Best Plants for Bathrooms: Humidity-Loving Plants That Thrive

Your bathroom might be the perfect spot for houseplants! With naturally high humidity from showers and often lower light levels, bathrooms create an ideal environment for many tropical plants. Transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis with these plant recommendations.

Why Bathrooms Are Perfect for Plants

Not sure which plants are best for your bathroom conditions? Use our Plant Finder tool to discover plants perfect for your humidity and light levels.

Bathrooms offer unique conditions many plants love:

✅ Natural Advantages

• High Humidity (50-70%) - from showers and baths
• Consistent Temperature - usually well-regulated
• Indirect Light - often through frosted windows
• Regular Water Supply - easy to maintain plants
• Warm, Moist Air - mimics tropical environments

💡 What Plants Need in Bathrooms

• Tolerance for high humidity
• Ability to thrive in low to medium light
• Compact size (unless large bathroom)
• Non-toxic (if you have pets)
• Air-purifying properties (bonus!)

Top 15 Bathroom Plants

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Why it's perfect for bathrooms: Adores humidity, looks lush and tropical, natural air purifier.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️❤️ Loves it
• Light: Low to medium indirect
• Water: Keep soil moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes

Boston Ferns are the quintessential bathroom plant, thriving in steamy conditions.

Bathroom Placement:

• Hang from shower rod (not in direct spray)
• Place on shelf near shower
• Windowsill in frosted window
• Above toilet tank

Care Tips:

• Mist daily or shower steam is enough
• Water when top feels slightly dry
• Fronds droop = needs water
• Brown tips = low humidity (rare in bathrooms!)

Shop Boston Fern on Amazon →

2. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Why it's perfect: Loves humidity, elegant blooms, surprisingly easy, adds luxury.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️ Prefers high
• Light: Bright indirect (near window)
• Water: Weekly (ice cube method)
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes

Bathrooms provide the humidity orchids crave.

Bathroom Placement:

• Near (not in) window
• Vanity countertop
• Floating shelf
• Windowsill

Care Tips:

• Water with 3 ice cubes weekly
• Bathroom steam = perfect humidity
• Air circulation important
• Blooms last 2-3 months

Shop Orchids on Amazon →

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why it's perfect: Tolerates low light, loves humidity, produces white flowers, top air purifier. Read our Peace Lily care guide for expert tips on keeping it thriving.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️ Loves it
• Light: Low to medium
• Water: Weekly (droops when thirsty)
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No (toxic to pets)

Peace Lilies tell you when they need water by dramatically drooping.

Bathroom Placement:

• Floor in corner
• Countertop
• Shelf
• Next to tub

Care Tips:

• Use filtered water (sensitive to chlorine)
• Brown tips = chemicals in water
• Flowers = happy plant
• Wipe leaves monthly

Shop Peace Lily on Amazon →

4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Why it's perfect: Nearly indestructible, tolerates low light AND high humidity, air purifying. Get complete Snake Plant care tips in our comprehensive guide.

• Humidity: Adaptable (tolerates high)
• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Water: Every 2-3 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

Snake Plants handle bathroom conditions exceptionally well.

Bathroom Placement:

• Floor plant
• Toilet tank
• Windowsill
• Corner

Care Tips:

• Don't overwater (even in humid bathroom)
• Tolerates steam well
• Wipe leaves occasionally
• Minimal care needed

Shop Snake Plant on Amazon →

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why it's perfect: Trails beautifully, loves humidity, low-light tolerant, fast-growing. Master Pothos care with our detailed growing guide.

• Humidity: ❤️ Loves it
• Light: Low to medium
• Water: When top inch is dry
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

Pothos creates a jungle vibe cascading from shelves.

Bathroom Placement:

• Hanging basket
• High shelf (trails down)
• Shower rod (away from spray)
• Above mirror

Care Tips:

• Can grow 10+ feet
• Trim to control length
• Propagate cuttings in water
• Yellowing = overwatering

Shop Pothos on Amazon →

6. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Why it's perfect: No soil needed, loves humid air, unique display options.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️❤️ Needs it
• Light: Bright indirect
• Water: Soak weekly + bathroom steam
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes

Air Plants absorb moisture from the air - perfect for bathrooms!

