Bathrooms provide the perfect conditions for humidity-loving plants. The steam from our shower mimics their natural tropical environment, keeping them moist and healthy. Plus, watering is super convenient when our plants are right next to the sink. It’s a win-win situation, like a rainforest spa for our plant friends.
These plants are not only great for bringing some much-needed green to our bathroom, but they also offer some serious design opportunities – hanging them from macrame hangers for that boho vibe, placing them on floating shelves to create a magical forest, or using stackable plant stands to create a vertical garden that uses every inch of space. And best of all, they present us with the excuse of choosing some stylish pottery that adds personality and ties the whole space together.
If you want to make your bathroom an instant retreat just drop in some leafy homies. A couple of well-placed plants can turn the vibe from blah to spa. From statement-makers to air-filtering ninjas, the options are endless when it comes to the best bathroom plants.
So prepare to turn your bathroom into a lush, relaxing oasis with these top picks:
Fern (Polypodiophyta)
When it comes to humidity-loving ferns, there’s a veritable garden of options! From the tried-and-true Boston fern to the sleek bird’s nest fern, these plants crave that steamy bathroom environment and medium light. Plop them near an east or north window for some indirect sunlight and give them a good soak now and then. Just be careful not to drown them – they like humidity, not a swamp.
Ferns are the ultimate bathroom plants – not only do they thrive in humid conditions, but they don’t need the extra fuss of misting or humidity trays. Their lush, green fronds bring a splash of tropical vibes to any space, and they’re easy to care for.
Just make sure you keep them away from harsh, direct sunlight and give them a good watering when the soil is dry to the touch. These little green wonders will reward you with their vibrant foliage; plus they’re basically chill, self-sufficient plants that bring some serious green vibes to your space.
Begonias (Semperflorens Cultorum)
Begonias are the moisture-loving, air-purifying, bathroom-dwelling plant superheroes! From polka dots to prim and proper, the begonia family has got you covered.
The polka dot begonia is a colorful, patterned powerhouse that brings funky flair to any bathroom. The cane begonia is tall, graceful, and classy, it’s like the Beyoncé of houseplants.
And then there’s the rhizomatous begonia, the nerdiest of the bunch, this plant thrives on scientific terms and loves being talked dirty to (aka, fertilized).
Keep those leaves moist (not sloppy!), give them a spot by the window for a nice tan, and clip off the sad-looking leaves like a plant surgeon. These thirsty plants like to be kept moist, but not soaking wet. Give them a good drink once a week, making sure the soil is evenly moist.
Don’t skimp on the light – give them a bright spot, but don’t let them get too much direct sun, or they’ll get a leafy sunburn. Fertilize ’em every few weeks during the growing season (spring through summer) to give ’em that extra glow.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their elegant foliage and graceful, spreading habit. It’s often called the “white flag plant” because the flowers resemble a white flag of surrender. They’re adaptable to a range of lighting conditions, from low light to fluorescent, and prefer moderate humidity. It’s important to keep them away from pets, as they contain toxins that can be harmful to animals.
Despite their delicate appearance, peace lilies are actually hardy and easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance to flourish. They make a versatile addition to any indoor garden or living space, and their striking appearance and lush foliage have made them a favorite among plant enthusiasts and interior designers alike.
Peace lilies are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air. Just water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but be careful not to overwater or their roots can rot. Peace lilies are native to tropical regions, so they love a bit of humidity, consider misting them occasionally. They’re super easy to propagate – just divide the root ball into sections and pot up the new plants in a fresh pot with fresh soil! Boom, instant plant family.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are a staple in many stylish bathrooms thanks to their show-stopping blooms and tropical flair. Despite their reputation for being fussy, these beauties thrive in the humidity and warmth of the bathroom environment.
The key to keeping orchids happy is proper identification – different species have unique soil and light requirements. Unlike other plants that prefer indirect light, orchids can handle brighter conditions, making them perfect for south-facing windows. But if your orchid is showing signs of sunburn, immediately move it away from the window.
Orchids are super picky about their soil – they need a special, airy blend that drains well. Regular potting soil is a no-go, since it’ll suffocate their roots. And when it comes to repotting, they’re kind of like introverts – they like to be left alone in their pot for as long as possible, until they’re bursting at the seams. But let’s be real, they just look super fancy in a bathroom! They’re like the Prada bag of the plant world.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
The Monstera deliciosa is a showstopper in any bathroom. Its funky, perforated leaves and jungle vibe are a perfect match for the humidity and low-light conditions of the bathroom. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it can still thrive in shady spots – but don’t be surprised if the leaves take a little longer to develop their iconic holes.
The leaves of Monstera deliciosa are super attractive, with their unique, fenestrated (aka, holey) leaves that add a touch of jungle vibes to any bathroom. Oh, and they’re also pretty forgiving when it comes to watering – they can handle a bit of neglect and still look fierce.
They’re not just pretty faces – they’re actually great for cleaning the air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. So, not only do they look good, they’re doing good too! They’re also pretty low-maintenance – they can survive in lower light conditions than most plants.
