Bathrooms are often overlooked as spaces for plants, but they actually provide the perfect environment for certain types of greenery. The natural humidity, filtered light, and warmer temperatures make bathrooms ideal homes for a variety of low-maintenance plants that thrive in such conditions. Not only do bathroom plants purify the air and boost your mood, but they also add a touch of natural beauty that enhances relaxation. Whether you have a spacious bathroom or a cozy one, there’s a plant that can elevate the atmosphere.
Here’s a list of 10 perfect plants to bring life into your bathroom garden:
Table of Contents
1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Humidity: High humidity is ideal
English Ivy is a fast-growing climber, perfect for hanging baskets or pots. Its trailing vines can create a lush, green curtain around your bathroom. It thrives in humid environments, making it perfect for bathrooms with plenty of moisture in the air. One of the standout features of English Ivy is its ability to purify the air, particularly removing mold and mildew spores—something every bathroom can benefit from.
Care Tip: Ensure it gets indirect light; too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil evenly moist
Humidity: Requires high humidity
Boston Ferns are lush and feathery, giving a touch of elegance to any bathroom. They love humidity, so a bathroom with frequent showers is a perfect spot for them. Their arching fronds and vibrant green leaves will create a mini jungle atmosphere. Additionally, Boston Ferns are known to improve air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene.
Care Tip: Mist the plant regularly, especially if your bathroom isn’t very steamy. This will help maintain its moisture levels.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Let soil dry out between waterings
Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants due to its easy-going nature. It’s an excellent choice for a bathroom because it’s tolerant of low light and high humidity. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves create a lush look, and it can be trained to climb a trellis or cascade down from shelves. Pothos is also fantastic for purifying the air, making it not just a pretty addition but a practical one, too.
Care Tip: Cut back the vines occasionally to keep the plant looking full and healthy.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Humidity: Can tolerate low humidity
ZZ Plant is a tough, drought-resistant plant that thrives on neglect, making it perfect for the forgetful gardener. It’s great for bathrooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. Its glossy, dark green leaves bring a modern, clean look to your bathroom. Unlike many other bathroom-friendly plants, the ZZ Plant doesn’t need high humidity, so it can thrive even in less steamy bathrooms.
Care Tip: Overwatering is the main cause of ZZ Plant problems, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
5. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil moist, but avoid waterlogging
Humidity: Prefers high humidity
The Majesty Palm brings a tropical touch to any bathroom with its arching, feathery fronds. It thrives in high humidity, so placing it in your bathroom will help it grow lush and vibrant. Majesty Palms are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to filter out toxins from the air. Though they need a good amount of indirect light, they can adapt to the lower light conditions in bathrooms, especially if you rotate them to a brighter spot from time to time.
Care Tip: Mist the plant occasionally to maintain the humidity it loves.
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Humidity: Can tolerate low humidity
Aloe Vera is not only a striking, succulent plant but also has medicinal properties that make it a wonderful addition to your bathroom. The thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it highly drought-resistant and perfect for low-maintenance plant lovers. In case of minor burns, cuts, or skin irritations, you can simply break off a leaf and use the soothing gel inside. Aloe Vera thrives with plenty of indirect sunlight, but it can also handle lower humidity levels, making it versatile for any bathroom.
Care Tip: Be cautious with watering, as Aloe Vera is susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Let soil dry out between waterings
Humidity: Adapts to a range of humidity levels
Snake Plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are incredibly resilient. They’re famous for their upright, sword-like leaves, which come in a variety of colors and patterns. Snake Plants are among the best air-purifying plants, as they absorb toxins and release oxygen at night. They can tolerate the lower light and fluctuating humidity levels of a bathroom, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those without a green thumb.
Care Tip: Overwatering is the biggest risk for Snake Plants, so only water when the soil is completely dry.
8. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil slightly moist
Humidity: Prefers high humidity
Monstera, with its large, glossy, and hole-filled leaves, is a trendy plant that adds a dramatic flair to any bathroom. These tropical plants love humidity, making your bathroom the perfect environment for them. They grow fast and can easily become the focal point of your bathroom garden. Monstera plants are also air purifiers, helping to reduce airborne toxins and improve air quality.
Care Tip: Monstera plants can grow quite large, so ensure you have enough space or consider trimming it back regularly.
9. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Light: Indirect light
Water: Keep the roots submerged in water (for water-grown plants) or keep soil moist (for potted ones)
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity
Lucky Bamboo is an easy-to-grow plant that adds an element of Zen to your bathroom. Often grown in water, Lucky Bamboo can thrive in the moist, warm conditions of a bathroom. Its slender, upright stalks make it perfect for small spaces, and you can arrange the stalks into intricate designs. While it’s called “bamboo,” it’s actually a type of Dracaena. In Feng Shui, Lucky Bamboo is believed to bring good luck and positive energy.
Care Tip: Use filtered water, as tap water can contain chlorine, which may harm the plant.
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Size: 1-2 feet in height and spread
Spider plants are popular for their easy care and charming appearance. They produce long, arching leaves that sometimes carry small baby plants at the ends. Spider plants are known to be great air purifiers, removing pollutants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They thrive in bright indirect light and enjoy the humidity of a bathroom. These plants are also pet-friendly, making them a great option for households with animals.
FAQs
1. Can these plants survive in low light conditions?
Yes, many of the plants listed—such as Pothos, ZZ Plant, and Snake Plant—are highly tolerant of low light, making them perfect for bathrooms with little to no natural light.
2. How often should I water my bathroom plants?
Watering requirements vary depending on the plant. For example, Aloe Vera and Snake Plants prefer dry conditions and need watering only when the soil is completely dry. On the other hand, plants like Boston Fern and Majesty Palm require consistently moist soil.
3. What are the best plants for small bathrooms?
For smaller bathrooms, opt for compact plants like Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, or English Ivy, which can fit on shelves or in hanging baskets without taking up too much space.
4. Can plants thrive in bathrooms with no windows?
Yes, many plants such as ZZ Plant, Pothos, and Lucky Bamboo can tolerate low-light environments. If your bathroom lacks natural light, consider using artificial grow lights to supplement.
5. Are these plants pet-friendly?
Some of these plants, like the Spider Plant, are non-toxic to pets. However, others like English Ivy and Aloe Vera can be harmful if ingested by cats or dogs. Always check the toxicity of a plant if you have pets.
By adding any of these plants to your bathroom, you can transform it into a lush, refreshing space that promotes relaxation and well-being. With proper care, these plants will not only enhance the beauty of your bathroom but also purify the air and thrive in the unique humidity-rich environment it provides.