Bathroom Placement:

• Mounted on driftwood
• In glass terrarium
• Hanging glass orbs
• Windowsill

Care Tips:

• Soak 20-30 minutes weekly
• Shake off excess water
• Bathroom steam supplements
• Needs air circulation

Shop Air Plants on Amazon →

7. Bamboo (Lucky Bamboo - Dracaena sanderiana)

Why it's perfect: Grows in water, loves humidity, Feng Shui benefits, minimal care.

• Humidity: Loves it
• Light: Low to medium
• Water: Keep in water
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

Not actually bamboo, but a perfect bathroom plant!

Bathroom Placement:

• Vase on countertop
• Next to sink
• Windowsill
• Floating shelf

Care Tips:

• Change water weekly
• Use filtered or distilled water
• Bathroom provides perfect humidity
• Can transfer to soil

Shop Lucky Bamboo on Amazon →

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why it's perfect: Adapts to humidity, produces babies, air purifying, pet-safe. Learn Spider Plant care including propagation tips.

• Humidity: Adaptable
• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Water: Weekly
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes

Spider Plants are forgiving and propagate easily.

Bathroom Placement:

• Hanging basket
• High shelf
• Bathtub ledge
• Windowsill

Care Tips:

• Babies (spiderettes) love humidity
• Brown tips = fluoride in water
• Propagate babies easily
• Very low-maintenance

Shop Spider Plant on Amazon →

9. Philodendron (Heartleaf & Brasil)

Why it's perfect: Loves humidity, trails beautifully, low-light tolerant. Discover Philodendron care secrets in our expert guide.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️ Loves it
• Light: Low to medium
• Water: When top inch is dry
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

Philodendrons thrive in humid bathroom air.

Bathroom Placement:

• Hanging basket
• Shelf (trails down)
• Above shower (not in spray)
• Vanity counter

Care Tips:

• Vining growth
• Prune to control
• Can grow in water
• Bathroom steam = happy plant

Shop Philodendron on Amazon →

10. Calathea (Prayer Plant Family)

Why it's perfect: Stunning patterns, loves humidity, moves throughout day, pet-safe.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️❤️ Needs high humidity
• Light: Low to medium indirect
• Water: Keep moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
• Pet Safe: ✅ Yes

Calatheas struggle in dry homes but thrive in bathrooms!

Bathroom Placement:

• Counter near shower
• Shelf
• Windowsill (not direct sun)
• Bathtub ledge

Care Tips:

• Bathroom = perfect humidity
• Use distilled water
• Leaves fold at night
• Crispy edges = too dry (unlikely in bathroom)

Shop Calathea on Amazon →

11. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Why it's perfect: Tolerates wide humidity range, low-light champion, minimal water. Get ZZ Plant care tips for this ultra-low-maintenance plant.

• Humidity: Adaptable
• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Water: Every 2-4 weeks
• Care Level: ⭐ Very easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

ZZ Plants handle bathroom steam without issues.

Bathroom Placement:

• Floor in corner
• Countertop
• Toilet tank
• Dark corner

Care Tips:

• Don't overwater (even in humid bathroom)
• Glossy leaves naturally shine
• Very slow-growing
• Tolerates neglect

Shop ZZ Plant on Amazon →

12. Monstera Deliciosa

Why it's perfect: Statement plant, loves humidity, iconic split leaves. Learn Monstera care to achieve those stunning fenestrations.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️ Loves it
• Light: Medium to bright indirect
• Water: When top 2 inches dry
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

For larger bathrooms, Monstera creates drama!

Bathroom Placement:

• Floor (needs space)
• Large bathrooms only
• Near window
• Corner with moss pole

Care Tips:

• Needs room to grow
• Fenestrations develop in high humidity
• Wipe large leaves
• Aerial roots normal

Shop Monstera on Amazon →

13. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Why it's perfect: Air purifying, trailing habit, loves humidity, fast-growing.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️ Loves it
• Light: Medium indirect
• Water: Keep slightly moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No (toxic)

English Ivy removes mold spores - perfect for bathrooms!

