Bathrooms can be challenging environments for plants but fear not, I have curated a comprehensive list of 40 of the best plants for the bathroom, that can be homed (and will thrive) in any bathroom or toilet setting.
From low-light warriors to humidity-loving tropical plants, there's something for everyone. Get ready to transform your bathroom into a lush oasis.
1. Spider Plants
Image credit: flowerbe.co.uk
Description: Spider plants, with their arching leaves and air-purifying prowess, thrive in indirect light and humid environments and can endure neglect with grace.
Care Tips: For any spider plant variety, keep the soil evenly moist, and they'll reward you with cascading offspring.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Spider plants are stylish and functional, making them an ideal choice as a bathroom plant.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
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Description: The sleek, variegated green leaves of snake plants are perfect for an elegant touch to any bathroom. They're incredibly hardy and can tolerate low light.
Care Tips: Water sparingly, as snake plants prefer to dry out between watering.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: A Snake plant will add beautiful greenery and an air of sophistication while requiring minimal attention.
3. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Image credit: heeman.ca
Description: With feathery, emerald fronds, Boston ferns bring a touch of the rainforest into your bathroom. They thrive in humid bathrooms, away from direct sunlight.
Care Tips: Boston fern plants require that the soil is kept consistently moist. Mist the leaves for added humidity.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Boston ferns create a lush, tropical ambience in your bathroom.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Image credit: hicksnurseries.com
Description: Graceful peace lilies not only look beautiful but also act as natural air purifiers, enhancing your bathroom's freshness.
Care Tips: Keep the soil evenly moist and provide indirect bright light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Peace lilies are an elegant addition that promotes better air quality.
5. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Image credit: patchplants.com
Description: Chinese money plants feature round, pancake-shaped leaves that are both charming and low-maintenance.
Care Tips: Water moderately and place them in indirect, bright light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: These plants are unique and perfect for beginners.
6. Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Image credit: dengarden.com
Description: With its sharp, spiky leaves, mother-in-law's tongue plants thrive in almost any condition, including your bathroom's humid environment.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry between watering.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's tough, adaptable, and adds a contemporary touch.
7. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Image credit: gardens.si.edu
Description: Moth orchids are exotic beauties with glossy leaves, elegant, arching stems and bright white flowers.
Care Tips: Provide an indirect bright light and keep the soil evenly moist.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Moth orchids bring a touch of the exotic to your bathroom.
8. Aloe Vera
Image credit: nature-and-garden.com
Description: Aloe Vera not only soothes skin but also thrives in indirect bright light.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Aloe Vera is both practical and decorative as a bathroom plant.
9. Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Image credit: eplants.in
Description: Devil's ivy is a versatile trailing plant that adapts to various light and humid conditions, and boasts cascading foliage.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and provide moderate light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Its cascading vines add a touch of drama to your bathroom.
10. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
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Description: Asparagus ferns thrive in the high humidity of bathrooms, creating a tropical vibe with their feathery green foliage.
Care Tips: Keep a consistently moist soil and provide indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It adds a lush, rainforest feel to your bathroom.
11. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Image credit: almanac.com
Description: Bird of Paradise plants boast large, banana-like leaves and are a tropical delight in your bathroom.
Care Tips: Provide indirect bright light and keep the soil evenly moist.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It is an eye-catching tropical plant that adds a touch of the exotic and elegance to your space.
12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Image credit: planetnatural.com
Description: True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly hardy and can withstand less-than-ideal conditions in your bathroom.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and place in moderate to low light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Cast Iron plants thrive on neglect and look great year-round.
13. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Image credit: foli.ca
Description: ZZ plants are virtually indestructible and perfect for those with busy lifestyles.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and provide moderate to low light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: ZZ plants add a modern touch to your bathroom.
14. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
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Description: Philodendrons are known for their heart-shaped leaves and come in various species and sizes.
Care Tips: Provide moderate but regular watering and plenty of indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They offer diversity and a classic appeal as a bathroom plant.
15. Elephant Ear (Alocasia)
Image credit: botanicafloralpdx.com
Description: Elephant ear plants feature large, striking leaves and bring a bold statement to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a showstopper with its tropical vibe.
16. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
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Description: Rubber plants have dark glossy green leaves.
Care Tips: Water moderately and provide an indirect bright light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a low-maintenance choice that adds sophistication to your bathroom.
17. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
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Description: Maidenhair ferns feature delicate, lacy fronds that exude grace and charm.
Care Tips: Moisten the soil consistently and provide bright light. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom decor.
18. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Image credit: igp.com
Description: Bamboo palms have feathery fronds that create a soothing, tropical ambience in your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a natural air purifier and creates a spa-like atmosphere.
19. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Image credit: mooseplantshop.co.uk
Description: Dracaena plants come in various species, all with stunning foliage patterns.
Care Tips: Water moderately and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It offers a wide range of looks to suit your bathroom's style.
20. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Image credit: plantify.co.za
Description: Crotons feature vibrant, multi-coloured leaves that add a burst of colour to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright but indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a tropical showstopper that brightens your space.
21. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Image credit: wildinteriors.com
Description: Fiddle leaf figs feature large, dark green, violin-shaped leaves that make a stunning focal point in your bathroom.
Care Tips: Provide indirect bright light and water moderately.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It adds a touch of elegance and drama to your space.
22. Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum)
Image credit: promisesupply.ca
Description: Orchid cacti are epiphytic plants with stunning, night-blooming flowers that add intrigue to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide a bright space away from direct light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: The exotic blooms are a conversation starter.
