The best plants for bathrooms are those that thrive in high humidity and low light conditions. Top options include snake plant, Chinese evergreen, peace lily, and pothos. These resilient species can help purify the air and add a touch of nature to your bathroom oasis.
As an indoor plant specialist with over a decade of experience, I’m excited to share my expertise on the top plants that excel in bathrooms environments. Creating a lush, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom is easier than you might think with the right plant selections.
Understanding Bathroom Conditions
Bathrooms typically offer:
- High humidity levels from showering and bathing
- Limited natural light, especially in interior spaces
- Fluctuating temperatures, with warm, humid air followed by cooler, drier air
Choosing plants adapted to these unique conditions is key to ensuring their long-term health and vibrance.
Top 10 Plants for Bathrooms
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Tolerates low light and infrequent watering
- Thrives in humid environments
- Helps purify the air by removing toxins
2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Adapts well to bathroom conditions
- Features striking, patterned foliage
- Requires moderate watering and humidity
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Produces beautiful white flowers
- Enjoys high humidity and indirect light
- Alerts you when it needs water by wilting
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Cascading vines add a lush, tropical feel
- Tolerates low light and irregular watering
- Helps filter airborne toxins
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Nearly indestructible and low-maintenance
- Thrives in bathroom’s indirect light
- Requires infrequent watering
6. Philodendron
- Variety of sizes and foliage shapes available
- Adapts well to humid, low-light conditions
- Easy to care for and propagate
7. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- Delicate, lacy fronds add elegance
- Prefers high humidity and indirect light
- Requires consistent, regular watering
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Produces “baby” plantlets that can be propagated
- Tolerates a wide range of light conditions
- Helps remove formaldehyde from the air
9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Trailing vines create a lush, natural look
- Thrives in high humidity and indirect light
- Helps filter airborne toxins
10. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Adds a tropical, spa-like ambiance
- Tolerates low light and occasional dry spells
- Helps improve indoor air quality
For more information on air-purifying plants, check out this NASA study on household plants.
Choosing and Caring for Bathroom Plants
Selecting the Right Plants
- Consider your bathroom’s specific light and humidity levels
- Choose plants that match your skill level and maintenance preferences
- Consider the overall size and layout of your bathroom
Planting and Potting
- Use well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants
- Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot
- Group plants together to increase humidity levels
Watering and Feeding
- Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry
- Avoid letting plants sit in standing water
- Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months
Lighting and Humidity
- Place plants in spots with indirect, bright light
- Mist plants regularly or use a pebble tray to increase humidity
- Consider a small humidifier for particularly dry bathrooms
For more tips on caring for indoor plants, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plant Care Instructions.
Transforming your bathroom into a lush, spa-like oasis is entirely possible with the right selection of plants. By choosing humidity-loving, low-light tolerant species, you can create a serene, nature-inspired space that also helps purify the air. Remember to consider your bathroom’s unique conditions, match the plants to your skill level, and provide the proper care for these resilient species. With a little planning and attention, your bathroom plants will thrive and enhance your personal retreat.
For more inspiration on bathroom plant ideas, check out this article from The Spruce.