And here’s a fun fact: Monstera deliciosa is also called the Swiss cheese plant because of its holey leaves. So, you can say you have a cheese plant in your bathroom – what a conversation starter!
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads are another tropical native that love humidity – they’ll thrive in the moist air in your bathroom. The colorful, tropical-looking flowers of bromeliads are a total show-stopper – they’ll make your bathroom feel like a mini rainforest. They’re super easy to care for – just give them some bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. They don’t even need to be repotted often – they actually prefer to be a little root-bound.
They also love good air circulation, so make sure your bathroom has some ventilation – they don’t want to feel all stuffy and stagnant. And one last pro tip – bromeliads actually produce “pups,” which are baby plants that grow off the main plant. You can separate these pups and pot them up to create a whole bromeliad army in your bathroom.
And get this – some bromeliads are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants, like trees. So, they can actually be mounted on a piece of wood or bark and hung up in your bathroom, creating a whole new level of bathroom jungle vibes.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants add lush greenery without taking up precious real estate on your counters and shelves. All you need is a hook and a hanging planter, and bam – you’ve got a lush, green canopy that doesn’t hog counter space. Plus, pothos plants are air purifiers and super low-maintenance – they practically take care of themselves! Hang ’em by a window, water them when they look thirsty, and they’ll return the favor by giving your bathroom an instant green makeover.
They’re super hardy and adaptable – they can handle low light and neglect like a champ. They tolerate humidity like nobody’s business, making them a perfect fit for bathrooms. They’re super easy to propagate, so you can take a cutting from one plant and grow a whole army of new pothos plants.
And of course, they just look straight up cool. Those trailing vines and glossy, heart-shaped leaves add a touch of jungle swagger to any bathroom. Pothos can actually help with stress relief, too. Research has shown that just looking at plants can help to reduce stress levels. So, in addition to purifying the air and looking cool, your pothos is also like a free therapist inside your bathroom!
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
In the verdant realm of houseplants, the prayer plant is a spot of green zen. They have patterned leaves that make them a standout in any space, especially a bathroom. They thrive in humidity, making them ideal for the moist environment of a bathroom. They’re also “prayerful” – the leaves fold up at night as if in prayer, giving them their name. It’s like they’re meditating in your bathroom, keeping it calm and peaceful. Plus, they’re easy to care for – just keep them in indirect light and give them a regular misting. Your bathroom will become a zen oasis with a prayer plant on board.
They release oxygen at night, which helps improve the quality of the air you breathe while you sleep. They can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, so your bathroom can turn into a mini-retreat from the world. They’re also pretty dang low-maintenance – they don’t need a ton of water or fertilizer, and they can even survive in low light conditions. Talk about chill vibes!
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are the easygoing prima donnas of the bathroom plant world. No soil, no problem – they just suck up moisture and nutrients from the air like a boss. That means you can get creative with their display: frame them on the wall, hang them in glass globes from the ceiling, or arrange them with seashells or driftwood on the windowsill for a beachy vibe.
Since they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air around them, a spot next to your steamy shower is the perfect place to display your air plant. They also come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can really customize your bathroom aesthetic. From funky fronds to curly tendrils, there’s an air plant for every mood.
Caring for air plants is like giving them a fancy spa day – a little spritz here, a little mist there. When spring and summer roll around, the naturally higher humidity means you can ease up on the hydration – they’ll be feelin’ fine with less water. But in the winter, when the air is drier, you’ll want to keep an eye on those thirsty leaves – a spritz or two a week will keep them happy as a clam. And get this: they can bloom with the most beautiful, vibrant flowers, making your bathroom pop with color!
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is a total moisture-loving trooper, ready to add some tropical flair to your bathroom while staying chill with minimal upkeep. It’s basically the MacGyver of tropical plants, rocking it in low light and bright light, without problem. Place it in your bathroom for extra humidity, and watch it go to town. The leaves will be the first to tell you when it’s thirsty – if they start to get a little crispy, it’s time to break out the watering can.
It’s a slow grower, so you won’t have to worry about it taking over your bathroom. It’s like the chill friend that just hangs out and vibes. It’s super tolerant of low light, so it’ll be happy in the typically dimmer bathroom lighting. It’s non-toxic, so it’s safe for households with pets and kids. No worries about furry or tiny friends nibbling on your plant. And here’s the best part: it can purify the air by removing toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. It’s like a mini air purifier for your bathroom.
The Last Step in Plant Selection
The bathroom plant search can feel overwhelming, but don’t sweat it (pun intended). Remember, choosing the perfect bathroom plant is all about finding the right balance between style and practicality. From low-light champions like snake plants and pothos, to humidity-loving beauties like orchids and ferns, there are endless options to choose from.
Don’t forget to consider factors like size, maintenance needs, and even your own personal style. The key is to choose a plant that suits your bathroom’s conditions, and then give it the care and attention it needs to thrive.
With the right plant and a little TLC, you can create a serene space in your bathroom. So go ahead, get your green thumb on and turn your bathroom into a tropical paradise.