Plants are a great touch to add to bathrooms of every size, especially in small bathrooms. They can brighten and add life to the space. However, choosing the right plants for your bathroom can be tricky.
Bathrooms are often humid, sometimes dimly lit and short on space. But with the right choice of plants, your bathroom can be one of the best rooms in your home for greenery to thrive. The humidity caused by baths and showers creates a mini greenhouse effect that is ideal for certain plants.
Having plants around in your bathroom has many benefits. For example, they’re good for purifying the air, adding texture to your bathroom and boosting your mood. Having green plants dotted around also helps the space to feel very relaxing and fresh.
But what are the best plants for a bathroom? In this article we’ll explore some of the best plants to use in a bathroom and how to look after them.
What are the best plants for your bathroom?
Here is our guide for the best plants to transform your small bathroom. We have categorised the plants based on light levels, humidity and lifestyle needs so you can find the perfect fit for your space.
Best Plants for No-Light Bathrooms
While many plants struggle in minimal light, there are several that can flourish in low-light bathrooms.
- ZZ Plant:
Not only are these plants gorgeous and perfect for dark corners, they also have a structural look that works well in bathrooms to add interesting textures. For more information on adding texture to your bathroom, check out our blog on Scandinavian bathroom designs.
- Cast Iron Plant:
Aptly named, this little plant can survive almost anywhere, including dark bathrooms.
If you’re keen to deliver next-level expert plant care, you can always relocate your low-light plants into brighter areas of your home every few weeks.
Best plants for bright & humid bathrooms
For bright and humid bathrooms, there are plenty of plant choices that will thrive in steamy environments:
- Boston Fern:
This plant loves moisture and filtered light, ideal for hanging baskets.
- Spider Plant:
A classic, easy-care choice that adds a pop of green and produces baby offshoots you can replant.
- Orchids:
Elegant and vibrant, they enjoy warmth and humidity, but be sure to avoid harsh sunlight.
Best humidity-loving plants
If your bathroom is humid but with low light then there is a whole range of tropical plants that will flourish and are low maintenance.
- Peace Lily: Known for its elegant white blooms and air-purifying properties.
- Pothos: Fast-growing and tolerant of moisture, great for shelves or hanging planters.
- Philodendron: Thrives in humidity and comes in many leaf shapes and sizes.
Best plants for small bathrooms or limited spaces
Limited space in your bathroom, no worries! There are some wonderful plant options to suit even the smallest of spaces. Especially if you go for options that can grow vertically, are hanging plants or can be wall-mounted:
- Aloe Vera:
Compact, textured, and useful, its gel soothes skin irritations and burns.
- Air Plants:
Needs no soil and can be placed in glass holders or mounted on walls.
- Ivy:
This plant is a great space saver as it drapes from window sills or shelves.
For a spa-inspired bathroom, we recommend adding plants to modern features like our walk-in baths and walk-in showers for a relaxing and accessible space.
Best low-maintenance plants for busy lifestyles
Want the beauty of plants but are worried about how much care they will need? There is a whole range of sturdy plants that need little to minimal care to thrive.
- Lucky Bamboo:
Grows well in water or soil and thrives in low to medium light.
- ZZ Plant:
Can go weeks without watering.
- Cactus or Succulents:
Prefer drier air but can still thrive near a sunny bathroom window.
Best plants for natural air purification & odour control
Plants are ideal for bathrooms because many of them have air purifying abilities, perfect for bathrooms to remove toxins and neutralise odours.
- Peace Lily:
Excellent for removing mould spores from the air.
- Spider Plant:
Cleanses pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene.
- Aloe Vera:
Helps filter indoor air while adding a calming, natural look.
Adding a few of these plants won’t only make your space look more inviting, but they will also help to create a cleaner, fresher environment and improve the air quality of your bathroom.
Best hanging plants for bathrooms
Save space in your bathroom by adding hanging plants.
- String of Pearls:
These add a wonderful pearl texture to your bathroom.
- English Ivy:
Perfect to sit on shelves and window sills.
- Heartleaf Philodendron:
These fast-growing plants are ideal for hanging baskets.
Best fake plants for bathrooms
If you like the idea of plants but have an extremely dim bathroom, then fake plants are a great, zero-maintenance option
- Artificial Ferns or Palms:
Add texture and fill empty corners.
- Eucalyptus Stems:
These look nice displayed in a vase or on a shelf.
- Trailing Ivy:
For that spa-inspired bathroom look.
When choosing fake plants, opt for ones made with quality materials and nice finishes that will enhance your space.
Styling & Care Tips for Bathroom Plants
Now that you have transformed your bathroom with plants, you need to make sure you are giving them the care they need to thrive.
- Use pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and encourage photosynthesis.
- Place plants on shelves, windowsills, or hanging planters to maximise space.
- Rotate plants every few weeks to ensure even growth and exposure to light.
- Avoid overcrowding, give each plant room to breathe and grow.
If you are redesigning a space and need inspiration, then we recommend pairing plants and greenery with warm wood tones and natural colours for that natural spa look. For inspiration, see our guide on walk-in shower costs, ideal if you’re planning a bathroom refresh.
What are common mistakes to avoid with bathroom plants?
All plants need a little care (even the fake ones should be dusted occasionally!), and even the most hardy of plants can struggle. Here are some common issues to avoid:
- Overwatering: Let the soil partially dry before watering again.
- Poor drainage: Always use pots with holes or add pebbles at the base.
- Unsuitable lighting: Match your plant’s light needs to your bathroom’s natural conditions.
- Overcrowding: Too many plants can block airflow and encourage mould.
Since bathrooms are such humid environments, it is common for mould to appear on the surface soil of your plants. Simply remove the top layer, allow the plant to dry out and improve the airflow in your bathroom by opening a window or using an extractor fan.
FAQ’s
Can any plant survive in a bathroom?
Not all plants will be suitable for your bathroom. Many tropical or humidity-loving plants will thrive however, like snake plants or ZZ plants.
How often should you water bathroom plants?
How often you water depends on the humidity levels in your bathroom. In most bathrooms, watering every 1-2 weeks is plenty. Always check the soil before watering, and if the soil is still damp, you can hold off.
Do bathroom plants need sunlight?
Yes, but different species of plants will need different amounts of sunlight. Low-light plants can still benefit from occasional sunlight.
Are bathroom plants good for air quality?
Yes! Most houseplants will naturally filter toxins, reduce humidity-related mould and create cleaner air.
