Whether you’re after a minimalist oasis or a jungle-inspired retreat, these ten bathroom plants will instantly soften hard surfaces, enhance the ambience and bring your space to life.
Bathrooms were once purely functional spaces, somewhere you rushed in, got ready for the day and rushed out again. We can be thankful those days are gone.
These days the bathroom is a bit of a sanctuary, somewhere to unwind with a hot bath, have a bit of peace and self-care. And what better way to turn up the spa-like vibe than with a few choice houseplants?
Bathrooms actually make surprisingly good conditions for many tropical plants. The warmth, humidity and filtered light all closely mimic the rainforest environments in which many popular houseplants naturally thrive.
There are lots of species that will happily grow, even if your bathroom has nothing more than a small frosted window.
Not all plants like steamy conditions so it’s important to select the right varieties. Daily showers will produce moist air which some will absolutely love, some may quickly have issues if kept in perpetually damp surroundings.
Why do plants like bathrooms
Before we get to the top ten, it’s good to understand why bathrooms can make such great homes for houseplants.
Most of our favourite indoor plants originate from tropical forests where humidity levels are regularly above 70%. It’s easy to understand why plants often don’t do as well in other areas of the house compared to the typical centrally heated living room where humidity can fall below 30% in winter.
Bathrooms naturally offer:
More moisture
Temperatures are stable
Fewer draughts
Indirect or filtered light
Central heating less drying
These conditions allow many plants to produce bigger leaves, richer colours and better health.
The only caveat is light. If you have no window in your bathroom, even the hardiest of plants won’t last forever. If so, rotate plants from brighter rooms every few weeks, or consider adding a small grow light.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Nothing says “lush oasis” quite like a cascading Boston fern.
Its graceful arching fronds soften hard bathroom lines instantly when perched on a shelf or hanging from the ceiling. Even better, this classic houseplant loves humidity so much that it’s one of the best bathroom plants.
Boston ferns love steam, unlike many plants that can only tolerate it. The moist air helps to avoid the crispy leaf tips that are often seen in drier rooms.
Learn more about the Boston Fern >
Tips for care:
Bright indirect light
Keep your compost evenly moist
Keep out of direct afternoon sun.
Monthly feed in spring and summer
If your bathroom is used for regular showers your fern will probably reward you with vigorous new growth throughout the year.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily has rightly earned its reputation as one of Britain’s favourite houseplants. Elegant, forgiving and wonderfully adaptable.
The glossy green leaves look lovely against the white tiles of the bathroom and the striking white flowers provide an elegant finishing touch.
Peace lilies thrive in humid conditions and surprisingly, can handle low light, making them perfect for bathrooms with small windows.
And if they need watering they will dramatically droop their leaves, but don’t panic, they come back to life within hours after a good drink.
Care Instructions:
Indirect light, medium to low
Water at first sign of surface dryness
Sometimes wipe leaves
Avoid cold drafts.
3. Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Lily)
If you’re new to houseplants, you can’t go wrong with the spider plant.
It is cheerful, and versatile and wonderfully forgiving. Striped arching leaves add movement to shelves and windowsills and mature plants produce baby plantlets that dangle like tiny green fireworks.
Bathrooms are a good spot for spider plants as they like a bit of humidity, but they can cope with less than ideal conditions
They are ideal for hanging baskets where their kids can tumble over the sides.
Care Instructions:
Bright, indirect sunlight
Let the soil dry out a bit between watering
Brown tips trim if necessary
Easy to propagate babies from
4. Snake Plant Sansevieria
For anyone with a darker bathroom, or a tendency to forget watering, snake plant is a star performer.
Its architectural, upright leaves give a bold contemporary look, perfect for modern interiors.
Snake plants have thick leaves that store water, so they tolerate occasional neglect that many tropical plants can’t.
They don’t require high humidity, but they take to bathroom conditions like a duck to water.
Tips on care:
Low to bright indirect light
Water sparingly.
Beginner friendly
Don’t water too much
Sometimes less is more, and one snake plant in a stylish pot can totally transform a bathroom corner.
5. Philodendron Heartleaf
Trailing plants are a good choice for bathrooms, and the heartleaf philodendron is one of the easiest to maintain.
Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves cascade magnificently from shelves, cabinets or hanging planters for a quick tropical vibe.
This versatile climber enjoys humid conditions and will grow surprisingly fast in the right setting.
