Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to decorating with plants, but they’re actually one of the best rooms in the house for many tropical and humidity-loving houseplants. Plus, plants bring life to cold tiles and hard surfaces, turning your bathroom into a calm, green retreat.
If you have a bright window in your bathroom, there are plenty of plants that can thrive in a bathroom setting. And if your bathroom has frosted glass, even better! It perfectly filters light beautifully, giving plants the indirect light many of them love.
Here are some of the best plant genera to bring into your bathroom this season!
Pothos | Epipremnum
Best for: Low-light bathrooms, beginners, trailing greenery
Pothos is one of the most forgiving houseplants out there. It thrives on neglect, doesn’t mind low light, and loves humid air — all of which makes it ideal for bathrooms. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves come in a range of colors and patterns, from deep green to variegated yellow and white.
Let it trail from a shelf or hang it in a macramé holder for a lush, cascading effect. Water when the soil feels dry, and keep it out of direct drafts from windows or vents.
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Peace Lily | Spathiphyllum
Best for: Bathrooms with moderate light, air purification, a minimal look
Peace lilies do especially well in humidity-rich spaces. Their large, dark green leaves and simple white blooms add a clean, elegant touch to any bathroom. These plants prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil.
They’ll droop slightly when they need water, which makes it easy to tell when it’s time. Avoid cold air from open windows, as they’re sensitive to chills.
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Ferns | Nephrolepis, Asplenium and Asparagus
Best for: Steamy showers, soft textures, hanging baskets
Ferns are classic bathroom plants because they crave high humidity. Boston ferns, bird’s nest ferns, and maidenhair ferns all do well in steamy environments. Their feathery fronds add movement and texture, breaking up hard lines in bathroom decor.
Place them near the shower or sink where the air is moistest. They need evenly moist soil and dappled daily light exposure. Just Make sure they’re not hit with cold air from windows, especially over the winter months.
For an elevated touch of style, try adding these plants in a macrame or shelf!
Aglaonema | Chinese Evergreen
Best for: Colourful foliage, low light, low effort
Aglaonema is a tough, slow-growing plant that can tolerate lower light and fluctuating humidity. It’s perfect for bathrooms without a ton of natural light. What makes this plant stand out is its bold, patterned leaves and large variety of options.
The trick to keeping these plants happy is a consistently moistened soil and regular fertilising during the spring and summer months. Rotate the plant every few weeks to encourage even growth. Protect it from cold drafts, especially near old or poorly sealed windows.
Alocasia
Best for: Bold, architectural foliage, brighter bathrooms
If you want something more dramatic, Alocasia is the way to go. These plants have large, striking leaves that create instant jungle vibes. They do best in bright, indirect light, so place them near a well-lit frosted window or use a grow light.
Alocasia loves warmth and humidity, but it doesn’t like to be too wet. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering.
Air Plants | Tillandsia
Best for: Small spaces, shelves, zero soil
Tillandsia are epiphytes, meaning they grow without soil. This makes them super versatile for bathrooms. You can mount them on driftwood, tuck them into wall frames, or nestle them in glass terrariums. They absorb moisture from the air, so they’re right at home in humid bathrooms.
Even though they don’t grow in soil, they still need water. Give them a soak in room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes every 1–2 weeks. Let them dry completely before placing them back. They enjoy bright, indirect light and when happy, will reward you with beautifully unusual blooms!
Our Tips For Growing Plants in Bathrooms
Bringing plants into your bathroom can completely change the feel of the space, but it does come with a few specific care considerations. Bathrooms create unique growing conditions that some plants love, but it’s important to work with the space, not against it.
Here’s how to set your plants up for success:
Avoid Cold Air and Sudden Temperature Swings
Many of the best bathroom plants come from tropical environments where the temperature is consistently warm. Cold drafts from open windows, poorly sealed frames, or winter ventilation can stress or even kill these plants.
Use Frosted Windows to Your Advantage
If your bathroom has frosted or textured glass, you’ve got an ideal setup for many houseplants. These windows let in light while diffusing it, creating the kind of soft, indirect light that most indoor plants prefer. Bathrooms with limited or no natural light can make it hard for plants to photosynthesize effectively. Even low-light-tolerant species benefit from the occasional boost
Match the Right Plant to the Right Spot
Even within a single bathroom, light and humidity can vary from one corner to another.
Ready to turn your bathroom into a lush, low-maintenance green escape? With the right plants and a few simple care tips, it’s easier than ever to create a calming space that feels fresh and vibrant every day.
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