Bathroom plants are becoming increasingly popular these days for adding a touch of greenery to your bathroom. The bathroom provides a suitable environment for plants due to its humidity levels and often ample natural light.
Moisture-loving plants such as Boston Fern, Ivy, Snake Plant, Calathea, and Peace Lily are well-suited for this environment. These plants can thrive in damp conditions without growing mold. Factors like light, soil, and water requirements, are also crucial to choose the right plant for your bathroom space.
Today, we explore 20 houseplants that are perfect for growing in bathrooms. Let’s begin!
1. Spider Plant
Spider plant is not just a popular houseplant; it’s also a champion for bathroom environments. Unlike many other plants that struggle with moisture, these plants adore it. The hot showers and baths in your bathroom help spider plants grow well, like a spa treatment for them.
Spider plants thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect even for windowless spaces. They will happily grace shelves, countertops, or hanging baskets, adding a pop of green without demanding excessive sunlight.
- Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries
- Mature Size: 12-18 inches
2. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily acts as a natural air filter when placed in the bathroom. This plant removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, often found in cleaning products and building materials. This can contribute to improved indoor air quality, especially beneficial in enclosed spaces like bathrooms.
While not completely neglect-proof, peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance. These plants easily thrive in humid environments, preventing excess moisture in the washroom that can lead to mold growth and the formation of water stains, damaging walls and ceilings.
- Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum spp.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Mature Size: 1-4 feet tall
3. Boston Fern
The Boston fern is a feathery-fronded plant from the Nephrolepis family, known for its cascading leaves and resilient stem. This fern prefers bright, indirect sunlight despite its reputation as a low-light plant. Direct harshness and excessive darkness in the bathroom can hinder its growth.
Ensure regular rotation for even light exposure and frequent misting to combat dryness. Remember, brown, crispy leaves suggest too much light, while sparse, pale growth indicates insufficient light. Thus, you should adjust its placement based on these signs.
- Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
4. Pothos
Pothos flourish in humid, low-light conditions, making them an amazing bathroom plant. These plants tolerate occasional neglect, needing water only when the soil dries out completely.
Additionally, their trailing vines add a lush, cascading touch, perfect for shelves or hanging baskets. So, for a low-maintenance plant that thrives in your bathroom’s unique environment, pothos is a top pick!
- Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
- Light: Low light to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: 6-10 feet
5. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants, also known as Ficus elastica, enjoy moderate to high humidity conditions, often found in bathrooms. This shade-loving plant thrives in bright, indirect light, so consider placing them near an east-facing window with a sheer curtain for filtered light.
Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves, but also keep in mind that insufficient light will lead to leggy growth and leaf loss. If your bathroom lacks natural light, explore supplementing with grow lights.
- Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
- Mature Size: 2-3 feet
6. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money plant is a low-maintenance plant known for its round, coin-like leaves. While it enjoys moderate humidity (40-50%), your bathroom’s steam might be a bit too much. Thus, always maintain warm temperatures around 65-75°F, so the plant can grow perfectly in your bathroom’s climate.
Avoid placing it near extreme temperature changes and opt for an indirect light spot, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources like radiators. If your bathroom is very humid, consider using a pebble tray with water under the pot to increase humidity around the plant itself.
- Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries completely
- Mature Size: 8-12 inches tall and wide
7. Alocasia
The Alocasia plant, with its unique arrowhead-shaped leaves, loves the steamy environment of your bathroom. This plant adores humidity and comes from tropical rainforests, so it’s perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere in your home.
To keep your alocasia happy, consider placing it on a shelf near a filtered-light window or in the corner of a well-lit shower stall. Water it moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. And don’t mist too often, as this can encourage fungal issues.
- Botanical Name: Alocasia spp.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil moist, avoid overwatering
- Mature Size: 1-6 feet tall
8. Croton
Croton plants are known for their stunning variegated leaves that come in a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, orange, red, and purple. Like many other houseplants, these plants can also help to purify the air in your bathroom by removing toxins.
Maintaining temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) is perfect for optimal growth. Placing the plant near a south or east-facing window is ideal. This prevents leggy growth and maintains the vibrant foliage color.
The sap of croton plants can be irritating to the skin and eyes, and if consumed, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you have pets or young children, keep this plant out of reach.
- Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall
9. Orchids
Orchids are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on trees and rocks in their natural habitat. As a result, they do not require traditional soil; instead, they need a specialized mix made from bark, moss, and perlite. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Orchids should be repotted every one to two years to promote healthy growth and new roots. It is essential to monitor light levels, as many orchid species can be sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight.
- Botanical Name: Orchidaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep moist, but avoid overwatering
- Mature Size: Typically ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on species
10. English Ivy
English Ivy is a versatile evergreen vine appreciated for its lush, trailing foliage. While often seen outdoors, it flourishes as a houseplant too! Your bathroom might be its happy place if conditions are right.
Preferring moderate temperatures (70-80°F), your bathroom could serve well if it maintains a consistent warmth and avoids drastic fluctuations. Ensure good ventilation to prevent excessive moisture build-up, which can lead to mildew formation.
