Bathrooms, by design, tend to be… well, functional. White tiles, chrome faucets, maybe a splash of color here and there. But they don’t always feel like the restful, rejuvenating spaces we crave after a long day. That’s where bathroom plants step in—not just as a trend, but as a transformative element.
There’s something about greenery that changes the entire energy of a room, especially in the bathroom, where warm, steamy showers create the perfect mini-jungle environment. Honestly, sometimes it feels like the plants enjoy our showers even more than we do.
If you’ve been thinking about adding some plants for your bathroom, whether to style up a shelf or bring that spa vibe home, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re walking through the 33 best bathroom plants—options that thrive on humidity, tolerate (or even love) low light, and look ridiculously good perched beside a sink or trailing from a shower rod.
Before You Pick: A Few Things to Know About Bathroom Plants
First things first: not every plant can survive in a bathroom. Some need tons of bright light. Some hate humidity. Some get grumpy without perfect air circulation. It’s…a bit like choosing a roommate.
When selecting good bathroom plants, keep two things in mind:
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Light: Many bathrooms have small or frosted windows. Others, none at all. You’ll need plants that require no light or, at least, can cope with minimal sunlight.
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Humidity: Steamy air after a hot bath might be bad for mirrors but great for plants that love moisture.
Luckily, you don’t have to guess. Below are the 33 best choices—including some tough little guys who’ll forgive you for occasional neglect.
The 33 Best Plants for Bathrooms
Want to create a lush, calming oasis right where you start and end your day? Adding the right plants to your bathroom can completely transform its energy. From trailing vines to bold leafy greens, these 33 bathroom-friendly plants thrive in humidity and low light, bringing spa vibes to your daily routine.
1. Pothos (Golden, Marble, or Neon)
If you’ve ever struggled to keep a plant alive, pothos might be your perfect match. This beauty thrives where many others would sulk—low light, high humidity, and even occasional forgetfulness when it comes to watering. In a steamy bathroom, pothos vines will grow long and lush, giving your space a wild, spa-like feel without asking for much in return. Hang it in a corner near the shower, place it on a high shelf, or even let it trail from a cabinet. Its heart-shaped leaves and easygoing nature have made it a favorite among plant lovers for good reason. Additionally, with numerous colorful varieties (golden, marble queen, neon), you can select the look that best suits your bathroom style.
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Pros
✔ Very easy to care for
✔ Tolerates low light and humidity well -
Cons
✖ Toxic if ingested (keep away from pets)
✖ Vines can grow aggressively and need trimming -
Size
Small to Large (depending on how long you let it trail)
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is what I like to call the ultimate “set it and forget it” bathroom buddy. With its thick, waxy leaves that seem almost fake (in a good way), it stores water in its rhizomes, making it extremely drought-tolerant. This means it doesn’t mind if you miss a watering or two—or even three. It’s one of the most forgiving bathroom plants available, especially for bathrooms that receive limited natural light. Additionally, it offers a rich, glossy green hue that exudes a sense of both sophistication and cosiness, blending seamlessly into any modern or minimalist bathroom decor.
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Pros
✔ Extremely low maintenance
✔ Thrives in low-light environments -
Cons
✖ Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
✖ Grows slowly -
Size
Small to Medium
3. Snake Plant
Tough, dramatic, and just a little bit mysterious—the snake plant is the silent warrior of the plant world. It’s practically legendary for surviving in conditions where other plants would have given up long ago. Snake plants thrive on neglect, tolerate low light, and prefer infrequent watering, making them ideal for steamy bathrooms where regular soil checks may not be feasible. Plus, their upright, sword-like leaves can add a sleek architectural element to your space, whether you tuck one into a corner or let it make a bold statement next to the bathtub.
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Pros
✔ Excellent air purifier
✔ Survives low light and humidity -
Cons
✖ Slow grower
✖ Prone to root rot if overwatered -
Size
Small to Medium
4. Boston Fern
Boston ferns have a certain old-school charm, don’t they? Those soft, feathery fronds tumbling over the sides of a hanging basket can transform a plain bathroom into something out of a Victorian greenhouse. They adore the kind of humidity that a bathroom naturally provides, especially after a nice hot shower. However, they do like a bit of indirect light to stay healthy and require consistently moist soil. If you’re willing to mist them or run a humidifier, they’ll reward you with lush, vibrant growth throughout the year.