Bathroom Placement:

• Hanging basket
• High shelf
• Shower area (not in spray)
• Window

Care Tips:

• Removes airborne mold
• Pinch back for bushiness
• Can be invasive
• Check for spider mites

Shop English Ivy on Amazon →

14. Dracaena (Various Species)

Why it's perfect: Tolerates humidity, low-light friendly, air purifying, many varieties.

• Humidity: Adaptable
• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Water: Weekly
• Care Level: ⭐ Easy
• Pet Safe: ❌ No

Dracaenas handle bathroom conditions well.

Bathroom Placement:

• Floor (tall varieties)
• Counter (compact varieties)
• Corner
• Near window

Care Tips:

• Use fluoride-free water
• Brown tips = water quality
• Slow-growing
• Humidity helps growth

Shop Dracaena on Amazon →

15. Begonia (Various Species)

Why it's perfect: Loves humidity, colorful foliage/flowers, thrives in bathrooms.

• Humidity: ❤️❤️❤️ Needs high
• Light: Bright indirect
• Water: Keep moist
• Care Level: ⭐⭐ Moderate
• Pet Safe: ❌ Mildly toxic

Begonias bloom beautifully in humid bathrooms.

Bathroom Placement:

• Windowsill
• Counter
• Shelf
• Near (not in) shower

Care Tips:

• Bathroom steam ideal
• Many varieties available
• Colorful options
• Water when soil surface dry

Shop Begonia on Amazon →

Bathroom Placement Guide

Shower Plants

Can handle steam but not direct water spray:

• Boston Fern (hung high)
• Pothos (on shelf)
• Philodendron (trailing)
• Air Plants (mounted)

Placement Tips:

• 2-3 feet from direct spray
• Hang from shower rod with hooks
• Wall-mounted shelves
• Corner caddies

Windowsill Plants

For bathrooms with windows:

• Orchids (bright indirect)
• Air Plants (bright light)
• Spider Plants
• Snake Plants
• Calathea (no direct sun)

Considerations:

• Privacy (frosted windows ideal)
• Temperature (drafty?)
• Direct sun vs. indirect light

Countertop & Vanity

Space permitting:

• Pothos (trailing)
• Lucky Bamboo (in vase)
• Peace Lily (compact)
• Orchids
• Air Plants (in terrarium)

Keep in mind:

• Toothpaste/soap spills
• Hair products
• Available space
• Use trays

Floor Plants

For larger bathrooms:

• Monstera (statement plant)
• Peace Lily
• ZZ Plant
• Snake Plant (tall varieties)
• Dracaena

Lighting Solutions for Dark Bathrooms

Windowless Bathrooms

Don't give up! You can still have plants:

Low-Light Champions:

• Snake Plant
• ZZ Plant
• Pothos
• Philodendron
• Cast Iron Plant

Add Grow Lights:

• LED bulb in existing fixture
• Clip-on grow light
• Strip lights above shelf
• 12-14 hours daily

Shop Bathroom Grow Lights →

Light Level Guide

• Bright bathroom: Near clear window, can see details clearly
• Medium bathroom: Frosted window or 6+ ft from window
• Low-light bathroom: No window or very far from light source

Styling Your Bathroom with Plants

Small Bathroom Tips

• Vertical space - hanging planters, wall-mounted
• Corners - use every inch
• Toilet tank - perfect plant shelf
• Above door - trailing plants
• Towel bar - hang small pots

Large Bathroom Design

• Grouping - cluster plants together
• Focal point - large Monstera or Fiddle Leaf Fig
• Tiers - plant stand with multiple levels
• Bathtub surround - create spa atmosphere
• Floating shelves - display collection

Spa Aesthetic

Create a relaxing retreat:

• Choose green foliage (calming)
• Add white ceramic pots
• Include trailing plants
• Use natural materials (wicker, wood)
• Group odd numbers (3, 5, 7)

Care Tips Specific to Bathrooms

Watering

Adjust for humidity:

• Water LESS than normal
• Check soil moisture
• Humidity ≠ watering
• Use fingers to test soil

Common mistake: Overwatering because "it's humid"

Ventilation

Important for both plants and bathroom:

• Run exhaust fan periodically
• Air circulation prevents mold
• Crack window occasionally
• Don't let bathroom stay damp 24/7

Cleaning

Keep plants clean:

