Nowadays modern houses are officially decked out with indoor plants, including bathrooms. Furthermore, a bathroom is the best place to keep your indoor plants to keep them flourishing in a drier climate. The humidity and warmth of a bathroom make it a perfect place for indoor plants to grow.

Additionally, a bathroom is always handy for watering, so it is difficult to forget. However, it’s important to choose indoor plants for the bathroom wisely since bathroom conditions aren’t always ideal.

No doubt, there is plenty of warm, humid air in the bathroom during shower time. Nevertheless, when the bathroom is not in use, especially at night, it becomes cooler and less humid. Additionally, some indoor plants dislike temperature changes. So, to help you choose the best indoor plants for your bathroom, here is a list of the best 15 indoor plants to place in the bathroom.

This article is authored by Prachi Parate in consultation with Ms. Vinni Balyan, Horticulture and Landscape Professional, India. The information recorded here is fully contextual to tropical climate and can be relied upon from scientific perspective.

15 Best Indoor Plants for Bathroom

  1. ZZ plant
  2. Money tree (Pachira Aquatica)
  3. China doll plant (Radermachera)
  4. Snake Plant
  5. Aloe vera Plant
  6. Peace lily Plant
  7. Spider Plant
  8. Boston fern
  9. Golden Pothos
  10. Philodendron Plant
  11. Chinese Evergreen Plant
  12. Weeping Fig Plant
  13. Strings of pearls Plant
  14. Calathea Plant
  15. Parlor Palm Plant

Best Humidity-loving bathroom plants

There is fluctuating temperature and humidity in a bathroom, as well as lots or a little sunlight depending on the direction and number of windows. Nevertheless, it’s a good thing there are plenty of indoor plants highly suitable for the bathroom environment! Let’s take a look at them.

1. ZZ plant

ZZ plant

It’s hard to kill this shiny-leafed gem. In bright but indirect light, it can go 2 to 3 weeks without a drink, and even longer in low light.

Also, your bathroom’s humidity helps it go longer between drinks. Moreover, its thick stems will stretch toward any available light source. Hence, move it to moderate light and rotate the pot frequently to prevent it from getting leggy.

ZZ Plant Information

Common Name        ZZ plant or aroid palm
Botanical Name        Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Sun Exposure        Lots of indirect light
Soil Type        Well-draining soil
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Mid-summer to early autumn
Watering GuideWater every 2-3 weeks, but let the soil dry between waterings.
FertilizerLiquid houseplant fertilizer
PruningZZs grow slowly and don’t need much pruning. Dead or dying leaves need to be pruned
Pot TypePlastic pots but terra cotta or ceramic

2. Money tree (Pachira Aquatica)

There are shiny green leaves on the money tree, which has an upright form. As a wetland tree, it enjoys a warm environment. 

You can give it bright light, but it also adapts to moderate light. Give it a little time to dry between waterings.

As Pachira plants thrive in humid environments, bathrooms are ideal places for them.

Money tree (Pachira Aquatica) Information

Common Name        Malabar chestnut, saba nut, or money tree
Botanical Name        Pachira Aquatica
Sun Exposure        Bright, indirect light
Soil Type        Sandy soil
ToxicityNon-toxic
Bloom Time        Late spring through summer
Watering GuideMaintain consistent watering, preferably once or twice a week
FertilizerHigh nitrogen fertilizer
PruningDuring the winter, when the plant is dormant.
Pot TypeTerracotta pots

3. China doll plant (Radermachera)

The dark green China doll plant (Radermachera) looks great in a bathroom corner next to a window. 

It is important to provide china doll plants with bright, indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil, as well as protection from drafts. 

It is ideal to keep them in your bathroom since they enjoy high-humidity conditions.

China doll plant (Radermachera) Information

Common Name        China Doll Plant, Emerald Tree Plant, Radermachera
Botanical Name        Radermachera Sinica
Sun Exposure        Sunlight for 4-5 hours a day, full to part.
Soil Type        Well draining and moist soil
ToxicityNon-toxic
Bloom Time        Summer (rarely blooms indoors)
Watering GuideWater once a week to keep the soil moist. Let it dry out slightly between waterings
Fertilizer Balanced liquid fertilizer
PruningIt is best to prune in the late winter.
Pot TypeCeramic pot

4. Snake plant

Snake plant

Snake plants are known to be nearly impossible to kill.  Although snake plant grows faster in bright light, they can also tolerate less light.

