Just because you have the unfortunate luck of having a low-light, northern window in your bathroom doesn’t mean you cannot have plants. Windows that face north have notoriously low light, which makes it tougher to grow plants, but not impossible. Here are the best plants for north facing bathroom windows.
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English Ivy
If you want a hanging plant or climbing vine that will make you feel like you are in a brisk English garden when you are really in your bathroom, then the English Ivy (Hedera helix) is for you. The English Ivy is really good at absorbing moisture through its leaves, so it keeps your air from getting too humid. It does well in low light conditions and will give your shower the romantic vibe it needs. Since it is great at climbing, it is a great plant to frame your northern window with!
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English Ivy Stats:
- Light Preference: Bright, Indirect Light to Low Light
- Temperature Preference: 50 to 65 degrees
- How often to water: Keep evenly moist
- How often to Fertilize: Monthly
- Pet Friendliness: Toxic to Dogs and Cats
- Size: 8 inches high and up to 15 feet long for vines
ZZ Plant
If the Destiny’s Child classic “Survivor” was inspired by a plant, it was surely the ZZ plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ), also called zanzibar gem. ZZ can survive in almost any condition and even the worst plant neglect. Going on a long vacation? No need to get a plant sitter for this guy — it can handle itself. A NASA study found that it also purifies the air from toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene. Its ability to grow in low light conditions makes it one of the best plants for north facing bathroom windows.
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ZZ Plant Stats:
- Light Preference: Low to Bright Indirect Light
- Temperature Preference: 60 to 75 degrees
- How often to water: Approx. once a month
- How often to Fertilize: Once a Month
- Pet Friendliness: Toxic to Dogs and Cats; (Also Toxic to Humans if Eaten!!!)
- Size: 2 to 5 feet
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is also known as the Devil’s Tongue. However, I am not sure if even the Devil could neglect this plant enough to kill it. It survives in the darkest of bathrooms and thrives in indirect sunlight. Its natural habitat is in very harsh and arid climates, which explains why it is such a survivor. It is definitely one bathroom plant that is impossible to kill. The snake plant is one of the best plants for north facing bathroom windows.
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Snake Plant Stats:
- Light Preference: Shade to Indirect Light
- Temperature Preference: 60 to 80 degrees
- How often to water: Approx. every 2 weeks; Let soil dry out completely between watering
- How often to Fertilize: Annually
- Pet Friendliness: Toxic to Dogs and Cats
- Size: 8 inches to 12 feet
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is so good at being without sun for long periods that you will often find it as decor in bars and restaurants – hence its nickname as Bar Room Plant. With how little light northern windows get, this plant is perfect!It is a no-fuss, hardy plant that will love you even on the cloudiest northern window days.
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Cast Iron Plant Stats:
- Light Preference: Full Shade
- Temperature Preference: 45 to 85 degrees
- How often to water: Approx. once a month
- How often to Fertilize: Every 2 weeks
- Pet Friendliness: Non-Toxic
- Size: 2 feet