23. Fittonia (Fittonia spp.)
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Description: Fittonias, also known as nerve plants, have strikingly patterned leaves that thrive in humid bathrooms.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: The unique leaf patterns create visual interest.
24. Pilea (Pilea spp.)
Image credit: lazyflora.com
Description: Pilea, or Chinese money plants, are charming with their pancake-shaped leaves and adaptability.
Care Tips: Requires regular watering and the provision of bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They're one of the easiest plants to care for and look great on a bathroom shelf.
25. Maranta (Maranta leuconeura)
Image credit: plantpetclub.co.uk
Description: Maranta, or prayer plants, are known for their stunning, dramatic leaves that fold up at night.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide indirect bright light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Their leaves move with natural light from the sun, creating an engaging display.
26. Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)
Image credit: beardsanddaisies.co.uk
Description: Oxalis, or shamrocks, feature delicate, clover-like leaves that add a touch of whimsy to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They're charming and easy to grow.
27. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Image credit: blog.leonandgeorge.com
Description: Ponytail palms have a unique, swollen trunk and long, cascading leaves that create a playful look.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's quirky and low-maintenance.
28. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
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Description: Calatheas are renowned for their intricately patterned leaves that add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect sunlight.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They're visually stunning and thrive in the humid environment of a bathroom.
29. Tradescantia (Tradescantia spp.)
Image credit: thesill.com
Description: Tradescantias, or wandering Jews, have vibrant, trailing foliage that adds vibrancy to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Water moderately and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They're easy to propagate and create lush hanging displays.
30. Ponytail Plant (Nolina recurvata)
Image credit: gartencenter-schlegel.de
Description: Ponytail plants feature a unique, bottle-shaped trunk and slender, arching leaves.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a conversation piece with a quirky charm.
31. Hoya (Hoya spp.)
Image credit: outsideinco.com
Description: Hoyas, also known as wax plants, have waxy leaves and stunning clusters of star-shaped flowers.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry between waterings and provide bright, indirect sunlight.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: Hoyas are unique and add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
32. Schefflera (Schefflera spp.)
Image credit: treemart.org
Description: Scheffleras have lush, umbrella-like leaves that bring a tropical vibe to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Water moderately and provide a bright bathroom away from direct light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: This indoor plant creates a lush, jungle-like look and feel.
33. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Image credit: earthandjungle.com
Description: Anthuriums, or flamingo flowers, have heart-shaped, vibrant red or pink bracts that add a pop of colour.
Care Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They are an excellent plant that offers stunning blooms year-round.
34. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
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Description: Air plants are unique because they don't need soil. They naturally attach themselves to surfaces and thrive on air and high humidity.
Care Tips: Mist or soak them occasionally and place them in a sunny bathroom away from direct light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: They're fascinating to look at, require minimal care and are perfect for a humid room.
35. Spiderwort (Tradescantia Zebrina)
Image credit: thekubode.com
Description: Tradescantia zebrina, also known as the inch plant, features striking silver and purple striped leaves.
Care Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's visually captivating and easy to grow.
36. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Image credit: whiteflowerfarm.com
Description: String of pearls is a trailing succulent with spherical, bead-like leaves that add a unique aesthetic.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: These lush green trailing plants are an attention-grabbing conversation starter. They are also a great option for a hanging basket.
37. Lavender (Lavandula)
Image credit: frostprotek.com
Description: Lavender is a medicinal plant that brings a soothing aroma and delicate purple blooms to your bathroom.
Care Tips: Water moderately and provide bright, indirect natural light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It adds colour and a relaxing fragrance to your bathroom.
38. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Image credit: happyhouseplants.co.uk
Description: Gardenias offer fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy dark green leaves.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It infuses your bathroom with a delightful scent.
39. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Image credit: promisesupply.ca
Description: Lucky bamboo has slender, bamboo-like stems that are believed to bring good luck.
Care Tips: Keep the stems submerged in water and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a symbol of luck and looks great in water-filled containers.
40. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Image credit: plantsinabox.com.au
Description: Christmas cacti bloom with colourful flowers during the holiday season, adding festive cheer.
Care Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light.
Why it's in my best bathroom plants list: It's a seasonal delight that brightens up your bathroom.
My Final Thoughts
You've now explored a diverse array of 40 bathroom plants, each with its unique beauty and characteristics. By selecting the best plants for the bathroom, you can turn your bathroom into a captivating green sanctuary, enhancing both its aesthetics and your well-being.
From the elegant snake plant to the exotic moth orchid, and low-maintenance options like ZZ plants to high humidity-loving ferns, there's a perfect plant for every bathroom shelf.
Remember to consider the specific conditions of your bathroom space, such as the light levels and humidity levels that it has. With proper care, these plants will thrive and bring nature's tranquillity to your bathroom.
Don't hesitate to mix and match different varieties for a truly enchanting bathroom. Experiment with placement, combining hanging plants, shelf displays, and floor-standing specimens to create a green oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I water bathroom plants?
A1: The frequency of watering depends on the plant type and the humidity in your bathroom. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Q2: Can I keep plants in a windowless bathroom?
A2: Yes, some low-light plants like the snake plant, peace lilies, and ZZ plants can thrive in windowless bathrooms.
Q3: What should I do if my bathroom has excess moisture?
A3: Ensure proper ventilation and consider plants that can tolerate high humidity, such as ferns and orchids.
Q4: Are there any plants that require very little watering?
A4: Yes, succulents like aloe vera and snake plants require infrequent watering.
Q5: How can I tell if my bathroom plant is getting too much light?
A5: Watch for signs of sunburn, such as brown or bleached spots on the leaves. Move the plant to a spot with less direct sunlight if needed.
Author: Matthew Chiappini