fake. You can buy a variety of artificial plant panels and simply staple them to your wall.
They create a fun 3D effect, plus they add color and interest quickly and easily. Some people install them around mirrors or windows. Alternatively, you can apply them floor-to-ceiling behind a toilet or on a section of wall.
By the way, faux plants and living walls can work well even in a well-lit space. They still require no maintenance and look great all year round. I mean, take a look at this grass bath mat.