Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to decorating with plants, yet they are one of the best spots in the home for creating a lush, spa-like atmosphere. The natural humidity, low to medium light, and unique environment make them perfect for certain houseplants that thrive in these conditions.
15 Best Houseplants for the Bathroom
Here’s a list of humidity-loving, bathroom-friendly plants along with care tips.
1. Boston Fern
- Light: Indirect, medium light.
- Care: Keep soil moist and mist leaves regularly.
- Why it works: Thrives in high humidity and adds soft, feathery greenery.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Care: Tolerates occasional neglect, water when topsoil is dry.
- Why it works: Great for hanging baskets and shelves, trailing beautifully.
3. Peace Lily
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Care: Keep soil slightly moist, wipe leaves to keep them shiny.
- Why it works: Purifies air and produces elegant white blooms.
4. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Care: Water weekly, allow roots to dry slightly between watering.
- Why it works: Exotic flowers that love humidity.
5. Aloe Vera
- Light: Bright, indirect to direct light.
- Care: Water sparingly; great for first-aid uses.
- Why it works: Adds texture and doubles as a natural skin soother.
6. Spider Plant
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Care: Water moderately; produces baby plants (spiderettes).
- Why it works: Resilient, adaptable, and air-purifying.
7. Calathea
- Light: Low to medium light.
- Care: Keep soil moist; avoid direct sun.
- Why it works: Striking patterned leaves that love humidity.
8. Bamboo (Lucky Bamboo)
- Light: Low light tolerant.
- Care: Grows in water or soil; change water every two weeks if grown hydroponically.
- Why it works: Compact and perfect for countertops.
9. Philodendron
- Light: Medium indirect light.
- Care: Water when topsoil feels dry.
- Why it works: Lush leaves and low-maintenance.
10. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Light: Low light tolerant.
- Care: Minimal watering required.
- Why it works: Perfect for bathrooms with little natural light.
11. Maidenhair Fern
- Light: Indirect, soft light.
- Care: Keep soil moist and humidity high.
- Why it works: Delicate fronds add elegance.
12. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Care: Mist frequently or soak weekly.
- Why it works: Unique shapes, no soil needed, great for wall decor.
13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Light: Low to medium light.
- Care: Keep soil slightly moist.
- Why it works: Beautiful leaf patterns and easy to grow.
14. Begonia
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Care: Keep soil lightly moist.
- Why it works: Vibrant leaves and seasonal flowers.
15. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Light: Low light.
- Care: Tolerates neglect and irregular watering.
- Why it works: Extremely hardy, even in tricky bathroom spots.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Plants
Before you run to the plant store, consider the unique conditions of your bathroom:
1. Light Levels
- Low-light bathrooms: Choose plants like pothos, ZZ plants, and snake plants.
- Bright bathrooms: Go for orchids, aloe vera, and succulents.
2. Humidity
Most bathrooms are humid which are deal for ferns, calatheas, and philodendrons.
3. Space
For smaller bathrooms, opt for wall-mounted planters, floating shelves, or hanging baskets.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Bathrooms can get warm after showers but cooler when unused. Choose plants that can handle these shifts.
Styling Tips for Bathroom Houseplants
1. Use Hanging Planters
Save counter space and create a cascading green effect.
2. Add Plants to Floating Shelves
Pair plants with candles, towels, and decor items for a spa-like look.
3. Go Vertical with Wall Planters
Maximize space by installing wall-mounted pots or a living wall panel.
4. Mix Plant Sizes and Shapes
Combine tall floor plants with small potted varieties for visual depth.
5. Use Decorative Pots
Match pots to your bathroom theme ceramic for modern, woven baskets for boho, glass for minimalist.
Bathroom Plant Care Tips
- Rotate plants so all sides get equal light.
- Wipe leaves to prevent dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Watch for mold in overly damp spots ensure airflow.
- Group plants to maintain higher humidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing plants that hate humidity (e.g., cacti won’t thrive in steamy bathrooms).
- Overwatering due to already high moisture levels.
- Ignoring light needs even low-light plants need some natural light or artificial grow lights.
Final Thoughts
Houseplants for the bathroom can do wonders for your home’s atmosphere turning an ordinary washroom into a serene, rejuvenating escape. Whether you go for lush ferns, elegant orchids, or trailing pothos, there’s a perfect plant for every type of bathroom.
By understanding your bathroom’s light, humidity, and space, you can choose plants that thrive while enhancing your daily routine. Start with one or two varieties and watch your bathroom transform into your new favorite room in the house. Also dont forget to visit bathroom vanity ideas.
