Last updated on June 30, 2025
Bathroom plants are kinda magical for changing up your space, aren’t they? If you’ve ever walked into a bathroom and found it looking, well, bland or musty—ugh, that’s the worst—adding a little greenery can seriously help. Trouble is, lots of plants can’t really deal with all that humidity and low light. So, picking the right bathroom plants actually makes all the difference, and it’s easier than you’d think. I’ll share my faves for humid spots (seriously, I’ve tried them in every house), but if you’re super into house plants in general, you’ll probably love checking out these blooming indoor house plants or the most popular house plants everyone loves, too. Okay, let’s jump in and get your bathroom looking lush and just… happier.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Best Plants for Humid Environments
If you’re like me, you’ve probably accidentally roasted a plant or two in the bathroom before (RIP, little friend…). Not every plant likes a steamy shower, you know? But some just thrive in wild humidity, honestly more than me in August. My personal stars are ferns, pothos, and the classic peace lily—they act like they’re on vacation in the rainforest, soaking it in.
The thing about these plants? They soak up steam, don’t get spotty leaves, and won’t shrivel if sunlight is rare. Ferns love the misty shower aftermath, pothos never complain about indirect light, and peace lilies bounce back quick even when I forget to water them for a week. Oh, and if you want more ideas for low-light green friends, here’s a great list on the best indoor plants for low light.
Unique Characteristics of Humidity-Loving Plants
Not all plants have what it takes to hang out in your bathroom, let’s just be honest. These humidity-loving plants, though, are like little survivors. Their leaves are often broader or waxier—they don’t mind droplets or extra moisture in the air. And the roots? Oh, they’re pros at not sitting in soggy soil, so less root rot drama.
Take spider plants and snake plants—they seem to ignore the muggy air and just keep spitting out new shoots (kind of like my neighbor’s zucchini in late summer). I once stuck a Boston fern above the shower, totally expecting it to sulk, but instead it doubled in size—go figure. That’s real life proof these guys adapt and even get more vibrant around all that steam.
Care Tips for Bathroom Plants
When it comes to caring for your bathroom plants, here’s the deal—keep it simple, keep it regular. I’m all about plant parenting that doesn’t feel like work. Here’s what I wish I knew sooner:
- Don’t overwater. Bathrooms are already humid, so the soil takes longer to dry. Less is more.
- Rotate them every couple of weeks. This evens out their growth and helps any light they get do its job.
- Give them a little leaf-shine once in a while to keep dust and soap scum off. Trust me, shiny leaves make a big difference.
I even keep a tiny watering can under my sink, just because it reminds me to check in. That’s basically as fancy as my garden strategy gets.
Aesthetic Benefits of Bathroom Plants
Adding plants—any plants—instantly pulls your bathroom out of “blah” and into “spa day” mode. It’s not just the pop of green (though, wow, that helps everything). I swear the bathroom feels fresher, and, yeah, I do take more baths now just to enjoy the vibe. If you’ve ever wanted to pretend your home is in a five-star hotel, stick a lush fern by the tub or hang a trailing pothos in the window and you’re halfway there.
Plus, guests always make a little comment like, “Oh, this is cute!” and then ask what kind of plant it is. Little ego boost for me, not gonna lie. Plants just feel homey—way better than staring at another boring bottle of shampoo.
Top Considerations When Choosing Bathroom Plants
Let’s get real: all bathrooms are different. Some get zero sun (hello, tiny basement half-bath) and others are basically mini greenhouses. Before you grab the prettiest plant you spot, a couple things to think about:
Is there a window in your bathroom? Even a small one helps, but plenty of plants do fine with just the bathroom light on (my golden pothos literally doesn’t care). Next, how much floor or shelf space do you have? Tiny bathrooms love hanging plants, while big ones can handle a full-on corner tree—okay, maybe not an oak, but you get me.
And don’t forget to check for pets! Some popular plants can be sneaky toxic. If you share your home with a nosy cat or curious pup, cross-check this safe-for-pets houseplants guide before buying.
I was always nervous about putting plants in my bathroom, but after trying out Sarah’s tips and picking the right ones for my small space, it’s honestly made my morning routine so much better. Plus, my air feels cleaner and I smile every time I walk in there. – Jamie L.
What is the best plant to absorb moisture in the bathroom?
Here’s the quick and dirty answer: ferns are champions at this. Boston ferns and maidenhair ferns drink up humidity like nothing else. If your bathroom fogs up every morning, put one of these plants on a shelf or even hang it from the ceiling. They suck up the extra moisture and just look happier for it. That’s why ferns land on everyone’s must-have list when you need greenery that won’t get mushy or weird in the steam.
What plant purifies the air in the bathroom?
Snake plants, hands down, are the MVP for air purification. They don’t just sit there looking cute—snake plants filter out formaldehyde and other gunk. Peace lilies are another star, great for pulling nasty bathroom smells from the air (plus those flowers, come on). Both grow well with minimal fuss and low light.
Want even more plant air-freshener ideas? Try indoor plants for clean air. That’s a list worth saving.
Ready to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Fresh Oasis?
So, picking the right bathroom plants can totally change the way your space feels—and even make that morning fog less… depressing. Just remember to choose humidity-lovers, keep their roots comfy and don’t fuss about complicated routines. And honestly, these little green friends are way easier to keep happy than you might expect. If you need more inspiration, check out what folks on r/houseplants are recommending or poke around for the latest house plants to brighten your space. It might turn into your favorite room, promise.
Common Questions
Q: Can I keep succulents in my bathroom?
A: Usually not the best idea. Most succulents get mushy in too much humidity. If you must, give them lots of bright light!
Q: How often should I water my bathroom plants?
A: Way less than you’d think. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch. Bathrooms stay damp longer, so check before watering.
Q: Do bathroom plants really reduce odors?
A: Oh yes. Plants like peace lily and pothos help clear out bathroom funk, which blew my mind a little.
Q: What’s the easiest bathroom plant for beginners?
A: Pothos, hands down (super forgiving and trails beautifully). Snake plant is another no-brainer.