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Pros
✔ Loves humidity and warmth
✔ Fills vertical space beautifully -
Cons
✖ Needs consistent moisture
✖ Can become crispy in dry air -
Size
Medium to Large
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants bring a wonderful, playful energy to bathrooms with their long, arching leaves and little “baby spiders” (offshoots) that dangle from their stems. They’re resilient and adaptable, making them one of the most classic good bathroom plants you can find. Whether you hang them from the ceiling, perch them on a high shelf, or pop one into a countertop pot, they’ll quickly make themselves at home. They tolerate different light levels, but a little indirect light and regular watering will keep them happiest, and producing tons of adorable babies you can share.
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Pros
✔ Very beginner-friendly
✔ Handles low to medium light -
Cons
✖ Tips may brown without enough humidity
✖ Can become root-bound and need repotting -
Size
Small to Medium
6. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are like the elegant guests at your bathroom spa party. With their deep green leaves and stunning white blooms, they instantly lift the energy of a space. Plus, they’re not just pretty—they’re powerful air purifiers too. Peace lilies thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity, making them one of the best plants for bathrooms to choose. That being said, they do have a slight diva side: they prefer consistently moist soil (but not soggy) and will dramatically droop when thirsty. Still, once you get the watering rhythm right, they’re incredibly rewarding.
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Pros
✔ Beautiful white flowers
✔ Purifies indoor air -
Cons
✖ Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
✖ Sensitive to underwatering and overwatering -
Size
Medium
7. Aloe Vera
At first, aloe might not seem like an obvious choice for a humid environment. It’s a succulent, after all. But in a bright, well-ventilated bathroom, aloe vera thrives. It loves the occasional mist of moisture as long as it doesn’t sit in soggy soil. Beyond being beautiful with its spiky green leaves, aloe vera is also practical—you can snip a leaf and use the gel for burns, cuts, or dry skin. It’s a perfect combination of style, functionality, and easy maintenance.
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Pros
✔ Medicinal uses for burns and skin care
✔ Very low water needs -
Cons
✖ Needs a bright spot (window preferred)
✖ Can rot if overwatered -
Size
Small to Medium
8. English Ivy
English ivy is practically made for bathrooms with its trailing vines and romantic, old-world charm. It thrives in cooler, humid environments and is perfectly happy climbing trellises, trailing from baskets, or even trained across bathroom walls if you get creative. Additionally, it’s another plant known for improving air quality, which is a bonus in humid environments. Just know that it grows fast—you’ll want to occasionally trim and guide it so it doesn’t take over entirely!
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Pros
✔ Fast grower
✔ Beautiful trailing vines -
Cons
✖ Needs trimming to stay tidy
✖ Can attract pests if neglected -
Size
Medium to Large
9. Monstera Deliciosa
Few plants command attention quite like the Monstera. With its iconic split leaves and bold tropical presence, this plant makes any bathroom feel like a luxe retreat. Monstera loves warmth, humidity, and bright but indirect light, all of which are often found in a well-lit bathroom. It’s not too fussy about occasional dryness, either, but it will thrive faster with regular watering. Additionally, it grows impressively large over time, making it a standout feature for larger washrooms.
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Pros
✔ Stunning, iconic foliage
✔ Thrives in humid, indirect light environments -
Cons
✖ Needs space to expand
✖ Sensitive to overwatering -
Size
Medium to Large
10. Bird’s Nest Fern
If you want something a little different from the typical fern look, Bird’s Nest Fern is your answer. Its large, rippled fronds look almost like green waves frozen mid-movement. Unlike some high-maintenance ferns, the Bird’s Nest variety is relatively forgiving as long as you provide consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight. It feels right at home in the warm, steamy air of a bathroom and adds an instant touch of wild, tropical elegance to the space.
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Pros
✔ Unique and dramatic foliage
✔ Loves warmth and humidity -
Cons
✖ Delicate new fronds can be damaged easily
✖ Needs regular misting if the air is dry -
Size
Medium
11. Bamboo
Bamboo instantly adds a sense of calm to any space, like you’ve just stepped into a Zen garden. Especially lucky bamboo, which isn’t technically bamboo but still carries the same fresh, upright charm. It grows happily in just water (no soil necessary), which makes it one of the lowest-maintenance bathroom plants you can choose. Additionally, it doesn’t require much light to thrive, which is ideal for bathrooms with limited natural light.
