A bathroom equipped with a window is a real plus in an interior, not only for the luminosity it brings, but also for optimal ventilation.

Unfortunately, this is not often the case and you have to make do with CMVs to do this work of ventilation and good lighting for good brightness. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t brighten up your bathroom with plants. There are many plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight.

Plants in your bathroom

The way you will place your bathroom plants depends on the layout of the bathroom. If you have a window, it is preferable to place your plants near it or on the ledge.

Otherwise, you can also place them on the side of the bathtub, on the counter near the sink and on the tank of your toilet.

If you are in the Feng Shui for the bathroom and the toilets, you know that placing a plant on the tank of the WC is advised. Moreover, it is recommended to install a plant corner in the left part of the room you see when entering.

Plants (especially lucky bamboo) placed at the back of the toilet and strategically placed in a “money corner” are supposed to attract wealth and prevent the waste of resources as well as the loss of money.

If you are short of space, hanging bathroom plants are always very nice. This is especially true if you have a skylight.

It is also possible to mount the plants in a wall frame to save space and create a stunning visual effect.

Can plants survive without light in a bathroom?

To make a long story short, the answer to this question is “No!”. All plants need photosynthesis (the conversion of light into energy) to survive and grow; however, some plants need less light than others to achieve this.

Therefore, in order to successfully grow a plant in a bathroom, you must first have chosen the right plant. You can approach the situation from several different perspectives.

• Choose plants that grow naturally in low light conditions. Undergrowth plants from a humid forest do very well in a very humid, low-light environment, such as in many bathrooms. Aerial plants (bromeliads) and some other varieties may also be suitable for these conditions.
• Use a grow lamp and/or ceiling fluorescent lighting to add the necessary light to your bathroom and expand your choices.
• Swap plants inside and outside your bathroom so that they can enjoy a sunny window in another location.
• Buy cheap plants and simply throw them away afterwards, then replace them when they die due to lack of light (this is especially cruel, and shame on you if you do this!).
• Take the easy way out and go buy silk or plastic plants. And this is a bad alternative because you won’t reap any benefit from having artificial plants in your home, not to mention that making these imitations has very negative effects on the environment in general.

Choose your plants carefully and provide them with adequate lighting if necessary, as this is the best way to proceed. Fortunately, you will have a large number of suitable plants to choose from.

Rain forest plants, bromeliads, epiphytes and even some succulents do very well in a dimly lit, humid environment.

11 plants for bathrooms without light

1. Senecio rowleyanus

More known under the name of plant “necklace of pearls”, this plant tends to avoid the rays of the sun directly. One should especially not venture to bite into the “pearls”, because it is poison. The senecio rowleyanus is the perfect plant to bring a green touch to its bathroom! It needs very little light and takes up very little space.

2. Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ plant is the ideal candidate for windowless bathrooms. The darkness of the room determines the brightness of the leaves: if there is little light, the shades of green are darker. This elegant plant is also very robust and does not require much maintenance.

3. Platycerium

The “deer horns”, belonging to the fern family, climb up the walls. This plant adores moisture and avoids the direct contact with the rays of the sun. Nevertheless, a small window for ventilation is necessary.

4. Chlorophytum comosum

The spider plant is a classic indoor plant. Although it loses its leaves in too dark places, it is satisfied with little sun. It can live in a hot or cold environment. The spider plant is thus perfect for the bathroom.

5. Aspidistra

Even in the darkest corners of a house, the Aspidistra is doing well and continues to grow. This plant promotes a healthy environment, especially when the bathroom is damp.

6. Chamaedorea

Since the Chamaedorea likes humid places, it is perfect for the bathroom. Although it prefers the dark places, this plant nevertheless needs indirect contact with the rays of the sun from time to time to remain in form.

7. Sansevieria trifasciata

The “mother-in-law’s tongue” has long, pointed leaves. This plant acts as an air filter that converts toxic agents (formaldehyde and benzene found in wooden furniture) into oxygen.

8. Calathea

Without light, this plant refuses to flower. However, it is enough to often caress its leaves to sublimate them. The calathea is not fan of the draughts, therefore it is preferable to keep it away from windows and doors.

9. Epipremnum aureum

The devil’s liana is a “puncture-proof” plant. This plant is the perfect decorative touch for your bathroom, no matter its size.

10. Dracaena

The “dragon’s blood” is a simple plant of maintenance, perfect for those who do not have the green thumb. The Dracaena finds its happiness in humid places, so you can put it without problem in your bathroom.

11. Maranta

This tropical plant is also a good option for non-lighted bathrooms. Nevertheless, it needs frequent maintenance.

Summary

Even a tiny, dark bathroom that is nothing more than a simple “toilet” can become attractive, inviting and healthier with the addition of live plants.

Although these plants need light to survive, there are many plants that prefer low or artificial light.

Refer to the information presented in this article to choose the right plants for your bathroom environment and make sure they are placed in an attractive and healthy home where they can grow.