Bathrooms can often feel like a neglected space when it comes to home décor, but incorporating plants can completely transform this area. The bathroom environment, with its humidity and often low light, is ideal for some plants to thrive. Whether you have a small powder room or a spacious master bathroom, here are 15 plants that can flourish in these conditions, enhancing both the aesthetic and the air quality of your bathroom.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is one of the best plants for bathrooms due to its ability to adapt to various light levels. This resilient plant thrives in the moist, humid environment of the bathroom and is incredibly low-maintenance. It produces “babies” or small offshoots that can be propagated, making it a rewarding plant to grow. Additionally, the spider plant is known for improving air quality by filtering toxins.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also perfect for bathroom conditions. They love high humidity and low to moderate light, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms with minimal natural sunlight. Peace lilies also purify the air by removing pollutants like ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Their white blooms add elegance to any space, making them a popular choice for bathrooms.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that does well in the humidity of bathrooms. Aloe thrives in indirect sunlight, making it perfect for a bathroom with a small window. This plant is also known for its soothing properties, especially when its gel is used to treat minor burns or skin irritations. Having aloe vera in your bathroom not only adds greenery but provides a practical benefit.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns love moisture, making them a great plant for the bathroom. With their lush, feathery fronds, they add a touch of greenery and elegance to the space. Boston ferns require moderate light, and the humidity in the bathroom helps them stay healthy. Just make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, as they don’t like to dry out.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile plant that thrives in humid environments, making it perfect for bathrooms. This trailing vine can be placed in hanging baskets or allowed to climb up a trellis or the wall. It can tolerate low light conditions and is relatively low-maintenance. English ivy also purifies the air by removing toxins like mold spores and formaldehyde.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is an excellent choice for bathrooms because it tolerates low light and can withstand the humidity. It’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require frequent watering, making it perfect for bathroom beginners. The snake plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, removing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is one of the most resilient houseplants you can grow, and it does well in bathrooms with low light and humidity. Its waxy, dark green leaves create a striking visual contrast in any space, adding elegance to the bathroom. The ZZ plant also thrives on neglect, needing only occasional watering and little attention, making it perfect for busy individuals.
8. Philodendron
Philodendrons are perfect for bathrooms with indirect light. These trailing vines can grow in a variety of conditions, and their heart-shaped leaves make them visually appealing. Philodendrons are great for adding a tropical touch to your bathroom, and their resilience in low-light and humid conditions makes them a great choice for this space.
9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. It thrives in low light, tolerates humidity, and grows quickly with minimal care. Pothos plants have trailing vines that can be placed in hanging baskets or allowed to drape from shelves or counters. It also purifies the air, making it not just a beautiful addition but a practical one for your bathroom.
10. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. These elegant flowers thrive in the humid conditions typical of bathrooms and are relatively easy to care for, requiring only indirect light and regular watering. Orchids are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and their long-lasting blooms provide beauty for months.
11. Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Bamboo is a great choice for bathrooms because it’s tolerant of humid conditions and low light. It adds a serene, Zen-like atmosphere to any bathroom with its tall, slender stalks. Bamboo is also incredibly low-maintenance and can be grown in water or soil, making it versatile for different bathroom setups.
12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant is known for its durability and resilience, thriving even in the most challenging environments. It does well in low light and high humidity, making it perfect for the bathroom. With its dark green, glossy leaves, the cast iron plant adds a classic and elegant touch to the bathroom without requiring much attention.
13. Begonias
Begonias are vibrant plants that do well in the bathroom, especially in areas with indirect light. They prefer a humid environment, which makes the bathroom an ideal space for them. Begonias come in a variety of colors, from white to pink and red, adding a pop of color to your bathroom décor. Just make sure to keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
14. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are excellent plants for low-light conditions, making them great for bathrooms that lack direct sunlight. They thrive in humidity and are extremely low-maintenance. Their striking foliage, which often features variegated patterns, adds a touch of sophistication to the bathroom. Chinese evergreens are also known for their ability to purify the air.
15. Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant)
The rubber plant, or Ficus elastica, can thrive in the bathroom’s humid conditions, making it a great addition to this space. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. The glossy, dark green leaves of the rubber plant add an elegant touch to the bathroom while also purifying the air, making it both a functional and beautiful plant.
Conclusion
Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to adding greenery, but with the right plants, they can become a lush, vibrant part of your home. Many plants thrive in the humid, low-light conditions typical of bathrooms, adding beauty and improving air quality. From the resilient snake plant to the elegant orchids, there are plenty of options to choose from, making it easy to bring a bit of nature into your bathroom. Whether you’re looking to create a tropical oasis or simply want to add a few greenery touches, these 15 plants are perfect for the job.