Adding plants to a bathroom? It can totally change the vibe. I’ve noticed some plants handle the warm, steamy air better than others, which makes them a natural fit for this space.
Picking the right greenery can make your bathroom feel fresher and more inviting, and honestly, it doesn’t take much work.
I’ve pulled together a list of 20 plants that thrive in bathroom conditions. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for every shelf, corner, or even that awkward bit of floor you never know what to do with.
Whether you want a tiny pop of green or a leafy giant, there’s an option worth considering.
1. Pothos
Pothos is hands-down one of my favorite bathroom plants. It actually loves humidity, so my post-shower steam is like a spa day for it.
The leaves come in all sorts of shapes and colors, which keeps things interesting. I keep mine out of direct sun—nobody wants crispy leaves.
It’s happiest between 65°F and 85°F, which is pretty much standard bathroom territory. Pothos is super low-maintenance, too.
I water when the soil feels dry, but I’m careful not to drown it. Hanging it up lets the vines do their thing and really makes the space come alive.
2. Boston Fern
Boston ferns just get bathrooms—they love humidity as much as I do. All that moisture keeps their fronds lush and green.
They prefer indirect sunlight, so I stick mine near a frosted window or somewhere with gentle light. Too much sun and they sulk.
I use a peat-based soil mix that holds water but doesn’t get soggy. That way, roots stay happy instead of drowning.
Watering is a regular thing, but I avoid overdoing it. Sometimes I give the leaves a little mist for extra humidity.
Drainage holes are a must—nobody wants root rot. When I stick to this routine, my Boston fern thrives in the steamy bathroom air.
3. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are basically built for bathrooms. They soak up moisture through their leaves, so all that humidity is a win.
I keep mine by a window with bright, indirect light. No sunburns, please.
When the soil dries out, I water right into the center cup. That’s where bromeliads stash their water like a little reservoir.
Filtered water seems to keep the leaves spot-free. The bright bracts—like those on Guzmania—add a splash of color that perks up any boring shelf.
They don’t grow huge, so they fit nicely on counters or window ledges.
4. Orchids
Orchids in the bathroom? Absolutely. They love humidity, and after a hot shower, my bathroom feels like a mini greenhouse.
They’re happiest with humidity around 50-70%. Direct sun isn’t necessary—bright, filtered light does the trick.
I stick with easy types like Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium. Here’s what I keep in mind:
- Keep humidity up
- Give them indirect light
- Let them breathe—no harsh cleaners nearby
5. Peace Lily
Peace lilies just seem made for bathrooms. They thrive in warm, humid air and don’t mind if there’s not a ton of sun.
I water mine when the top inch of soil dries out. It’s a balance—too much water and they get cranky.
Their white flowers and glossy leaves give the room a peaceful, clean vibe. Plus, they’re known for helping clear the air.
If you want an easy plant that brightens things up, peace lily is a solid pick. Just don’t leave it in the dark or let it sit in soggy soil.
6. Spider Plant
Spider plants are almost made for bathrooms. All that humidity keeps their leaves perky and green.
They’re not fussy about light—indirect is perfect. I water once a week, making sure the soil drains well.
If I spot brown tips, I snip them off and the plant bounces back. They’re also great for cleaning the air, which is a nice bonus.
The arching leaves look cool and bring a relaxed, natural feel. For anyone who forgets to water, spider plant is a forgiving choice.
7. Snake Plant
Snake plants are my go-to for low-light bathrooms. They don’t mind humidity and basically thrive on neglect.
I water every few weeks, letting the soil dry out between drinks. That’s key to avoiding root rot.
These plants also help clean the air, which I appreciate. The tall, patterned leaves look sharp and modern.
If your bathroom is windowless, a small grow light can keep your snake plant happy. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it plant.
8. English Ivy
English Ivy thrives in bathrooms, especially if you don’t have much sunlight. It loves damp air and grows long, trailing vines that look great around mirrors or windows.