For beginners or those who like plants that don’t mind being overlooked, they are a great choice.

It thrives in steamy and humid conditions, and it’s also an air purifier, filtering out formaldehyde, commonly found in bathroom products.

Snake Plant Information

Common Name        Snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue
Botanical Name        Sansevieria trifasciata
Sun Exposure        Thrives in any light level. They grow more quickly in brighter light. Place them 10 feet away from the south window.
Soil Type        Free-draining soil
ToxicityMildly toxic
Bloom Time        Spring
Watering GuideWater when the topsoil is nearly dry.
FertilizerA balanced plant fertilizer
PruningSpring or in summer prune dead or damaged leaves.
Pot TypeTerracotta pots are best for snake plants.

5. Aloe vera

With aloe vera in your bathroom plant, you can enhance your beauty routine. Not only does it look great, but it can also soothe skin, heal minor burns, and reduce itching. You can squeeze out the gel from the interior of a mature leaf, and apply it directly to your skin. 

In bathrooms with large windows and natural sunlight, these plants thrive. It is best to keep them near the window to ensure the best growth.

Due to its love of dry soil, it does not require much watering. You will have a happy aloe vera plant if you water it about twice a month.

Aloe Vera Plant Information

Common Name        Aloe vera Indian Aloe and Burn Aloe.
Botanical Name        Aloe barbadensis miller
Sun Exposure        Full to partial sun
Soil Type        Loose, rocky soil that is well-draining.
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Early spring to summer
Watering GuideWater once every two weeks
FertilizerLiquid fertilizer designed for succulents
PruningWhenever the leaves look dry or damaged, prune them.
Pot TypeTerra-cotta or ceramic pot

6. Peace lily

Peace lily

There is very little maintenance required for peace lilies. It is best to water them regularly and to place them in humid areas like the bathroom. 

However, it is important not to allow the soil to become dry for an extended period of time. 

Although peace lilies do well in limited light, they might require a slightly brighter location if they are not blooming. And it is okay to place a peace lily in a windowless bathroom.

Peace lily Plant Information

Common Name        Peace lily, white sails, or spathe flower
Botanical Name        Spathiphyllum
Sun Exposure        Low to bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil Type        Blended Potting Mix (perlite, peat moss, coir, or loam)
ToxicityMildly toxic
Bloom Time        Spring. A well-cared plant can bloom again in the fall.
Watering GuidePeace lily likes weekly watering. Reduce watering in Winter.
FertilizerWater soluble houseplant fertilizer
PruningPrune peace lily only when the flower dies off.
Pot TypeCeramic, plastic, and clay pots all work well.

7. Spider plant

If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant, opt for spider plants. Whether you want your spider plant to grow in bright light or low light, you can easily do so. However, make sure they are not left in full sun or they will scorch. Therefore, don’t place them near a window that receives sunlight in a bathroom. 

Spider plants do well in normal home humidity. However, for them to thrive, they should be placed in a very humid room, such as the bathroom.

In addition, spider plants are easy to propagate, so you can have as many as you wish in your bathroom without spending money. To keep flourishing, they also need a light drink once a week.

It is also a good plant for removing formaldehyde, making it suitable for windowless bathrooms.

Spider plant Information

Common Name        Spider ivy, Spider plant, Ribbon plant
Botanical Name        Chlorophytum comosum
Sun Exposure        Bright to moderate indirect sunlight.
Soil Type        Nutrient-rich and Well draining Soil
ToxicityNon-toxic
Bloom Time        Spring to early summer
Watering GuideKeep soil moist, avoid overwatering
FertilizerAny All-purpose fertilizer works
PruningPrune any dead or brown leaves in spring
Pot TypeA free draining pot. Pots made of plastic, metal, fabric, or wood pot are ideal. Avoid clay pots for a spider plant.

