The best bathroom plants can completely transform one of the hardest-working rooms in your home into a calming, spa-like retreat. Better still, many tropical houseplants actually prefer the warm, humid conditions created by daily showers over the dry air found elsewhere in the house.
But choosing the right plant isn’t simply about aesthetics. Some species thrive in steamy environments, others tolerate low light surprisingly well, while a handful are perfect for compact bathrooms where bench space is limited.
Whether you’re hoping to soften a minimalist ensuite or keep a plant alive for longer than a few weeks, here’s everything you need to know before bringing greenery into the bathroom.
Research from the Royal Horticultural Society notes that bathrooms can recreate the humid conditions many tropical plants experience in the wild, provided they receive enough natural light.
NEED TO KNOW
- Do bathroom plants actually stop mould?
- The biggest air-purifying myth about bathroom plants
- Best bathroom plants
- How to keep bathroom plants alive
Why bathrooms are actually the perfect room for many houseplants
Most indoor plants originate from tropical forests where humidity regularly exceeds 70 per cent.
A warm bathroom often recreates these conditions far better than a centrally heated living room. The trick isn’t finding plants that tolerate humidity, it’s finding ones that also suit your bathroom’s light levels.
“The key concept is ‘right plant, right place’. Many tropical houseplants naturally enjoy the warm, humid conditions found in bathrooms.”
OLIVIA DRAKE, ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Do bathroom plants actually stop mould?
While English ivy and peace lilies are often recommended for damp spaces, experts say no single plant can replace proper ventilation. Think of plants as companions to good bathroom design, not a cure for condensation.
- Plants do not prevent mould on their own.
- Good ventilation is still essential.
- Some plants love humid conditions where mould often appears.
- A healthier indoor environment comes from reducing condensation, using exhaust fans and keeping airflow moving.
The biggest air-purifying myth about bathroom plants
The famous NASA Clean Air Study is often cited as proof that houseplants clean indoor air. In reality, the research was conducted inside sealed laboratory chambers. Later research found it would take hundreds of plants to meaningfully improve air quality in a normal room. What plants do offer, however, are proven wellbeing benefits, a stronger connection to nature and a softer, more relaxing atmosphere.
Best plants for low-light bathrooms
No sunny window? Don’t worry. While every plant needs some natural light to survive long term, these varieties are among the most tolerant of dimmer conditions and will happily grow in bathrooms with frosted windows or limited daylight. If your bathroom has no natural light at all, rotate plants into a brighter room every few weeks to help them recharge.
Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Known for its glossy, sculptural leaves, the ZZ Plant is one of the toughest indoor plants you can buy. It tolerates low light, doesn’t mind occasional neglect and stores water in its underground rhizomes, making it forgiving if you forget to water.
Care: Water only when the soil has dried completely.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
With its striking upright leaves, the Snake Plant thrives on minimal care and is one of the easiest plants for beginners. It copes well with low light but also appreciates brighter positions if available.
Care: Allow soil to dry between waterings and avoid overwatering.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily loves humidity and rewards you with elegant white flowers throughout the year. It performs surprisingly well in lower light, making it a favourite for bathrooms.
Care: Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy.
We love…
That adding just one lush plant can instantly soften hard tiles, mirrors and stone finishes. Even a single fern or trailing pothos brings a luxurious day-spa feel for very little cost.
Best bathroom plants for bright, sunny bathrooms
If your bathroom enjoys plenty of natural light, you’ll have a much wider choice of plants. These tropical beauties thrive in warm, bright conditions and will reward you with lush foliage, or even flowers.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Large paddle-shaped leaves give this plant a luxurious resort feel. It loves bright light and appreciates the extra humidity that bathrooms naturally provide.
Care: Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry.
Monstera Deliciosa
The iconic split leaves of the Monstera instantly create a tropical look. Bright, indirect light encourages healthy growth while bathroom humidity helps prevent crispy leaf edges.
Care: Water once the top layer of soil has dried.
Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Bathrooms are often one of the best places to grow moth orchids thanks to their love of humidity. Given enough filtered light, they can bloom for months at a time.
Care: Water sparingly and allow roots to drain thoroughly.
Best bathroom plants that love humidity
Some plants don’t just tolerate steam…they actively benefit from it. If your family enjoys long hot showers, these humidity lovers will feel right at home.
Boston Fern
One of the classic bathroom plants, Boston Ferns produce soft, feathery foliage that becomes much easier to maintain in humid air. Try an oversized fern in a small bathroom for maximum va-va-voom!
Care: Keep soil consistently moist and avoid drying out.
Maidenhair Fern
Although famously fussy elsewhere in the home, Maidenhair Ferns flourish in bathrooms where moisture levels stay consistently high.
Care: Never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Best hanging bathroom plants
If bench space is limited, hanging plants are an easy way to introduce greenery without cluttering your vanity. They also create a beautiful cascading effect that softens hard bathroom surfaces.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
One of Australia’s most popular indoor plants, Devil’s Ivy grows quickly and happily trails from shelves or hanging baskets.
Care: Trim regularly to encourage fuller growth.
Spider Plant
Easy to grow and famous for producing baby plantlets, Spider Plants look beautiful displayed from hanging baskets.
Care: Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Best small bathroom plants
Even the tiniest powder room can benefit from greenery. These compact varieties fit neatly on floating shelves, window ledges or narrow vanities without overwhelming the space.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
These fascinating plants don’t require soil and can be displayed inside shells, glass vessels or mounted on driftwood.
Care: Soak in water every week or mist regularly.
Peperomia
Beloved for their compact size and richly textured foliage, peperomias are ideal for bathrooms where bench space is limited. Available in shades of deep green, silver, burgundy and even watermelon-like stripes, they add plenty of visual interest without demanding much care. Most varieties appreciate the extra humidity created by showers but prefer well-draining soil and should never be left sitting in water.
Care: Bright, indirect light is ideal, although many varieties tolerate lower light. Water only when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
How to keep bathroom plants alive!
- Rotate plants every few weeks.
- Wipe leaves.
- Open windows occasionally.
- Don’t overwater simply because it’s humid.
- Keep away from heaters.
- Check drainage.
RHS notes that even humidity-loving plants can suffer if they sit in constantly waterlogged soil, and underfloor heating may dry pots faster than expected.
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