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Pros
✔ Grows in water alone
✔ Low-light tolerant -
Cons
✖ Can become top-heavy if not trimmed
✖ Water needs to be refreshed regularly -
Size
Small to Medium
12. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Calathea plants are actual performers. Every night, their colourful, patterned leaves fold up as if in prayer, only to unfurl again with the morning light. It’s such a gentle, satisfying daily ritual to witness. They love humidity, dislike harsh light, and need regular watering—essentially, everything your steamy bathroom naturally offers. Their vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes make them living art for your walls or counters.
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Pros
✔ Stunning foliage with movement
✔ Thrives in humidity -
Cons
✖ Sensitive to dry air
✖ Can be finicky with water quality -
Size
Small to Medium
13. Philodendron Heartleaf
The Philodendron Heartleaf is ideal for anyone seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that trails gracefully. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves spill gracefully from shelves and hanging planters, instantly softening the lines of a bathroom. It prefers low to medium indirect light and thrives in humid conditions, making a steamy bathroom the ideal setting. Best of all, it’s forgiving — if you forget a watering or two, it’ll patiently wait for you to catch up without throwing a fit.
Pros
✔ Very low maintenance
✔ Beautiful trailing vines
Cons
✖ Toxic to pets if ingested
✖ Needs occasional trimming to manage growth
Size
Small to Medium
14. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is practically a superhero when it comes to tolerating low light and high humidity. Its broad, colorful leaves come in shades ranging from deep green to silvery and even hints of pink. Bathrooms with limited natural sunlight are ideal for this plant, which thrives on minimal care and attention. It’s also an excellent air purifier, so your post-shower air stays fresh and clean.
Pros
✔ Excellent low-light plant
✔ Attractive, colorful foliage
Cons
✖ Sensitive to cold drafts
✖ Prone to root rot if overwatered
Size
Medium
15. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is tough. Like, nearly indestructible. It doesn’t need much light, tolerates sporadic watering, and shrugs off the high humidity that would make other plants complain. In a bathroom, it brings a deep green, understated elegance without demanding too much attention, which is perfect if you prefer your greenery to be low-drama.
Pros
✔ Extremely hardy and durable
✔ Tolerates a wide range of conditions
Cons
✖ Very slow grower
✖ Leaves can brown if overexposed to the sun
Size
Medium to Large
16. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids are often considered fussy, but bathrooms provide the humidity they adore. With their intricate, elegant blooms, they can turn an ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa setting. They prefer bright, indirect light and thrive best when watered carefully—too much, and they protest; too little, and they sulk. But once you get the hang of it, they reward you with blooms that can last for months.
Pros
✔ Long-lasting, exotic blooms
✔ Loves humid conditions
Cons
✖ Requires good drainage and careful watering
✖ Needs consistent, indirect light
Size
Small to Medium
17. Fernwood Mikado (Snake Plant Variety)
With its thin, upright leaves clustered like a fountain, Fernwood Mikado is a stylish twist on the traditional snake plant. Its compact structure makes it an excellent choice for tighter bathroom spaces. Plus, it thrives in low-light, humid conditions common in bathrooms, while requiring minimal watering. It’s a great low-effort option if you like sharp, modern lines.
Pros
✔ Minimal watering needed
✔ Stylish, compact growth habit
Cons
✖ Slow-growing
✖ Sensitive to overwatering
Size
Small to Medium
18. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber Plants are bold and dramatic, with their large, glossy leaves stealing the spotlight wherever they grow. They enjoy bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions if they must. In bathrooms, the humidity helps keep their broad leaves healthy and shiny. With time and care, they can grow into impressive focal points for larger bathrooms.
Pros
✔ Beautiful, large foliage
✔ Can grow into a statement plant
Cons
✖ Needs regular cleaning of leaves
✖ Sensitive to overwatering
Size
Medium to Large
19. Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon Peperomia’s charming, patterned leaves look like tiny watermelons, making it one of the cutest bathroom plants you can find. It loves humid environments and thrives in bright, indirect light. This compact plant fits beautifully on shelves, counters, and windowsills, and it doesn’t mind being slightly root-bound, making it ideal for small containers.
Pros
✔ Unique and attractive foliage
✔ Pet-friendly
Cons
✖ Sensitive to overwatering
✖ Needs high humidity to thrive
Size
Small to Medium
20. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia)
Baby’s Tears are delicate, fast-growing plants that spread a lush carpet of tiny leaves wherever you place them. They’re fantastic for bathrooms because they adore moisture and humidity, practically soaking it up from the air. They work beautifully as filler plants on shelves or around the base of larger potted plants.