8. Boston fern 

Boston ferns are a sight to behold. Moreover, as a hardy plant, it makes an excellent bathroom plant. The Boston fern loves high humidity, so you will often find them in humid areas such as bathrooms. 

You can hang them in a basket anywhere in your bathroom to change the vibe. Additionally, you can also hang them in the shower if they are in a pot that drains well. 

Also, the Boston fern is very adaptable to light and can be placed in areas of indirect sunlight and medium light in bathrooms. Water Boston ferns weekly, but keep the soil moist rather than wet.

Boston fern Plant Information

Common Name        Sword Fern, Boston Fern
Botanical Name        Nephrolepis exaltata
Sun Exposure        Bright indirect light
Soil Type        Organically rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
Toxicitynon-toxic
Bloom Time        Non-blooming plant
Watering GuideWater weekly to keep the soil moist. On hot days, water twice a day.
FertilizerLiquid fertilizer once a month
PruningPrune the Boston Fern while repotting. Remove all browning leaves.
Pot TypeTerracotta pots or plastic pots with drainage holes

9. Golden Pothos

Golden pothos is one of the most popular indoor vining plants. The gold pothos can have gorgeous variegated leaves with flecks of gold dotted among the greens.

 It is possible to grow golden pothos without direct sunlight, so you can place them in a bathroom without a window. 

It’s a pretty low-maintenance plant that grows beautifully in a bathroom hanging basket or on a high shelf. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.

Golden Pothos Plant Information

Common Name        Devil’s ivy, golden pothos, money plant or hunter’s rove
Botanical Name        Epipremnum aureum
Sun Exposure        Bright indirect sunlight
Soil Type        Well-draining soil. Avoid cactus soil for pothos.
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Spring and summer
Watering GuideWater every 1-2 weeks.
Fertilizer Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
PruningIn spring, prune two-thirds of the shoots.
Pot TypeTerracotta pots with good drainage

10. Philodendron Plant

Philodendrons flourish in both moderate and artificial lighting, and their heart leaf variety looks great cascading down from a pot. 

Your bathroom is a great place for philodendrons since they thrive in warm temperatures and humidity.

A low-light bathroom is ideal for keeping this high-humidity plant. Furthermore, you can train it to climb along your windowsill or shelf.

Philodendron Plant Information

Common Name        Green heartleaf philodendron,  sweetheart plant
Botanical Name        Philodendron
Sun Exposure         Medium light and bright indirect sunlight.
Soil Type        Moisture-retentive soil but not soggy
ToxicityMildly toxic
Bloom Time        Spring to late spring
Watering GuideWater weekly and allow the soil to dry out between watering.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer
PruningAny time of year is fine to trim yellow leaves
Pot TypeTerracotta, ceramic, and clay pots

11. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen is one of the most adaptable and forgiving plants. Since it is so hardy, the Chinese Evergreen makes a great bathroom plant. 

Travel a lot or are prone to forgetfulness? Even if you forget to water it, it thrives. In addition, it’s very adaptable; it prefers low light but can also thrive in brighter areas. 

It likes humidity but doesn’t like rapid temperature changes. Hence, it is best to keep your windows shut on chillier days to prevent strong drafts that might disrupt their growth.  

Chinese Evergreen Plant Information

Common Name        Chinese Evergreen, Silver Evergreen, Pewter, Painted Drop-Tongue
Botanical Name        Aglaonema
Sun Exposure        Low to bright indirect light.
Soil Type        Peat-based potting soil
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Spring and summer
Watering GuideChinese evergreen needs moderate watering. once a week watering is enough
FertilizerGeneral-purpose houseplant fertilizer
PruningChinese evergreens grow slowly, so they don’t need pruning. If your plant is damaged, you can trim it.
Pot TypeCeramic or clay pots with good drainage.

12. Weeping Fig

If you have space for a small tree, weeping figs make a lovely addition to a bathroom. However, it dislikes sudden temperature changes. It can lose its leaves when the weather gets cold, but it will recover. 