• Wipe leaves (hairspray, toothpaste mist)
• Rinse in shower monthly
• Check for soap residue
• Dust still accumulates

Mold Prevention

Prevent mold on soil:

• Ensure drainage holes
• Don't overwater
• Air circulation
• Top-dress with pebbles

Common Bathroom Plant Problems

Brown Leaf Tips

Causes:

• Chemicals in water (fluoride, chlorine)
• Low humidity (rare in bathroom)
• Inconsistent watering
• Too much fertilizer

Solutions:

• Use filtered water
• Increase bathroom humidity
• Water consistently
• Reduce fertilizing

Yellow Leaves

Causes:

• Overwatering (most common)
• Poor drainage
• Not enough light
• Root rot

Solutions:

• Let soil dry more
• Check drainage
• Add supplemental light
• Repot if root rot

Leggy Growth

Causes:

• Insufficient light
• Plant reaching for light source
• Need pruning

Solutions:

• Move closer to light
• Add grow light
• Prune to encourage bushiness
• Rotate plant

Pests

Common bathroom pests:

• Fungus gnats (from overwatering)
• Spider mites (from dry conditions - rare)
• Mealybugs

Prevention:

• Don't overwater
• Inspect new plants
• Quarantine sick plants
• Wipe leaves regularly

Pet Safety in Bathrooms

Toxic Plants Common in Bathrooms

• Peace Lily ⚠️
• Pothos ⚠️
• Philodendron ⚠️
• Snake Plant ⚠️
• ZZ Plant ⚠️

Pet-Safe Bathroom Options

• ✅ Boston Fern
• ✅ Spider Plant
• ✅ Orchid
• ✅ Air Plants
• ✅ Calathea
• ✅ Parlor Palm

See Full Pet-Safe Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can plants survive in a windowless bathroom?

Yes, with grow lights! Choose low-light plants (Snake Plant, ZZ, Pothos) and supplement with LED grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.

Do bathroom plants get enough light?

Depends on bathroom. Frosted windows provide perfect indirect light. No windows = need supplemental lighting.

Won't humidity cause mold on plants?

Humidity alone doesn't cause mold - overwatering does. Ensure drainage, don't overwater, and run exhaust fan.

How often should I water bathroom plants?

Less than other rooms! Humidity keeps soil moist longer. Check soil before watering - usually every 7-14 days.

Can I put plants IN the shower?

Not directly in spray - too much force. Nearby (2-3 feet away) is perfect for steam benefits.

What about toilet tank plants?

Great idea! Choose stable pots, compact plants (Snake Plant, ZZ, Pothos), and secure them well.

Do I still need to mist bathroom plants?

Usually no - bathroom steam provides humidity. Mist only if you notice crispy leaves.

Can I keep plants in bathroom with no natural light and no grow light?

Not long-term. Plants need light to photosynthesize. They'll slowly decline without a light source.

Quick Reference Guide

Best for High Humidity

1. Boston Fern
2. Orchids
3. Calathea
4. Air Plants
5. Peace Lily

Best for Low Light

1. Snake Plant
2. ZZ Plant
3. Pothos
4. Philodendron
5. Peace Lily

Best for Small Bathrooms

1. Air Plants (no soil)
2. Pothos (trailing)
3. Spider Plant (hanging)
4. Lucky Bamboo (countertop)
5. Orchid (windowsill)

Best for Large Bathrooms

1. Monstera (floor plant)
2. Bird of Paradise
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig
4. Large Palms
5. Dracaena (tall varieties)

Transform Your Bathroom Today

Your bathroom can become a lush, spa-like retreat with the right plants! The natural humidity from showers creates the perfect environment for many tropical plants.

Find Your Bathroom Plants →

Ready to find more plants for your home? Explore our Plant Finder for personalized recommendations.

Related Guides

Explore more plant care resources:

• Low Light Houseplants Guide - Perfect for dark bathrooms
• Pet-Safe Houseplants - Safe options if you have cats or dogs
• Snake Plant Care Guide - Ideal low-maintenance bathroom plant
• Pothos Care Guide - Great trailing plant for showers
• Peace Lily Care Guide - Humidity-loving air purifier

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Last Updated: January 25, 2025