Pros
✔ Fast grower
✔ Loves moisture and humidity
Cons
✖ Dries out quickly if neglected
✖ Needs regular watering
Size
Small
21. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants might be the most fascinating plants you can add to your bathroom. They don’t require soil—just air, humidity, and occasional soaking. Bathrooms are nearly perfect environments for them because of all the moisture in the air after showers. You can’t tuck them into shells, hang them from strings, or even mount them to pieces of driftwood. Their alien-like shapes and versatility make them a quirky, beautiful addition to any bathroom, especially if you want something lightweight and low-fuss.
Pros
✔ No soil required
✔ Extremely flexible for decorating
Cons
✖ Needs regular misting or soaking
✖ Requires bright, indirect light
Size
Small
22. Lavender
Imagine stepping into your bathroom and being greeted with the soothing scent of lavender. If you have a bright window in your bathroom, lavender is a fantastic choice. It loves plenty of sun and well-drained soil. The humidity helps the plant stay hydrated, but it’s important not to let its roots sit in soggy soil. Besides being gorgeous, the calming fragrance of lavender can make your bathroom truly feel like a spa retreat.
Pros
✔ Beautiful fragrance
✔ Drought-tolerant once established
Cons
✖ Needs bright light to thrive
✖ Can be sensitive to overwatering
Size
Small to Medium
23. Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii)
If you love the look of Monstera deliciosa but don’t have room for a giant plant, the Swiss Cheese Vine offers a more compact alternative. Its small, holey leaves bring lots of tropical character to a bathroom without overwhelming the space. This plant thrives in humid conditions and likes bright, indirect light. Let it trail from a shelf or train it to climb for a more dramatic effect.
Pros
✔ Striking, unique foliage
✔ Thrives in humidity
Cons
✖ Sensitive to overwatering
✖ Needs occasional pruning to stay neat
Size
Small to Medium
24. Tradescantia Zebrina
With its vibrant purple and silver striped leaves, Tradescantia Zebrina can add a bold splash of color to your bathroom. It’s a fast-growing plant that thrives in humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms with moderate natural light. The vines can trail beautifully from shelves, planters, or hanging baskets, creating a lush, almost magical atmosphere.
Pros
✔ Fast-growing and colorful
✔ Loves humidity
Cons
✖ Needs regular trimming to stay full
✖ Sensitive to cold drafts
Size
Small to Medium
25. Anthurium
Anthuriums are all about drama and beauty. Their waxy, heart-shaped flowers (technically specialized leaves) come in vibrant shades of red, pink, or white, and they thrive in warm, steamy environments. Bathrooms with bright, indirect light are perfect for them. Keep their soil slightly moist and they’ll continue to produce blooms throughout the year, making them a true centerpiece for your spa-like washroom.
Pros
✔ Long-lasting colorful flowers
✔ Thrives in warm, humid environments
Cons
✖ Toxic if ingested
✖ Needs careful watering to avoid root rot
Size
Small to Medium
26. Miniature Palm (Parlor Palm)
If you have a slightly larger bathroom space and want a bit of vertical greenery, the Parlor Palm is a great choice. It’s incredibly tolerant of low light and fluctuating humidity levels, making it perfect for bathrooms. Its soft, feathery fronds create a relaxed, tropical feel without needing tons of care, and it’s pet-safe too, which is a nice bonus for households with curious cats or dogs.
Pros
✔ Low-light tolerant
✔ Pet-friendly
Cons
✖ Grows slowly
✖ Can get leggy without enough light
Size
Medium to Large
27. Silver Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
For a softer, more muted look, Silver Satin Pothos is a stunning choice. Its large, velvety green leaves are dusted with silvery spots that shimmer slightly in the light. It behaves much like regular pothos—meaning it’s practically bulletproof—and will trail beautifully from high shelves or hanging baskets. It loves bathrooms because of the steady humidity and will forgive you if you occasionally forget to water.
Pros
✔ Easy to care for
✔ Beautiful, shimmery foliage
Cons
✖ Toxic if ingested
✖ Needs bright, indirect light for best color
Size
Small to Medium
28. Lemon Button Fern
The Lemon Button Fern is a smaller, more compact cousin of the classic Boston Fern. It thrives in high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms that get steamy after showers. Its round, cheerful fronds release a subtle lemony scent when brushed against, adding a gentle freshness to the room. It’s easy to care for as long as it’s kept consistently moist and given filtered light.
