Stepping into a bathroom filled with greenery can feel like entering a hidden tropical paradise. The soothing combination of steamy air and vibrant foliage transforms the space from purely functional to truly rejuvenating.
While you might think your bathroom’s low light, high humidity, or fluctuating temperatures make it a difficult spot for plants, the truth is – many plants absolutely thrive there.
Bathrooms offer unique growing conditions:
- Higher humidity than other rooms.
- Cooler temperatures overnight.
- Bright indirect light in many cases – or low light in windowless bathrooms.
- Frequent splashes and misting, helping keep leaves hydrated.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are classics for a reason. Their graceful, arching leaves add a bright splash of green. In the bathroom, they benefit from the extra humidity, which prevents leaf tips from browning.
Best location: Shelves, hanging baskets, windowsills.
Care tips: Keep soil lightly moist; loves indirect light. Excellent air purifier.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
No plant screams “tropical oasis” like a Boston fern. Its lush, feathery fronds thrive in humid bathrooms.
Best location: Hanging baskets, shelves near the shower.
Care tips: Mist regularly or let steam from the shower keep it happy. Needs bright, indirect light.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It tolerates low light and irregular watering – perfect if you sometimes forget about your plants.
Best location: Shelves, hanging pots, trailing down cabinets.
Care tips: Let soil dry between watering. Variegated types like Golden Pothos brighten dark bathrooms.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies combine beauty and air-cleaning superpowers. Their dark green leaves and elegant white blooms look stunning against bathroom tiles.
Best location: Countertops, low shelves.
Care tips: Keep soil lightly moist. Avoid direct sun.
5. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids often intimidate people, but many types flourish in bathrooms because the humidity mimics their rainforest homes.
Best location: Countertops, window ledges with indirect light.
Care tips: Let roots dry between watering. Likes bright, indirect light.
6. Aloe Vera
This succulent is perfect for bright bathrooms. Aloe’s gel is useful for soothing burns and skin irritation—a handy perk near your sink or tub!
Best location: Sunny windowsills.
Care tips: Needs bright light. Let soil dry completely between watering.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is practically indestructible. Its glossy, dark green leaves look almost artificial because they’re so perfect.
Best location: Low-light corners, modern minimalist spaces.
Care tips: Water sparingly. Tolerates neglect.
8. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants tolerate low light and humidity changes beautifully. Their upright, sword-like leaves add vertical interest.
Best location: Corners, floor pots.
Care tips: Allow soil to dry fully between watering.
9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This classic trailing plant loves humidity. Ivy is great for draping from shelves, cabinets, or around mirrors for a soft, romantic vibe.
Best location: High shelves, hanging baskets.
Care tips: Keep soil lightly moist. Prefers cool rooms.
10. Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo grows in water and doesn’t mind low light, making it perfect for bathrooms.
Best location: Sink countertops, windowsills.
Care tips: Change water weekly to avoid bacteria.
11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The ultimate low-maintenance plant, Cast Iron tolerates neglect, low light, and temperature fluctuations.
Best location: Floor pots in darker corners.
Care tips: Water when soil dries out. Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust.
12. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s Nest Ferns have broad, wavy leaves that create a tropical feel. They love steam from your shower.
Best location: Shelves, hanging baskets.
Care tips: Needs indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are versatile, coming in shades of green, silver, and red. They tolerate low light and humidity.
Best location: Floor pots, countertops.
Care tips: Water moderately. Avoid cold drafts.
14. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
This easy-going vine loves humidity and grows quickly. It’s ideal for filling vertical space.
Best location: Hanging baskets, shelves.
Care tips: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
15. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
Like its cousin, Lucky Bamboo can grow in water and adds a serene touch to bathrooms.
Best location: Countertops, windowsills.
Care tips: Keep water clean. Prefers indirect light.
Tips for Growing Bathroom Plants Successfully
- Light: Assess your bathroom’s light levels. Some plants tolerate low light, but bright rooms can accommodate a wider range of plants.
- Ventilation: Good airflow helps prevent mold and mildew. Open a window after showers or use an exhaust fan.
- Watering: Bathrooms are humid, so many plants require less frequent watering. Check soil before watering.
- Pot choice: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Decorative outer pots can disguise plastic nursery pots.
- Cleaning: Bathrooms can leave residue on leaves. Wipe foliage occasionally to keep plants looking vibrant.
Create Your Bathroom Paradise
Plants turn bathrooms into tranquil retreats where you can relax and recharge. Whether your space is large and filled with natural light or a small powder room, there’s a perfect plant – or several – that will thrive.
From lush ferns and colorful calatheas to the indestructible snake plant, these 15 bathroom plants offer a wealth of choices for transforming your bathroom into a green oasis.