If the stems get too long, just cut them back and root the cuttings in water to propagate new plants.
Tips on care:
Indirect bright light
Water when top inch of soil is dry
Pinch back stems to promote bushiness
Great plant to trail.
6. Aloe Vera
Bathrooms are practical spaces, so why not grow a plant that’s practical as well?
Aloe vera has fleshy leaves that contain a soothing gel, traditionally used for minor skin irritations and sunburn.
Its sculptural look is a gorgeous addition to modern bathrooms, and unlike many succulents, it doesn’t mind a little humidity, provided that the soil is well-draining.
The secret is to not over-water.
Learn more about Aloe Vera >
Care tips:
Strong light
Let the compost dry out completely
Use free draining soil
Water sparingly, in winter
Put it on a sunny windowsill where it gets plenty of natural light.
7. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
If your bathroom gets a little natural light, the Chinese evergreen is worth serious consideration.
Available in a rainbow of colors, from lush emerald greens to silver variegation, and even pink varieties, it makes a dramatic visual statement with minimal effort.
It helps to keep the foliage glossy and healthy all year round, especially in high humidity.
Care tips:
Low to medium light
Watering moderately
Avoid the cold
Dust leaves now and again
Its colourful foliage can add a dash of colour to even the simplest bathroom décor.
8. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Most people think orchids are hard but moth orchids are surprisingly easy if you know what they need.
Bathrooms, in fact, often give them the humidity they like.
Place one near a sunny frosted window and you will have elegant flowers for several months on end.
Their sculptural blooms instantly create that luxurious boutique hotel feel.
Care tips:
Bright, Indirect Light
Water lightly
Very wet
Feed with orchid fertilizer while actively growing
These flowers can last for weeks and make orchids one of the longest-lasting indoor displays.
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
There’s a reason the ZZ plant has exploded in popularity.
Its shiny, almost polished leaves are always perfect and its great tolerance to low light makes it ideal for bathrooms without strong sunshine.
It also stores water underground, so missed watering days are rarely catastrophic.
This is a great option if you’re after maximum style with minimum maintenance.
Care instructions:
Low to bright indirect light
Water sparingly.
Avoid soggy compost
Super low maintenance
Minimalist interiors are the perfect setting for clean lines.
10. Chamaedorea Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
Let’s do something big for our last item.
If you have room, a bamboo palm makes an instant statement.
Its feathery foliage reminds us of tropical holidays and turns even the most ordinary bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
It is humid and lush, and its erect growth makes for excellent utilization of unused corners.
For the most spa-inspired look, pair it with woven baskets and accessories made from natural wood.
Care tips:
Bright Indirect Sunlight
Keep the soil slightly moist
Turn periodically for even growth.
Feed in spring and summer
One mature bamboo palm can completely change the feel of a room.
How to Decorate Your Jungle Bathroom
When you’ve picked out your plants, think about how you’re showing them off.
Mixing height makes it more realistic. Arrange taller plants, like bamboo palms, on the floor, medium-sized ones on stools or cabinets, and trailing types on shelves or hanging planters.
Also putting a few plants together increases the local humidity, helping out many species even more.
Select pots that match the style of your bathroom. White ceramics work well in a modern interior, while terracotta, woven baskets and natural stone pots add a softer, organic feel.
And also, feel free to mix leaf shapes. Broad peace lily leaves look great against delicate fern fronds and upright snake plants, for a layered display full of texture and interest.
Care for Bathroom Plants
Bathrooms are great places to grow things, but you still have to care for your plants.
Water on a rigid schedule rather than measuring soil moisture weekly. The moisture in the air makes compost stay damp longer than you’d expect.
Ventilation is important, so open a window from time to time, especially after a long, hot shower, to reduce the risk of fungal problems.
Every few weeks wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and to help them absorb more light.
Finally, remember that growth naturally slows in winter, so most plants need less water and little or no feeding until spring returns.
Build Your Own Indoor Eden
You don’t need dozens of plants, or a big budget to turn your bathroom into a green sanctuary. Even two or three thoughtfully selected types can soften the space, create a calm atmosphere and make daily routines just that bit more special.
Start with one or two easy-care plants, such as a spider plant, peace lily or snake plant, and add to your collection as your confidence grows. Soon, your bathroom could become one of the most relaxing—and surprisingly green—rooms in your home.
Not every great garden begins outdoors, after all. Sometimes the best oasis begins with just one leafy friend by the bath.
