The Best Plants for Bathrooms – 7 Houseplants That Thrive in Steamy Conditions

The best plants for bathrooms are those that can handle a bit of steam, absorb excess moisture, and thrive to the fullest. Adding foliage to this space will grant a fresh, zen environment, but do plants really grow well in these conditions? The answer is yes!

There are a few popular houseplants you can bring into the bathroom. From the abundant peace lily to the ever-so-peaceful snake plant — the varieties are many, and they will certainly bring a spa-like feel into the home.

Decorating with plants is a great way to take advantage of this steamy space. We spoke to a few experts to get the lowdown on some of the best plants for bathrooms, and here's what they had to say.

 1. Peace Lily 

A classic houseplant favorite that will happily inhabit your bathroom is the Peace Lily. This pretty plant with its stylish dark leaves produces elegant white bracts that point to the sky, making it a beautiful addition to any space.

It's also one of the best houseplants that clean the air. "Not just a pretty face, it’s very easy to care for and makes a fantastic air purifier, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide," says Jo of Beards & Daisies. "According to the Chinese art of Feng Shui, it can also cleanse the energy of a room."

Originating from the rainforests of South America, the Peace Lily loves damp soil and benefits from the occasional spray with a spritzer. Fortunately, the mist of a bathroom will mirror these conditions, meaning you won't need to spritz it as often as you would elsewhere in the home. It won't tolerate cold temperatures however, so it's best to keep it away from a window in the winter.

 2. Boston Fern 

Another air purifying Feng Shui plant that will flourish in your bathroom is the Boston Fern. This fronded friend has bushy, feather like leaves that fill an empty looking corner beautifully and lend themselves well to a hanger.

According to Richard Cheshire, plant doctor at Patch Plants, they're also big fans of humidity. "The Boston Fern thrives anywhere wet, hot and not too bright," he says. "Put her in the bathroom and watch her bask in the steam. She's a bright green with wide fronds that will contribute bold color to your bathroom."

If your bathroom or shower room is particularly shady, this houseplant will also tolerate lower light conditions and brighten any dim and damp corners. "Coming from a rainforest habitat, these plants like indirect light and humid conditions," Jo explains. "Therefore, homing the Boston Fern in the bathroom is a great way for them to get the frequent moisture they crave." She's quick to note that this fern can be a little temperamental at times, so make sure you tend to its needs regularly.

 3. Snake Plant 

Lighting is a key consideration in small bathrooms, and while there are ways to add warm light, it cannot replace natural light. Many apartments have bathrooms without windows, which would be a big no-no for many plants, but the snake plant overcomes this shortfall with ease.

"Typically, bathrooms have limited natural lighting which makes Snake Plants another great bathroom choice since they’re super adaptable to low-lit environments," says Rebecca Sterling, easyplant’s resident plant expert. "Even if your bathroom has a small window with reserved lighting, Snake Plants will grow and flourish in these conditions."

If you prefer a plant that's a little more forgiving, why not add a Snake Plant to your bathroom? When it comes to caring for a Snake Plant these spikey looking beauties love to be neglected and they're virtually indestructible, making them perfect for new plant parents.

The stiff, pointed leaves, often variegated in color, have been a popular sight in our homes for decades. "It’s easy to see why the Snake Plant is one of our best-sellers," says Jo. "Not only do its long leaves make for a real striking silhouette, but it really is made of tough stuff making it one of the easiest plants to care for."

Interestingly, the Snake Plant — also referred to as Mother-in-Law's tongue — originates from the desert, so it doesn't like to be over-watered. With that in mind, you might be wondering why it makes a good addition to a moist bathroom, but its air purifying capabilities and hardiness make it perfect for such a humid spot. "Low light, infrequent watering and influxes of temperature are no match for the Snake Plant," Jo adds.

4. Kentia Palm 

This next best plant for bathrooms t is a firm favorite of many an interior designer. The Kentia Palm is a slow-grower with tall fanned leaves that make for an elegant potted plant for the the floor.

"It's luscious tall stems and long, glossy, green leaves fan out to make quite the impression," explains Viki O'Hagan from The Stem. "The Kentia Palm is one of the most versatile plants around and can cope in shady and humid conditions. Usually it likes being misted regularly so showers and baths nearby are great at keeping the foliage fresh and airy."

Another excellent air pollutant, the Kentia Palm is also great for a bathroom or shower room where we regularly spray deodorant and other aerosols. "The range of sizes available, from 13 to 60 inches in height, means you’ll also find one suitable to fit any bathroom size," Viki says. If those benefits alone weren't enough, it's also one of the best pet-friendly houseplants too.

5. Golden Pothos 

It can be difficult to know how to choose a houseplant for your modern bathroom, especially if you aren't familiar with the variety. With so many amazing houseplant options for beginners, you're spoilt for choice. However, when it comes to the bathroom, not all plants can take the heat.

"For bathrooms, we recommend one of the pothos varieties mainly because of their tolerance to high humidity," says Rebecca Sterling. Originally from tropical climates the pathos plant fares well in the steamy environment of a bathroom. 'They absorb and thrive in the moisture, and it's recognized for its air-purifying qualities, contributing to the air quality in your bathroom too."

But it's not just humid heat that the pathos plant can deal with. "They're very adaptable to low light," Rebecca adds. "So, even if your bathroom has a small window with limited light, these plants will still grow and flourish in these conditions." This makes them a super hardy plant, perfect for adding a bit of greenery to your space even in the darkest and dimmest of bathrooms.

6. String of Nickels

Another popular trailing plant is the String of Nickels, and it will thrive just as well in your bathroom too. Native to tropical regions of India, Asia, and Australia, it comes as no surprise that it likes warm, humid conditions that are often replicated in a bathroom.

"The Sting of Nickels loves moist air, soaking up moisture from the atmosphere," says Richards. 'What's more, he doesn't need much light." When it comes to how often you should water this houseplant, it will probably only need a drink every week or fortnight thanks to its natural ability to soak up water from the air

"Hang him from a shelf or even the shower and he'll be more than happy dangling handsomely down, adding layers to your room," Richard advises.

7. Anthurium

This striking plant rose to fame in 2023 after being featured heavily in the fashion collection of Jonathan Anderson at Loewe. The anthurium is simply unlike any other plant around. It adds a contemporary twist and a striking focal point to any space it adorns and, while it might not be an obvious choice, it makes one of the best houseplants for a bathroom.

Like the Pathos, Anthuriums have their origins in the tropics, making them ideal for hot steamy environments like the bathroom. "Any plants similar to pothos or Anthurium with origins in the tropics will thrive in steamy, humid conditions, meaning you can take as many long hot showers as you’d like without the fear of hurting your plant baby," explains Rebecca.

FAQs

What plants don't suit a bathroom?

Houseplants that originate from arid environments, such as cacti and succulents, are probably not the best choice for a bathroom. Instead, look for plants that are native to the tropics and found in rainforests, such as ferns and palms. You should also pay attention to the lighting in your bathroom.

Varieties that need lots of light might not be the best choice, unless you have a light, bright bathroom. If it's a dim spot with lots of shady corners, you'll want to incorporate the best plants for low light, instead.