- Botanical Name: Hedera helix
- Light: Low light to bright light
- Water: Water when soil is dry to the touch
- Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall
11. Majesty Palm
Native to Madagascar, the Majesty Palm is a type of tropical plant commonly found in gardens and indoor spaces. This palm flourishes in humid environments, making it a suitable choice for bathrooms. Placing it 1 to 2 feet near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight is ideal, as it requires bright but filtered light to grow well.
Ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation, allowing fresh air to enter. This will help prevent the plant from becoming too damp, which can lead to issues like mildew growth and root rot.
- Botanical Name: Ravenea rivularis
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: Up to 10-12 feet tall
12. Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig is an ideal plant for the bathroom, especially if you have limited space. This plant has stunning bright green leaves and is easy to care for. Weeping figs prefer a steady temperature of at least 16°C to thrive, making them perfect for any spot.
This plant is a slow grower and can be grown in small containers. Yet, it is a heavy feeder that requires plenty of fertilizer. You should use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half strength. Feed every two to four weeks during the growing season, reducing to once every two months in the winter.
- Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 6-8 feet tall
13. Calathea
Calathea plants, also known as prayer plants, are known for their stunning foliage and unique ability to move their leaves throughout the day. They are native to the tropical rainforests of South America, so they thrive in humid environments, making them an excellent choice for your bathroom.
When placing this plant in your bathroom, avoid areas with direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. Instead, opt for a spot with bright, indirect light. You can also group it with other humidity-loving plants. Just be sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal growth.
- Botanical Name: Calathea spp.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when soil feels dry
- Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall
14. Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn Ferns, with their unique antler-like fronds, are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees in the wild. This translates well to your bathroom! They adore the high humidity, especially if you have a well-ventilated window.
Mount your staghorn on a suitable board and hang it in bright, indirect light near a well-ventilated window. Direct sunlight can be harsh, so avoid it to prevent leaf scorching. While they adore humidity, remember proper drainage is key. So, use a well-draining potting mix.
- Botanical Name: Platycerium spp.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry
- Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall.
15. Spiderworts
Spiderworts are versatile houseplants, thriving in bathroom environments due to their preference for high humidity and moderate temperatures. They require temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F and can tolerate even warmer conditions. However, exposure to temperatures below 50°F may endanger their survival.
To keep them flourishing, it’s advisable to place them in a window facing east or west, where they can receive ample indirect sunlight without being exposed to harsh midday rays.
- Botanical Name: Tradescantia spp
- Light: Partial shade to full sun.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall
16. Snake Plant
Snake plants easily flourish in bathroom environments, where most houseplants find it challenging to grow. This low-maintenance succulent thrives in warm, humid atmospheres, reducing the need for frequent watering. Additionally, its air-purifying, upright leaves add a touch of vibrancy while filtering out common pollutants.
Adaptable and resilient, the snake plant tolerates neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals. In your bathroom, place it in indirect sunlight near a filtered window and avoid overwatering. Carefully opt for a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
- Light: Indirect sunlight or low light
- Water: Sparingly; let soil dry between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 2-4 feet tall
17. Begonias
Begonias are another humidity-loving plant, an excellent choice for bathrooms. They thrive in moisture and enjoy indirect sunlight filtering through a window. Varieties like Rex Begonias, Angel Wing, and Rieger Begonias boast stunning foliage and reward you with beautiful blooms when kept in the bathroom.
To keep these plants blooming, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during their growing season. Avoid overwatering by letting the top inch of soil dry between waterings; they do well when kept in slightly drier soil conditions.
- Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Mature Size: 6-2 inches feet tall
18. Dragon Tree
Dragon Trees are native to the Canary Islands and are adapted to arid conditions. Their thick, succulent-like trunk stores water to sustain the plant during periods of drought. However, to ensure their health, it is crucial to maintain proper moisture levels by keeping the soil slightly moist and incorporating a well-draining potting mix.
In addition, maintaining proper humidity is equally essential for the dragon tree’s well-being. Bathrooms are naturally humid environments, but if the humidity is low, a humidifier or pebble tray can be used to increase moisture levels. This will help the plant thrive and prevent the leaves from turning brown or crispy.
- Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Mature Size: 6-10 feet, slender with strap-like leaves
19. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron plant is a resilient and low-maintenance choice for bathrooms with limited natural light. Its vibrant green, glossy leaves thrive in shade, making it ideal for even dimly lit spaces. This beauty also offers air-purifying benefits, ensuring cleaner and fresher air to breathe.
When selecting a location for your cast iron plant, choose an area with filtered light near a window, while avoiding direct sunlight that can burn its leaves. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent overwatering, so opt for a container with multiple drainage holes on its bottom.
- Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
- Light: Low to moderate indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: 2 feet tall
20. Lucky Bamboo
If your bathroom features a well-lit window, consider placing Lucky Bamboo in it. This plant tolerates low light and does not require soil to grow well; just water and pebbles work best. However, frequent showering or hot baths can create excess moisture, potentially leading to root rot. Therefore, opt for an area with indirect sunlight.
Lucky bamboo has relatively shallow root systems, so they don’t even require frequent repotting. If you are opting for a water-based approach, refresh the water every two weeks. For soil-based, repot every 2-3 years, choosing a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep roots submerged; change water every 2-4 weeks
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet