Which Flowered Plants Work in an Unlit Bathroom?

Light Conditions

• Lighting in a bathroom is generally made available in two ways: windows or artificial sources such as light bulbs. For bathrooms where window lighting is the only available option, there are a number of flowering plants that will thrive either with direct or filtered sunlight. In a room where artificial light is available, options are more limited, but some options will still do well. Smart selection will be the key to having healthy plants in the bathroom.

Violets, Lilies and Orchids

• African violets (saintpaulia) are, according to Purdue University, among the most popular flowering houseplants in the country. They are fairly easy to grow and thrive in the humid conditions of the bathroom. The plant comes in a wide variety of sizes, from miniatures no more than 6 inches in diameter to large varieties 16 inches in diameter. Color options range from shades of blue and purple to red and white. Some varieties are single or multicolored. An ideal spot for growing is in front of a window, as they grow and flower best with at least partial sun exposure. Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are ideal for growing in the bathroom, as they thrive in warm, humid conditions and do well with filtered light. Orchids have approximately 30,000 species, which means a diversity of sizes, shapes and colors, but also means proper selection is key to maintaining plant health. All orchids require high humidity and indirect light during summer. During winter, moving an orchid to a highly lit area is usually required.

Begonia and Bromeliads

• Members of the begonia family are widely used for bringing color to outdoor landscapes, but are also an excellent choice for low-light bathrooms. They are a hardy species that requires little care to produce lots of flowers. Begonias thrive in a humid area and do best when exposed to fluorescent or natural light. The exact amount of light will vary a bit depending on the specific type of begonia. Bromeliads are an exotic-looking option for indoors, and according to Colorado State University, are wonderful at improving indoor air quality. They do best in an area that is humid, and may otherwise require watering a few times per week. Health and growth will decline with zero exposure to light, but flowers will still likely bloom.

Non-Flowering Options

• Lucky bamboo is a nonflowering plant that is widely used indoors. It will do well in a variety of conditions, even when given little or no sunlight. If sunlight is available, it should be filtered to keep the plant healthy. The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) will thrive with almost no aid from the grower. It does best with little or no sun exposure, and soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It will occasionally produce brownish-purple flowers, but is not a regular bloomer. Chinese evergreen (aglaonema) is notable for its two-toned foliage and easy growth. These plants grow best in an area with low light, but won't handle cold, so should be placed away from air conditioning vents.