I water when the soil is dry and trim it now and then to keep things neat. Regular potting soil is fine—nothing fancy needed.
If there’s a bit of indirect sunlight, it grows even better. For a low-effort way to add greenery, English Ivy is hard to beat.
9. ZZ Plant
ZZ Plants are nearly indestructible, which is great if you sometimes forget about your plants. They handle low light like champs and just keep looking glossy and green.
I only water when the soil feels dry. Too much water or direct sun is a no-go.
Quick tips: they like low to medium light, don’t need much water, and love humidity. If you want something that just works, ZZ Plant is a winner.
10. Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe is a hidden gem for bathrooms. The big, patterned leaves really brighten things up, and it loves humidity.
I water when the top soil dries out. It’s best not to let it sit in water—roots hate that.
Sometimes I use a diluted fertilizer, but I’m careful not to overdo it. Ctenanthe adapts to different light, but I think it looks best in bright, indirect sun.
It’s low-maintenance, peaceful, and fits just about anywhere—shelves, counters, you name it.
11. Philodendron
Philodendrons are classic bathroom plants. They thrive in humidity and don’t need much light, so even a dim spot works.
The Birkin variety is a personal favorite—it grows upright, stays compact, and the leaves have cool patterns.
Philodendrons don’t mind if you forget them for a few days. They add a lush, green vibe that makes the bathroom feel like a mini rainforest.
Just keep them out of direct sunlight and they’ll reward you with healthy, happy leaves.
12. Calathea
Calathea just loves bathroom humidity. That extra moisture really keeps its leaves looking lush.
I keep mine near the window for bright, indirect light. Direct sun? Not a good idea—those leaves burn fast.
Every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer, I feed it with a balanced fertilizer, diluted to half strength. That seems to keep it happy without overdoing things.
If the leaf tips go brown, it probably wants more humidity or maybe less fertilizer. I’ve found regular watering and a moist environment work wonders.
13. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Ferns are just charming, aren’t they? They look delicate but actually thrive in the bathroom’s humidity.
They want bright, indirect light, so I tuck mine near a window with filtered sun. The soil needs to drain well but stay moist—kind of a balancing act.
If the leaves start yellowing or drooping, I move it somewhere brighter. Watering regularly, but not letting the soil get soggy, keeps mine looking fresh.
- Bright, indirect light
- High humidity
- Well-draining, rich soil
- Keep soil moist, not wet
Indoors, they usually reach about 12 to 20 inches tall. That soft green really livens up a bathroom, in my opinion.
14. Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palms are a great fit for bathrooms. They actually thrive on low light and all that steamy humidity from showers.
This plant brings a soft, tropical vibe without much fuss. It grows up with slender canes and feathery leaves, and it’s surprisingly compact—easy to tuck onto a shelf or in a corner.
Bamboo Palms are pet-safe, which is a relief if you have animals around. I water mine once the topsoil feels dry and keep it in indirect light.
If you want a plant that just works in a bathroom, Bamboo Palm is a solid pick.
15. Tillandsia (Air Plant)
Tillandsia, or air plants, are just cool. They don’t need soil—just soak up water and nutrients through their leaves, which makes them perfect for bathrooms.
They want bright, indirect light and good airflow. I try not to let them sit wet for too long, so mold doesn’t sneak in.
I mist my air plants a few times a week or soak them for about 20 minutes once a week. Afterward, I always shake off the extra water.
Fertilizer isn’t a must, but sometimes I’ll use a special air plant spray. They’re super low-maintenance and honestly just fun to have around.
16. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen handles low light and humidity like a champ. It brings a gentle, green touch that makes bathrooms feel calmer.
I keep mine out of direct sun and only water when the top inch of soil dries out. Overwatering just isn’t worth the risk.
It likes well-draining soil and an occasional feed in spring and summer. This plant quietly cleans the air and looks elegant, even in tight spaces.
Honestly, Chinese Evergreen is a reliable, easy-care pick for any bathroom.
17. Aluminum Plant
Aluminum Plants just love the bathroom’s humidity. That moist air keeps them looking vibrant and healthy.