Pros
✔ Compact size, perfect for shelves
✔ Light lemon fragrance
Cons
✖ Needs consistent moisture
✖ Sensitive to dry air
Size
Small
29. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Grape Ivy brings a more sophisticated, vineyard-inspired vibe to your bathroom. Its glossy, dark green leaves love humid air and moderate light, making it a great trailing or climbing plant for bathrooms with small windows. It’s resilient and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and a spot away from direct, harsh sunlight.
Pros
✔ Easy to care for
✔ Elegant trailing habit
Cons
✖ Prone to legginess if light is too low
✖ Can attract spider mites if too dry
Size
Medium
30. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
For a dramatic, tropical touch, Bird of Paradise is hard to beat. While it needs a good amount of light to thrive, if your bathroom has a bi,g bright window, it can transform the space into a true oasis. The vast, paddle-like leaves bring a bold texture, and with enough care and patience, you might even get one of its famous, crane-like flowers eventually.
Pros
✔ Bold, tropical look
✔ Tolerates high humidity
Cons
✖ Needs bright, direct light
✖ Slow to flower indoors
Size
Large
31. Japanese Asplenium Fern
Sleek and structured, the Japanese Asplenium Fern features shiny, undulating leaves that give it a very modern, minimalist aesthetic. It thrives in steamy, warm bathrooms and requires minimal direct attention, beyond regular watering. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces where you still want a striking look.
Pros
✔ Elegant, clean lines
✔ Loves humidity
Cons
✖ Sensitive to drafts
✖ Needs consistently moist soil
Size
Small to Medium
32. Haworthia
If you love succulents but thought they were off-limits for bathrooms, meet Haworthia. Unlike fussier succulents, Haworthia tolerates lower light and higher humidity relatively well. Its thick, spiky leaves look fantastic on bathroom counters or window ledges, and it demands very little in terms of water or maintenance.
Pros
✔ Extremely low maintenance
✔ Compact and easy to place
Cons
✖ Needs good drainage
✖ Can stretch in low light over time
Size
Small
33. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Ending on a high note, the Moth Orchid is one of the most stunning plants you can add to a bathroom. It’s also one of the few plants that will truly love the humidity and warmth your bathroom naturally provides. With their graceful stems and long-lasting blooms, Moth Orchids make bathrooms feel luxurious, serene, and deeply calming. Give them a bit of indirect light and let the magic happen.
Pros
✔ Elegant, long-blooming flowers
✔ Thrives in humidity
Cons
✖ Requires bright, indirect light
✖ Needs careful watering and drainage
Size
Small to Medium
Final Thoughts
Choosing plants for your bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics, although a lush green corner by the tub is an Instagram dream. It’s also about creating a little sanctuary. A place that feels alive, refreshing, even comforting on those mornings when you barely have the energy to brush your teeth.
Whether you opt for a large monstera to complement your shower or keep it simple with a pothos on the counter, adding bathroom plants will instantly transform the vibe of your space.
And hey, if you pick some plants that require no light or nearly no attention? Even better. Because the only thing more luxurious than a spa-like bathroom is that it takes care of itself while you sip your coffee.
Ready to turn your washroom into a steamy, leafy retreat?
Pick your favourites, grab a misting bottle, and start planting.
You deserve it.
❓ 5 FAQs About Bathroom Plants
1. What are the best plants for a bathroom with no windows?
The best plants for bathrooms without windows include ZZ plant, snake plant, peace lily, and Chinese evergreen. These plants thrive in low-light, high-humidity conditions.
2. Can plants survive in the bathroom humidity?
Yes, many plants thrive in bathroom humidity! Tropical plants, such as pothos, ferns, and orchids, thrive in environments with moisture from showers and grow healthier in these conditions.
3. How often should I water bathroom plants?
Watering frequency depends on the plant species and the level of light. Generally, in humid bathrooms, most plants need watering once every 1–2 weeks. Always check the soil moisture first.
4. What are good hanging plants for bathrooms?
Great hanging plants for bathrooms include English ivy, pothos, spider plants, and Swiss cheese vines. These trailing plants love humidity and add lushness from above.
5. Can I put succulents in my bathroom?
Most succulents dislike excessive humidity, but hardy types like Haworthia and Aloe vera can adapt to bright, well-ventilated bathrooms. Ensure they have good drainage and plenty of light.
