Got a dimly lit bathroom that feels like a steam room? Or maybe a cozy kitchen corner where moisture hangs in the air? Finding plants that actually thrive in low light and high humidity can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most houseplants either demand bright windows or shrivel up in damp conditions.
But here’s the good news: some plants absolutely love these steamy, shadowy spots! These hardy beauties don’t just tolerate humidity and low light—they genuinely thrive in it. No constant fussing, no special equipment, just resilient greenery that makes these tricky spaces feel alive and inviting.
Ready to transform those humid, dim corners into lush green retreats? Let’s explore the best plants that were practically made for these conditions.
14 Low Light High Humidity Indoor Plants
ZZ Plant
Source Pinterest: 1-800-FLOWERS
The ZZ Plant is your go-to for nearly indestructible greenery. Those glossy, deep green leaves look polished and healthy even when you forget about them for weeks.
What Makes It Perfect: It laughs in the face of neglect—thriving in low light, loving humidity, and needing minimal water. Basically, it’s built for bathrooms and dim corners.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water every 2-3 weeks when soil is completely dry.
Pro Tip: The thick stems and leaves store water, so overwatering is the only real way to harm this plant. When in doubt, wait another week before watering.
Snake Plant
Source Pinterest: Succulents Box
Snake Plants bring bold, architectural style to humid spaces. Those tall, sword-like leaves stand upright like natural sculptures, adding instant visual interest.
What Makes It Perfect: They handle low light beautifully, appreciate humidity, and purify the air while they’re at it. Style plus substance.
Ideal Environment: Low to bright indirect light; water every 2-3 weeks.
Pro Tip: Place it in a corner where the upright leaves won’t get knocked over. They can grow quite tall, making them perfect for adding height to low spaces.
Philodendron
Source Pinterest: Adrian’s Synergy
Philodendrons are the relaxed, easygoing friends of the plant world. Their heart-shaped leaves and vining habit create a casual, welcoming vibe.
What Makes It Perfect: They genuinely love humidity and tolerate low light without complaint. They’ll trail beautifully or climb if you give them support.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil feels dry.
Pro Tip: Let them trail from a shelf or give them a moss pole to climb. You can also propagate cuttings in water to create more plants—they root incredibly easily!
Cast Iron Plant
Source Pinterest: Farm Food Family
The name says it all—this plant is tough as nails. Its broad, dark green leaves add elegance without demanding anything in return.
What Makes It Perfect: It can handle serious neglect, deep shade, and high humidity without missing a beat. Perfect for truly challenging spots.
Ideal Environment: Low light (tolerates very dim conditions); water every 2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep them looking their best. This slow-grower won’t need repotting for years.
Pothos
Source Pinterest: 36vine
Pothos is the ultimate survivor plant. Those trailing vines adapt to almost any condition, making them perfect for plant newbies and experts alike.
What Makes It Perfect: It thrives in low light and humidity while looking lush and vibrant. Train it to climb, let it cascade, or drape it across shelves.
Ideal Environment: Low to bright indirect light; water when top inch of soil is dry.
Pro Tip: Trim back leggy vines to encourage fuller growth at the base. Stick the cuttings in water and they’ll root in a few weeks—free plants!
Peace Lily
Source Pinterest: Epic Gardening | Gardening Tips, Growing Guides, and Reviews
Peace Lilies bring serene beauty with their lush green foliage and graceful white flowers. They’re like having a little spa corner in your home.
What Makes It Perfect: They love humidity, tolerate low light, and help purify the air. Plus, those elegant blooms add a touch of sophistication.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water weekly or when leaves begin to droop.
Pro Tip: They’re dramatic little plants that’ll visibly droop when thirsty, then perk back up within hours of watering. It’s like having a plant with a built-in care reminder!
Spider Plant
Source Pinterest: American Plant Exchange
Spider Plants are cheerful, prolific, and almost impossible to kill. Those arching, striped leaves bring movement and energy to any space.
What Makes It Perfect: They love humidity, handle low light well, and produce adorable baby plantlets that dangle down like natural decorations.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil is dry.