They do best with bright, indirect light. I keep mine near a window, but never let the sun hit those leaves directly—burns happen fast.
I water so the soil stays evenly moist but never soggy. A quick misting on the leaves helps, especially when the air gets dry.
Once a month, I feed it with a balanced houseplant food. Sometimes I pick a gentle organic one to avoid any weird indoor smells.
They’re easy to care for, even if you’re busy, and they add a nice touch to humid rooms.
18. Moth Orchid
Moth orchids really shine in a humid bathroom. The blooms last for ages and bring a bit of elegance to the space.
They want bright, filtered light, so a bathroom window is perfect. Humidity between 40% and 55% keeps them happy, so they’re pretty low-maintenance.
Soft pink, white, or purple flowers add a lot of charm without demanding much attention. If you want an easy orchid, moth orchids are a top choice for bathrooms.
19. Prayer Plant
Prayer Plants are just plain fun. Their leaves fold up at night like they’re praying, and the colors and patterns always catch my eye.
They do best in medium to bright indirect light, so I keep mine a few feet from a window with a sheer curtain. Even in lower light, they’ll hang in there, but those colors might fade a bit.
Well-draining soil and watering when the top feels dry seem to do the trick. Bathrooms are perfect for their love of humidity, but I watch for overwatering to avoid root problems.
20. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is ridiculously easy to care for. It handles low light like a pro, which is ideal for most bathrooms.
Thick, dark green leaves look good and even help clean the air a bit. I’ve noticed it stays healthy with all the humidity from showers.
This plant tolerates different temperatures, so I don’t stress about it being too warm or cool in the bathroom.
- Thrives in low light
- Loves humidity
- Tolerates temperature changes
- Low maintenance and hardy
If you want a plant that basically takes care of itself, Cast Iron Plant is perfect—especially if you’re not super confident with plants yet.
Caring for Bathroom Plants
Keeping plants happy in a bathroom is a bit of an art. You need to juggle light, water, and humidity—sometimes it’s a guessing game.
Watering Tips for Humid Spaces
Bathrooms are already humid, so you don’t need to water as much. I always check the soil first—if the top inch is dry, then it’s time to water.
It’s easy to overwater since the soil stays damp longer. Make sure your pots have drainage holes so water doesn’t pool at the bottom.
- Water lightly every 7-10 days
- Use room-temperature water
- Skip extra misting—bathrooms are humid enough
Honestly, it’s safer to underwater than drown your plants. I’ve learned that the hard way.
Maximizing Natural Light
Bathrooms can be tricky for light—some barely have windows. I try to keep my plants as close to any natural light as possible.
If it’s really dim, I use a small LED grow light. They don’t use much energy and you can set a timer so you don’t forget.
| Light Type | Best Plant Types | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bright indirect | Ferns, Pothos, Spider Plants | Near window, no direct sunlight |
| Low light | Snake Plant, ZZ Plant | Can survive away from windows |
| Artificial light | All above + Philodendron | Use LED grow lights 12-14 hrs/day |
I rotate my plants every week or so. That way, the leaves all get their fair share of light.
Dealing With Mold and Mildew
Bathrooms? Yeah, they’re basically moisture magnets. All that steam can lead to mold or mildew showing up on plant soil and leaves.
I make a habit of checking my plants for weird white or fuzzy spots. Sometimes it’s just a little patch on the soil, sometimes it’s on the leaves.
If I spot mold, here’s what I do:
- I move the plant out of the bathroom so it can dry out for a day or two.
- Then I carefully scoop off the top layer of any infected soil.
- I try to get more air moving—maybe crack a window or let a small fan run nearby.
For mild mold, I grab a spray bottle with diluted hydrogen peroxide (1 part peroxide, 4 parts water). I give the soil a light spritz, but I don’t spray the leaves.
Honestly, keeping plants happy in a bathroom is all about air flow and not letting the soil get swampy. Just enough moisture—never a soggy mess.
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