Adding plants to your shower might sound like a trendy decor move but it’s far more than that. Shower plants can improve air quality, reduce stress, absorb moisture, and add a lush, spa-like feel to your bathroom. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a large house, the high humidity and low-light environment of a bathroom can actually be the perfect habitat for many plant species.
Benefits of Having Shower Plants
Before we explore which plants thrive in shower environments, let’s take a look at the many benefits of placing greenery in your bathroom:
1. Improved Air Quality
Plants naturally filter airborne toxins, reduce dust, and increase humidity making your bathroom fresher and healthier.
2. Natural Humidity Control
Many houseplants thrive in humid environments, and the steam from your shower provides ideal growing conditions.
3. Stress Relief and Wellness
Greenery has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Showering surrounded by plants feels like stepping into nature.
Best Shower Plants Varieties That Thrive in Humid Bathrooms
Here’s a list of the best shower-friendly plants that thrive in moisture-rich and often low-light bathroom environments.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Light: Indirect light
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Keep soil consistently moist
Boston ferns love humidity, making them a perfect fit for steamy showers. Hang them in baskets or place them on high shelves.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Care Tip: Allow topsoil to dry between waterings
Spider plants are easy to care for and look beautiful trailing from a hanging pot or shelf.
3. Aloe Vera
- Light: Bright, direct light
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Care Tip: Avoid overwatering; let soil dry
Ideal for bathrooms with windows, aloe vera doubles as a healing agent for burns and skin care.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Light: Low to bright, indirect
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
With its trailing vines and tolerance for humidity, pothos is one of the best shower plants for beginners.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Light: Low to bright, indirect
- Humidity: Tolerant of varying conditions
- Care Tip: Drought-tolerant—don’t overwater
This stylish plant thrives on neglect and works well in darker bathrooms.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Light: Low to medium
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Water when soil is slightly dry
Peace lilies purify the air and produce beautiful white blooms, making them an elegant shower companion.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Light: Low to bright
- Humidity: Tolerates humidity
- Care Tip: Let soil dry out completely between watering
Great for small bathrooms, snake plants are low-maintenance and nearly indestructible.
8. Philodendron
- Light: Indirect light
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Mist regularly in drier months
With its heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems, philodendron adds tropical beauty to showers.
9. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Keep roots moist but not soggy
These exotic blooms thrive in steamy environments and are perfect for stylish bathrooms.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Trim regularly to prevent overgrowth
English ivy is a fast-growing vine that can beautifully drape around shower rods or curtain hooks.
11. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
- Light: Bright, filtered light
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Soak in water once a week
No soil required! Air plants are perfect for mounting on walls or inside hanging glass orbs.
12. Calathea
- Light: Low to medium
- Humidity: Very high
- Care Tip: Water with distilled or rainwater
Calatheas have bold, patterned leaves that thrive in humidity but are sensitive to water quality.
13. Begonias
- Light: Indirect light
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
With colorful blooms and foliage, begonias add a splash of color to your shower plant collection.
14. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Light: Low to moderate
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Care Tip: Tough and low maintenance
This plant lives up to its name it’s hardy, slow-growing, and perfect for shaded bathrooms.
15. Monstera Deliciosa
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Humidity: High
- Care Tip: Mist frequently to mimic rainforest conditions
With its dramatic split leaves, monstera makes a bold statement in larger bathrooms with space to grow.
How to Style Shower Plants Like a Pro
Having the right plants is only half the equation. Here are some top styling tips to create an Insta-worthy shower jungle.
1. Use Hanging Planters
Hang trailing plants like pothos or ivy from the ceiling, shower rod, or a corner hook. It adds height and visual interest.
2. Floating Shelves or Ledges
Install small, waterproof shelves above your shower or tub area to display potted plants.
3. Shower Caddies as Planter Holders
Transform your metal or bamboo shower caddy into a plant hanger. It’s practical and space-saving.
4. Wall-Mounted Planters
Choose vertical garden planters to save space while adding a dramatic green wall effect.
5. Bathtub Corners & Window Ledges
Use wide ledges or corners to group small potted plants and create a mini oasis.
How to Care for Shower Plants
Even humidity-loving plants need proper care. Follow these tips to keep your shower plants lush and healthy:
Ensure Drainage
Use pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot. Add pebbles or use a plant tray for excess water.
Watch for Mold and Mildew
Bathrooms can breed fungus. Ensure airflow by occasionally opening windows or running an exhaust fan.
Rotate Plants
Rotate your plants every few weeks to encourage even growth and prevent leaning toward the light.
Light Matters
Even humidity lovers need light. If your bathroom has no windows, consider using grow lights.
Ideal Conditions for Bathroom Plants
| Factor | Ideal Condition |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect (or grow lights) |
| Humidity | 60% or higher |
| Temperature | 65–80°F (18–27°C) |
| Watering | Depends on species |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
Low-Light Bathroom? No Problem!
Not all bathrooms have windows but you can still enjoy greenery. Here are a few low-light tolerant shower plants:
- ZZ Plant
- Snake Plant
- Cast Iron Plant
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Peace Lily
Use artificial grow lights to supplement light and keep your plants thriving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors to keep your bathroom plants happy:
- Overwatering: Humid doesn’t mean wet. Always check soil moisture before watering.
- No Drainage: Never use pots without drainage holes.
- Wrong Placement: Avoid placing sensitive plants in water spray zones.
- Lack of Airflow: Let your bathroom dry out between showers.
- Neglecting Light Needs: All plants need some light—no exceptions.
DIY Ideas: Creative Shower Plant Displays
Want to get creative with your shower plant decor? Try these DIY ideas:
- Macramé Plant Hangers
Add boho charm with handmade macramé holders. - Suction-Cup Window Shelves
Install clear shelves directly on windows for a floating garden. - Repurposed Jars and Bottles
Grow herbs or small plants in old mason jars or glass bottles. - Rain Chain Planters
Hang multiple small pots vertically with a rain chain for cascading greenery.
Embrace the Jungle Vibes
With the right plants and thoughtful styling, your bathroom can transform into a tropical retreat. Shower plants are not only functional but beautiful turning your everyday shower into a refreshing, wellness-boosting experience.
Whether you prefer trailing vines, bold foliage, or tiny succulents, there’s a shower plant out there for every kind of bathroom. Start with one or two easy varieties, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your own indoor rainforest.
