A bathroom might not seem like the first place to put a houseplant, but it’s actually one of the best spots for certain types. With low light, high humidity, and plenty of warmth, the environment is perfect for indoor plants that thrive on moisture.
“Putting plants in your bathroom channels a symbiotic relationship with the air quality and the plant’s health,” shares Paula Ramirez, Palmstreet plant expert and trusted seller at Gardino Nursery. “Plants help absorb mold-causing moisture, while the bathroom helps them thrive.”
1. Boston Fern
Boston ferns are one of the most popular foliage to keep in bathrooms. They love humid environments and low light.
Their feather-like fronds also add a soft, wild look to the space.
"[It's] excellent at filtering air and absorbing humidity and thrives in low light and high moisture—perfect for bathroom spaces,” notes Ramirez. Keep the soil moist and give it a little indirect sunlight, and it’ll be happy.
2. Orchid
Orchids are one of the most eye-catching plants you can add to a space with high humidity levels. Their tropical plant roots mean they love moisture and warm air.
“Not only are they a beautiful choice for any room in the house but orchids draw moisture from the air through their aerial roots, helping reduce ambient humidity," shares Ramirez. "They also prefer 50-70% humidity often found in bathrooms.”
Place them near a window with filtered light, and they’ll be happy and healthy like they would be in their natural habitat.
3. Peace Lily
If you're looking for a popular houseplant that’s both beautiful and useful, peace lilies are a smart pick. They’re known for their white blooms and dark green leaves, but they’re also great for the air.
“[The Peace Lily plant is] widely known for its air purifying capabilities through easily absorbing mold spores and allergens through their leaves,” shared Ramirez. “It’s a beautiful plant that also flourishes in high-humidity environments.”
A peace lily only needs dappled light, so it can sit on a shelf or in a corner and still do well in humid conditions.
4. English Ivy
English ivy can trail from a high shelf or hang in a basket, making it great for steamy bathrooms with limited floor space.
It’s also known for cleaning the air. “[It's] proven effective in removing airborne mold and fecal particles making it perfect to place near a toilet,” notes Ramirez. It doesn’t need much light and loves the humidity from hot showers. Just make sure to keep its soil slightly moist and give it room to spread.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants require minimal care and work well in many rooms; the bathroom is no exception.
“[It's] low maintenance and easy to grow, spider plants are perfect for eliminating toxins and absorbing humidity,” shares Ramirez. “They’re also non-toxic to pets and tolerates humidity conditions extremely well.”
They do well in indirect light and like occasional watering. Plus, once established, they send out little offshoots. These baby spider plants grow into new plants, which is a fun bonus.
FAQ
Which plants should not go in a humid bathroom?
Succulents aren't finicky plants, but they don't well in humid spaces. They store water in their leaves and prefer dry air and lots of natural light. In a bathroom environment, they may rot or attract mildew. Cactus plants are also not good plants for bathrooms.
Why do some plants rot in a bathroom?
Excess moisture levels in the air and soil can lead to root rot, especially for plants that prefer dry soil conditions. Without airflow or well-draining soil, water can sit too long in the pot, damaging the root ball. Potted plants that like dry climates and plants that prefer high light levels are more sensitive to this and tend to struggle in bathrooms.
Can air plants live in a bathroom?
Yes, air plants (Tillandsia) do well in humid environments like bathrooms. Since they don’t need soil, they absorb extra moisture directly from the air through their dramatic leaves. A steamy shower can help keep them hydrated; just make sure they still get some indirect light and dry out between levels of moderate humidity.
Are snake plants a good choice for humid spaces?
Snake plants are tough and low-maintenance, but they don’t love high humidity. While they can survive in a bathroom, constant moisture around the roots may lead to rot over time. If you want to try one, choose well-draining potting mix and avoid placing it in areas with wet soil or frequent splashes.
