It's not uncommon to see houseplants in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. So why is it so odd to see plants in the bathroom? It shouldn't be. Your steamy shower is a friend to the best bathroom plants that won't wilt in the humid bathroom.
In fact, much of nature's flora thrives in the low-light, humid environment of the bathroom. Plus, having a little greenery will certainly help spice up your decor as well as help purify the air. However, if you have pets, be wary of the plants you choose to decorate your space as some houseplants can be toxic to dogs and cats. To check out which are toxic, use this list. Here are the 10 best plants for the perfect bathroom environment in your home.
Benefits of Having Plants in the Bathroom
Not only will having plants such as pothos and English Ivy make your bathroom feel cozier, but plants are also very beneficial to your living environment. Studies have shown houseplants boost your mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and purify the air. Personally, I enjoy how beautiful and "alive" they make a room feel.
The key is to place humidity-loving plants in the bathroom and you'll be surprised at how they thrive! Even the finicky Calathea enjoys a home in the bathroom.
1. Spider Plant
Spider plants are the gift that keeps on giving. As long as you place it in a fairly well-lit room, this little piece of greenery will remove impurities like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air in a moist environment. Plus it will also continually sprout new buds that you can re-pot or give away.
Just make sure to water once or twice a week and place it in front of your bathroom window if it receives medium light throughout the day. If the window is continually bathed in sunlight (lucky you!), simply place it just out of direct sunlight.
2. Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is a natural oddity. It can grow in almost any light level and with no soil! All you need is a few pebbles and water for this zen plant to take root. Just make sure to keep its container full of water so this low-light plant stays hydrated.
3. Orchid
Orchids are tropical plants that flourish in heavy, humid environments. The indoor air flow of your bathroom provides just that, especially if you're a fan of toasty showers.
While many gardeners complain that these blooms are temperamental, the real trick is that you simply need to stick them on a bathroom windowsill. The indirect sunlight will keep it happy in its wet environment.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a must in any house. If you're going to grow it in the bathroom though, just make sure that you place it in a sunny window. It needs more than a little light to grow to its fullest potential.
While it looks beautiful, it is also incredibly useful if you need immediate relief from sunburns, cuts, or bug bites.
5. Cast Iron Plant
These indoor plants were extremely popular in the Victorian era. Probably because both cast iron plants (or aspidistra) and the Victorians loved austerity. This super hardy plant can tolerate almost anything, including your bathroom. For best results, let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
This super hardy plant can tolerate almost anything, including your bathroom. For best results, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Stick those potted plants on a high shelf and they'll do most of the work.
6. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are lush and beautiful. Useful because their leaves filter the air, producing better air quality if you want to make sure it blooms, too, keep it in low light, and keep the soil damp.
They thrive in filtered light, and a low-light bathroom is an ideal spot.
7. Boston Fern
From bird's nest ferns to Boston ferns, ferns naturally grow in the outdoor equivalent of a bathroom. They love low light and high humidity, the exact conditions of most bathrooms. That means you can easily grow a beautiful plant with very little maintenance.
In fact, this is one of those shower plants that would gladly share the space with you. The natural humidity of daily showers does the trick of keeping it lush for these humid-air plants.
8. Snake Plant
Sansevieria, also known as Snake Plant or "mother-in-law's tongue", are extremely low-maintenance. Simply put this succulent on the bathroom shelf and watch it thrive. As a bonus, this plant will filter out the formaldehyde that is often found in cleaning products and toilet paper.
9. Azalea
Azaleas may have the most beautiful blooms out of all bathroom flowers. Coming in purple, white, pink, and red, these flowers are the perfect way to give your bathroom some color as they thrive in warm, humid environments.
10. Ivy
Ivy is beautiful, but not always a good idea on the outside of the house. Inside a bathroom, however, it can scale the walls or the metal pipes framing the tub. You can even hang it up high and let the green leaves droop down and the natural light filter through its greenery. It looks lovely in a hanging basket.
11. Bromeliad
Look at this beauty! It thrives in bright light. Direct sunlight is not needed, but it might struggle in a dark bathroom.
12. Ficus Lyrata
A fiddle leaf fig is a perfect houseplant for bathrooms and bedrooms. Since it loves bright indirect light, you can enjoy this plant next to your sink in your roomy bathroom.
13. Corn Plant
I'd say the leaves on this plant are kind of dramatic! I love it though. This air-purifying plant requires minimal care.
14. Chinese Evergreen
A sturdy plant is a great addition to smaller bathrooms. These plants remain healthy for long periods of time.
15. Cyclamen
Add a pop of color to your bathroom with cyclamens. I may have to order myself one to keep my bathroom feeling warm and cheery during the holidays.
16. Parlor Palm
Here's another sturdy plant that's perfect for tight spaces.
17. Philodendron
Place this gorgeous plant on a windowsill for an accent piece. The green shiny leaves sure do put me in a great mood just looking at them. It's the perfect finish for a squeaky clean bathroom.
18. Dwarf Citrus Plant
Keep your bathroom smelling nice and clean with a citrus plant. You can't go wrong with a natural clean smell to cover up those harsh bathroom cleaners.
19. Nerve Plant
Details, details! The silver nerve plant adds a unique pattern to your bathroom decor.
20. ZZ Plant
I love the direction that the leaves rest in. This is the perfect plant for a carefree decor theme. They do have unique growing patterns, so be prepared for a beautiful pattern you haven't seen yet.
READ MORE: 12 Indoor Plants You Only Have to Water Once a Month
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This post was originally published on June 5, 2019.