Pro Tip: Those baby plantlets (called “spiderettes”) can be snipped off and potted up to create new plants. You’ll have an endless supply to share with friends!
Rubber Plant
Source Pinterest: Nellamo
Rubber Plants make a bold statement with their large, glossy leaves that catch the eye even in dim spaces. They’re modern and dramatic without being fussy.
What Makes It Perfect: Those thick, waxy leaves handle humidity beautifully while thriving in lower light conditions. With minimal care, they can grow impressively tall.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil is dry.
Pro Tip: Keep those leaves shiny by wiping them down with a damp cloth every few weeks. It removes dust and helps the plant photosynthesize more efficiently.
Parlor Palm
Source Pinterest: The Spruce
Parlor Palms transport you straight to the tropics with their delicate, feathery fronds. They bring an airy, relaxed vacation vibe to any humid space.
What Makes It Perfect: They’re built for the conditions you’re working with—loving both low light and high humidity naturally. Easy care with maximum tropical impact.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil feels dry.
Pro Tip: Mist the fronds occasionally if your space isn’t consistently humid. They’ll reward you with lush, healthy growth that stays a manageable size.
Chinese Evergreen
Source Pinterest: ourhouseplants.com
Chinese Evergreens bring color to the shadows with their beautifully patterned leaves in shades of green, silver, pink, and red. They’re like living artwork for dim spaces.
What Makes It Perfect: They handle humidity with ease and actually prefer lower light conditions. Plus, they tolerate irregular care without protest.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil is dry.
Pro Tip: Different varieties offer different color patterns—choose one with more variegation if you have slightly brighter light, or stick with deeper green varieties for very dim spots.
Boston Fern
Source Pinterest: Filogika
Boston Ferns are the classic choice for humid bathrooms. Their soft, cascading fronds create that lush, cottage-garden feel indoors.
What Makes It Perfect: They absolutely thrive in high humidity and tolerate low light beautifully. Their full, feathery texture adds instant softness to any space.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; keep soil consistently moist.
Pro Tip: These ferns love moisture more than most plants on this list. Mist them regularly or place them on a pebble tray filled with water to boost humidity even more.
Dracaena
Source Pinterest: greensouq.ae
Dracaenas are tall, striking, and wonderfully low-maintenance. Their unique leaf patterns and upright growth add modern architectural interest.
What Makes It Perfect: They handle both low light and humidity while adding impressive height to your space. Great for filling vertical space without spreading out.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Pro Tip: There are many Dracaena varieties with different leaf patterns and colors. Choose one that fits your style—they all have similar easy-care requirements.
Maidenhair Fern
Source Pinterest: Jen Elijah
Maidenhair Ferns are delicate beauties with soft, lacy fronds that add an ethereal, elegant touch. They’re worth the extra bit of attention they need.
What Makes It Perfect: They’re naturally adapted to humid, shady forest floors, making them ideal for steamy bathrooms or humid rooms.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; keep soil consistently moist, never letting it dry out.
Pro Tip: These ferns need more consistent moisture than most plants on this list. Check the soil every few days and mist regularly to keep those delicate fronds happy and healthy.
English Ivy
Source Pinterest: Jays Tropicals | A Blog About Houseplants
English Ivy brings classic, timeless charm with its trailing vines and dense foliage. It’s perfect for adding that cozy, cottage-garden feel indoors.
What Makes It Perfect: It thrives in both low light and high humidity, making it ideal for hanging baskets in bathrooms or trailing from shelves in dim corners.
Ideal Environment: Low to medium indirect light; water when top inch of soil feels dry.
Pro Tip: Trim it regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting too leggy. The cuttings root easily in water if you want to propagate more plants.
Turn Your Humid, Low-Light Spaces Into Green Sanctuaries
Those steamy bathrooms and shadowy corners don’t have to stay bare. With these 14 resilient plants, you can transform even the most challenging spaces into lush, living retreats. Start with one or two that match your specific conditions, then watch as they thrive in spots where other plants struggle.
Ready to green up those humid spaces? Pick a plant from this list and give it a try this week. Your bathroom (or kitchen, or basement) is about to get a whole lot more inviting!