The benefits of houseplants span far and wide. Aside from providing a decorative touch, they’ve been proven to improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, and boost feelings of overall well-being. But if you don’t get a lot of natural sunlight, it may seem as if houseplants are an impossibility.
In reality, there are species of houseplants that can thrive in nearly any conditions. For instance, “bathroom plants” are those that perform well in areas with little natural light and high humidity. Whether it’s your bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen counter, the following plants are sure to spruce up your low-light environment.
The Best High-Humidity, Low-Light Plants
1. Lucky Bamboo
Bamboo is among the hardiest of bathroom plants. No window? No problem. Simply situate the stalks in a pot with pebbles or marbles and add filtered water. The plant can grow quite large, even in a small container, so consider repotting it annually.
2. Dracaena
Also known as the dragon plant, dracaena is another strong contender in the realm of bathroom plants. No light and high humidity are actually its preferred conditions, as its leaves can become scalded in bright sunlight. As an added bonus, the plant is known for its strong air purification properties.
3. Cast-Iron Plant
If you’ve had poor luck with houseplants in the past, a cast-iron plant could be right for you. Those who lack a green thumb will take comfort in the fact that this species can survive long stretches between waterings. The plant can also tolerate nearly complete shade, making it among the best plants for dark bathroom environments and other spaces lacking natural light.
4. Fern
Ferns are notorious shade lovers. They’re especially well-suited to withstand temperature fluctuations as well as high humidity levels, both common conditions in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Consider Boston fern, button fern, and bird’s nest fern for low-maintenance options.
5. Chinese Evergreen
Featuring large leaves in shades ranging from pink to green, Chinese evergreens are versatile perennials that thrive in humid spaces. Since they hail from the tropics, they’re ideal for moist environments, like bathrooms, but require little to no direct sun.
6. Snake Plant
The snake plant is a low-maintenance species with unique vertical leaves. It can range in height from 8 inches to 4 feet, and its upright stature makes it an ideal option for narrow spaces. Like other bathroom plants, it doesn’t need direct light to survive.
7. Orchids
The orchid family comprises hundreds of species, with their delicate flowers varying in color from pink and yellow to white, red, and purple. While some species do require more sunlight than others to produce blooms, others need very little or can survive with artificial light alone. Encyclia, miltonia, and oncidium are among the best low-light bathroom plants within the orchid family.
Tips for Using a Humidifier With Houseplants
You may not need a humidifier for plants in spaces that already have high humidity levels, such as bathrooms. But if you’re looking to keep houseplants in other spaces, such as a bedroom or living room, adding a humidifier can help them thrive. Increasing the moisture levels in the air around houseplants is especially beneficial for tropical varieties and other species that do well in humid environments.
When using a humidifier for your houseplants, aim for 60% humidity. Too much humidity could actually harm plants by attracting pests or causing fungal diseases. For best results, use a humidifier with an auto shut-off feature that turns off when the indoor humidity reaches ideal levels. Devices with built-in filtration systems are also best for preventing bacteria and mold, keeping contaminants out of your home’s air.
Canopy’s original humidifier is perfect for plants that brighten small spaces, like a bedroom or home office up to 500 square feet. For plants in larger spaces, upgrade to the Humidifier Plus and enjoy all the ease and convenience of the original with a capacity to hydrate spaces up to 1,000 square feet.