Indoor plants are a fantastic way to brighten up a room and add a natural flair to your space.
The addition of greenery inside the home has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve air quality.
This is significant because everyone knows your bathroom should be a space that cultivates relaxation and renewal.
And strategically placing houseplants in the bathroom is a great way to move toward a stress-free environment.
However, some plants are better suited for the conditions that are usually present in a bathroom than others, Of course this has to do with your light and humidity preferences.
Here are our houseplant recommendations to brighten up your bathroom.
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Best 9 Houseplants for Your Bathroom
1. Orchids
Orchids are beautiful, colorful plants known for their uniquely shaped flowers. While they have a bit of a reputation for being difficult, these plants thrive in places with a lot of moisture.
Orchids tend to struggle in dry air, but they prefer a good amount of humidity and bright but indirect sunlight.
Steam and moisture generated by bathroom activities will make your orchid happy in that space, and the brightly colored bloom will improve your mood as well.
2. Pothos
Pothos plants are easy, trailing vines that can pose fabulously on a shelf or hanging from the ceiling.
Their bright green leaves can add a nice pop of color in any area of your home, but their location flexibility may come in handy in the bathroom.
Pothos plants only need moderate sun exposure and their ivy is a graceful and charming addition to the decor.
3. Begonias
The dark, larger leaves of begonia plants complement almost any space. As a subtropical species, they love heavy moisture in the air.
Begonias do best with bright, indirect light, and they have several variations in pattern and colors.
Angel wing begonias have white polka dots, while rex begonias feature swirling patterns on the leaves with tinges of pink on the white shapes.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo is well-known as one of the easiest plants to cultivate – so easy, in fact, that left to its own devices it will start running rampant in a garden or flower bed.
As such, keeping bamboo in a pot or planter is generally best practice, and setting a bamboo plant in the bathroom is a lovely selection for sprucing up the place.
Keep in mind that bamboo plants prefer full sun to partial shade.
5. Croton Plants
For an unconventional color pop, use croton plants with their fascinating spotted leaves. They have the appearance of a splattered Jackson Pollock painting.
These evergreen, tropical plants do best in high humidity and bright indirect sunlight. In addition, they don’t like wet soil, so they don’t need to be watered as often as other plant options.
6. Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are a great choice for the beginner houseplant aficionado. This is because they grow very easily with little to no attention.
While they prefer bright light, they can also thrive in lower light. Their leafy stalks can reach up to three feet in height.
It is important to note that this species is toxic to household plants, so it should be kept out of reach of any furry friends.
7. Cast Iron Plant
A cast iron plant is a tropical species with low maintenance care requirements, and its simple yet splendid greenery will delight any guest in your bathroom.
This plant requires very little light at all, with full shade being its recommendation for best results.
It prefers less humidity than other plants and may be best placed in a bathroom that isn’t used frequently.
8. Monstera
In the last couple of years, monstera plants have been a trending interior design choice…
And for good reason.
The particular shape of their rather large leaves is highly recognizable and they can be stunning in the right growth conditions.
This plant is best kept in a planter on the floor, as it can grow quite tall.
Monstera is an excellent choice for the bathroom or any other room that has access to a decent amount of sunlight and humidity.
9. Bromeliads
Bromeliad plants are a fantastic selection for homeowners looking for a unique, bright blossom to add to their space.
Bromeliads enjoy humidity and produce large, pink or red flowers in the right conditions.
In particular, they need bright, indirect sunlight and high-quality air circulation. They often do well with the addition of a fan.
What Plants Do Well in a Steamy Bathroom?
Any plant that is a tropical or subtropical species will usually flourish in an environment with high humidity.
You should also pay attention to the amount of light you are getting in your bathroom if you are considering placing a houseplant in there.
(At least one window is best).
The placement of your plant in relation to the light source should be determined by its species.
Do Plants Absorb Moisture in Bathrooms?
Yes. Plants can absorb moisture from the air in much the same way that they do from the soil.
Plants that prefer humid climates should be placed in bathrooms, rather than plants that thrive in dryer climates.
Should I Put My Plants in the Bathroom While I Shower?
The answer to this question depends on the species of plant that you have.
Certain species will thrive in a steamy, humid environment, but to others, it can be quite detrimental.
For best plant results, research the particular species of plants that you own to find the care recommendations given by botanists and gardeners for humidity, light, and placement.
Written By Sarah Thomas
Sarah Thomas is a Master Gardener who edits and writes content for websites and magazines. Over the past two decades, she has been writing for The Doorstep about houseplants and indoor gardening. Since she started writing about plants, Sarah has been collecting rare and tropical plants. The Berkshire Botanical Garden awarded Sarah a certificate in horticulture in 2017.
