Creating a green oasis in your most personal space
Bathrooms often get overlooked when it comes to styling with plants, yet they’re a perfect spot for certain greenery. The combination of humidity, often lower light, and a cosy intimate vibe makes bathrooms an ideal home for a special selection of plants that thrive in these conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered how to add life and fresh energy to your bathroom without worrying about wilting leaves or complicated care, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the best plants for bathrooms, what makes them thrive in these spaces, and tips to help your new green companions flourish.
Why Put Plants in the Bathroom?
Before diving into the plant list, let’s touch on why bathrooms are such an underrated place for plants.
- Humidity boost: Showers and baths create a steamy environment, which many tropical plants love. It mimics their natural habitat.
- Air purification: Plants like ferns and spider plants improve air quality by filtering toxins, which is a bonus in smaller, enclosed spaces.
- Mood lifters: Adding greenery creates a calming atmosphere, turning your bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation and self-care.
- Aesthetic upgrade: Plants soften the often hard, cold surfaces of bathrooms, introducing texture and colour that elevate your décor effortlessly.
What to Look for in a Bathroom Plant
Bathrooms can be tricky for plants because:
- Light levels are often low or indirect.
- Temperatures can fluctuate with hot showers.
- Humidity is generally higher than other rooms.
When choosing plants, it’s best to pick species that:
- Tolerate low or medium indirect light (or thrive in shade).
- Love humidity and occasional warmth.
- Are hardy enough to survive inconsistent watering.
Top Plants for Your Bathroom
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
An old favourite for good reason. Spider plants thrive in indirect light and love humidity. They’re easy to care for and help clean the air, making them perfect for bathrooms.
Care tips: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid direct sunlight.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
With its lush, feathery fronds, the Boston fern brings texture and a sense of freshness to any bathroom. It loves the moist air and indirect light.
Care tips: Keep soil consistently moist and mist the leaves regularly. Best near a window with filtered light.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Known for its elegant white blooms and glossy leaves, the peace lily thrives in low light and high humidity. It also purifies air toxins, enhancing your bathroom’s atmosphere.
Care tips: Water when soil feels dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Prefers indirect light.
4. Orchids (Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchids)
For those looking to add a touch of sophistication, orchids are an excellent choice. They enjoy the humidity but need indirect light, so place near a bright bathroom window.
Care tips: Water once a week, ensuring good drainage. Avoid harsh sunlight.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If your bathroom has very little natural light, the snake plant is a hero. It tolerates low light and thrives on neglect, plus it’s known for its air-purifying properties.
Care tips: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between watering. Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
6. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
These quirky, no-soil-needed plants are perfect for smaller bathrooms or tricky spots. They absorb moisture from the air and enjoy humid conditions.
Care tips: Mist a few times a week or soak in water for 20 minutes every 1–2 weeks. Bright, indirect light preferred.
7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
A popular trailing plant, pothos is practically foolproof. It does well in low light and loves humid environments, making it a great hanging plant or shelf companion.
Care tips: Water when soil is dry. Can tolerate low light but grows faster with more indirect light.
8. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Another toughie for bathrooms with little light, the ZZ plant is drought-tolerant and visually striking with its waxy, dark green leaves.
Care tips: Water only when the soil feels dry. Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
Tips for Keeping Bathroom Plants Happy
- Rotate regularly: Even shade-loving plants appreciate a little light rotation.
- Avoid drafts: Keep plants away from vents or cold drafts that can stress them.
- Don’t overwater: Humidity helps, so many bathroom plants need less watering than you might think.
- Watch for mould: Good airflow is key to prevent mould in pots or on leaves.
- Choose moisture-resistant pots: Ceramic or glazed pots hold moisture better than terracotta.
Styling Ideas for Bathroom Plants
- Hang trailing plants like pothos or air plants in macramé holders near a window.
- Place ferns or peace lilies on shelves or countertops for a lush, tropical vibe.
- Create a mini garden with a mix of orchids and small ferns grouped together.
- Use decorative pots that match your bathroom colour scheme for a cohesive look.
Bathrooms can feel like tiny private retreats, and plants bring life, calm, and a touch of nature into these spaces. Whether you’re a plant novice or seasoned green thumb, there’s a perfect bathroom plant for you.
