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.
But, not all plants enjoy high humidity. Succulents prefer drier conditions and will rot if kept constantly moist. Evergreens and several other plants will develop powdery mildew in high humidity. However, plants like epiphytes, those that grow on the tree bark of other plants, love humidity.
Also, many bathrooms have low levels of sunlight, if they have windows at all. Do not give up if that is the case with your bathroom. Fluorescent bulbs will give off a light in wavelengths plants can use.
Three factors—low light, high humidity, and temperature swings—need to be considered when choosing plants for a bathroom. On the plus side, you will not have to reach far for water and plants help purify the air, a nice feature in your bathroom.
Every bathroom is different. You will need to judge the amount of light and warmth in yours before deciding what to grow. Finding the right plant will take some finesse. You may need to move your plants around to find the ideal light, and that can change from season to season. But here are our choices for plants that will do in average bathroom conditions.
1. Boston Fern
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.
Photo credit: @fresh.lavender.style
2. 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.
Photo credit: @the_home_kim_built
3. Begonia
Many types of begonias grow well in containers, and they enjoy the warmth and humidity of a bathroom shelf. In particular, the rex begonias (Begonia rex) are extremely colourful and ornamental and grow well indoors. Begonias can handle low or indirect light.
4. Orchids
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.
5. Bamboo
Even in containers, bamboo plants can get large. Still, it is a nice way to have bamboo and not have to worry about it growing rampantly. The clumping varieties will need repotting less often than those that run. Bamboo can grow in low or indirect light.
Photo credit: @thebohemian_life
6. 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 the 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 just out of direct sunlight.
Photo credit: @bohemian_interior_decor
7. Philodendron
Philodendron are truly tropical plants that love bathroom conditions. There are varieties that vine or trail and others that grow upright several feet. Both types are relatively easy growing. If you water this plant too much or too little, the plant will let you know by dropping its leaves. Philodendrons need bright, indirect light.
8. Snake Plant
Snake Plants, also known as "mother-in-law's tongue", are extremely low-maintenance. Simply stick it into a bathroom 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. Cast Iron Plant
It is called a cast iron plant because it is so hard to kill. When grown in the ground, it is tough enough to be used as a ground cover. If you are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, this is it. Cast iron plants grow well in low light or indirect light.
10. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Dumb cane plants, also well known as by its botanical name dieffenbachia, do best with minimal care. It needs to be watered when the soil feels dry a few inches below the surface. It will need more light during the short days of winter and dappled light in summer. Rotate your dumb cane plant every month, so it grows evenly on all sides.
Get your plants delivered
If you want an instant bathroom makeover, order your plants for your home from FabGardenMama! They arrive with decorative potted already and ready to spice up your bathroom.