June 28, 2025

What is a Good Plant for the Bathroom?

When it comes to home improvement, many people focus on the major household upgrades like new tiles, better lighting or extensions. And while these have their place, there’s one overlooked addition that can completely transform the feel of a home – plants.

This is especially the case in a bathroom, and not only do they enhance aesthetics, but they can also promote a calming atmosphere and even improve air quality. 

But what is a good plant for the bathroom? In this article, we’ll explain all of the choices you have, outlining which plants thrive the best in bathrooms.

Read on for more information…  

Discover the best plants for your bathroom, from snake plants to ferns, and learn how to care for them in humid spaces.

Can Plants Go In A Bathroom?

Yes, plants are an excellent choice for bathrooms, and they can thrive in these environments provided you choose the right types and care for them properly. Bathrooms offer a distinctive environment as they’re usually more humid than other rooms in the house and have fluctuating temperatures. While unsuitable for some houseplants, a bathroom actually mimics the tropical climates where some indoor plants originally come from

To make the most of bathroom greenery, keep these tips in mind:  

  • Light levels: Bathrooms tend to have limited natural light, and if yours has frosted windows, then you may want to consider using plants that do not need as much light.
  • Humidity: The humidity created from baths and showers can create a steamy climate that is ideal for many plants. Just ensure the room has good air circulation to prevent mould growth.
  • Temperature: Avoid placing plants too close to radiators or near open windows, as sudden temperature changes can damage them.
  • Watering: The high humidity of bathrooms can reduce the need for watering. You should check the soil before watering to prevent overwatering.  

Benefits Of Having Plants In The Bathroom 

Adding plants to your bathroom can provide a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Air purification: Many houseplants can filter out common airborne toxins. This helps keep your bathroom air fresher and cleaner, something that is particularly important in smaller, enclosed spaces. 
  • Natural humidity control: Certain plants can absorb moisture from the air, helping to reduce dampness and condensation. This can help to prevent the growth of mould. 
  • Stress reduction: Plants have been shown to reduce stress levels and promote a positive mindset. The presence of plants in your bathroom can help improve wellness and enhance your home environment. 
  • Aesthetic value: Plants can add texture, colour and a touch of nature to a bathroom. Whether it is plants cascading from a shelf or next to a bathtub, they can complement any interior design style you have. 

What Is A Good Plant For The Bathroom?

When selecting the best plant for your bathroom, you’ll need to consider light, humidity and the available space. Here are some excellent choices that thrive in all bathrooms:

Snake plants 

A hardy favourite of bathrooms across the UK, snake plants tolerate low light and require little maintenance. Its upright sword-like leaves make it a stylish, modern choice. It is also known for filtering out toxins, which makes it ideal for enclosed spaces. 

ZZ plants

Perfect for bathrooms with minimal light, the ZZ plant is practically indestructible. Its glossy, dark green leaves add elegance without any fuss. It doesn’t need watering much, and once every two to three weeks is often enough to keep it thriving.   

Peace lily 

With lush green leaves and elegant white blooms, peace lilies are both beautiful and practical. They love humidity and low light, making them ideal for steamy bathrooms. You should keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. 

Boston fern

A true bathroom classic, the Boston fern thrives in humid conditions. Its arching leaves add a soft, vintage look that aligns with any bathroom design. It prefers indirect light, and you should keep the soil moist. 

Spider plants

This adaptable and attractive plant is easy to grow, even for beginners. It’s well-suited to hanging baskets, shelves or windowsills. Simply water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, as the plant thrives in humid conditions. 

Aloe vera

Known for its healing gel that is used in many medicines, aloe vera is more than just an aesthetically pleasing plant. It prefers bright, indirect light and adds a fresh, sculptured look to any bathroom. Best for bathrooms with good light exposure, just let the soil dry out between waterings.

Clubmoss

This lesser-known plant is ideal for bathrooms. Clubmoss enjoys high humidity and low light, mimicking its native forest habitat. Keep its soil damp at all times and avoid placing it in direct sunlight. 

Umbrella tree 

If your bathroom has more space, then an umbrella tree is a great way to make a bold statement with its large, glossy leaves that resemble an open umbrella. It needs bright, indirect light and only needs to be watered when the soil feels dry. 

Pothos

Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos is almost foolproof. Its trailing vines can be hung or draped over shelves, and it can withstand all conditions. Make sure the soil is fully dry between waterings and keep it in a humid environment. 

Monstera  

If you have the space and light, the monstera – with its dramatic split leaves – makes it a stunning focal point in a bathroom. It brings a tropical rainforest vibe to your bathroom space, and it likes bright, indirect light, and you should water it when the top few inches of the soil are dry.

Final Thoughts

A well-chosen bathroom plant will not only improve the look of your space, but it will also enhance your well-being. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of nature to a bathroom, want to filter your air or simply enjoy the tranquil presence that greenery can bring, you can find a plant for every bathroom environment. 

The list above is a great starting point, and you’ll be surprised how a small addition can breathe new life into your space. With the right care and attention, your bathroom could soon feel less like a utility room and more like an indoor retreat.

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