The weeping fig doesn’t like to be overwatered or to sit in wet soil, even though it loves humidity. Let the soil feel dry for an inch or two before watering. 

When grown indoors, weeping figs need more light than when grown outdoors in bright, indirect light. So, placing it in a bright corner of your bathroom will be ideal.

Weeping Fig Plant Information

Common Name        Weeping fig, benjamin fig, or ficus tree
Botanical Name        Ficus Benjamina
Sun Exposure        Plenty of indirect sunlight, and even a little direct sun in the morning.
Soil Type        Any good, fast-draining potting soil
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Spring (rarely blooms indoors)
Watering GuideWater only when the top several inches of the soil is dry.
FertilizerNitrogen-rich fertilizer
PruningIt’s best to prune in winter when the plant is dormant.
Pot TypeTerracotta pot

13. Strings of pearl

The string of pearls is a popular houseplant that dislikes direct sunlight. 

Although the plant’s leaves look like peas, they are somewhat poisonous. Instead, they look great as ornamental plants that add a touch of green to your bathroom. 

Small windows or skylights are all it needs, and it takes up hardly any space.

Strings of Pearl Plant Information

Common Name        String-of-pearls or string-of-beads
Botanical Name        Senecio rowleyanus
Sun Exposure        Bright, indirect light.
Soil Type        Sandy soil
ToxicityToxic
Bloom Time        Summer
Watering GuideOnce every two weeks. Avoid overwatering.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer
PruningIf any stems or pearls are dead or have lost a lot of pearls, trim them off
Pot TypeTerracotta pots

14. Calathea Plant

Calathea Plant

A calathea is a beautiful plant that can transform your bathroom by adding color and pattern. 

A calathea enjoys high humidity and moderate indirect sunlight, so you can place it in a bathroom window of any size or on any side of the room. Furthermore, calatheas enjoy weekly watering.

Calathea Plant Information

Common Name        Cathedral plants, peacock plants, zebra plants, rattlesnake plants, and prayer plants
Botanical Name        Calathea
Sun Exposure        Indirect sunlight, but can tolerate lower light levels.
Soil Type        Choose a soil that includes Orchid bark or small bits of gravel or cactus soil.
ToxicityNon-toxic
Bloom Time        Spring, summer, and sometimes fall
Watering GuideWater weekly, letting the soil dry out at least partially.
FertilizerBalanced all-purpose fertilizer
PruningCalathea plants grow well when pruned in the fall.
Pot TypeCeramic pots and terracotta pots

15. Parlor palm

Parlor palm

A parlor palm is ideal for a larger bathroom with a lot of humidity and heat. They evoke a relaxing, exotic feeling with their graceful fronds. 

It is important to water them moderately. Although your bathroom’s humidity will help, it may not be enough to satisfy all of the plant’s needs. Ensure that you are not overwatering your pots as soggy pots can breed disease and mold. If you let your parlor palms get pot-bound, you can slow their growth.

Parlor Palm Plant Information

Common Name        Neanthe bella palm or parlor palm
Botanical Name        Chamaedorea Elegans
Sun Exposure        It can tolerate low indirect light as well as bright indirect light
Soil Type        Light, compost-rich, well-draining soil
ToxicityNon-toxic
Bloom Time        Spring if sufficient light is provided
Watering GuideKeep the soil dry between waterings, and water every 1-2 weeks.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer
PruningIt stops growing if you prune the single point. You can trim off brown fronds.
Pot TypeTerracotta pots

FAQs

Q1. Why do people put indoor plants in bathrooms?

Ans. There are many reasons why people put indoor plants in bathrooms, including improving air quality, reducing stress, and improving mood. The indoor plants in the bathroom also energize you, prevent mold growth by absorbing moisture, look beautiful, and require little maintenance.

Q2. Can indoor plants survive in a steamy bathroom?

Ans. Yes. Bathrooms are humid, low-light environments where much of the indoor plant thrives. It can also help purify the air in your bathroom as well as add some greenery.

Q3. What indoor plant can live in a bathroom without a window?

Ans. The golden pothos, peace lily, spider plant, and Boston fern thrive in a bathroom without a window.

Q4. Is it good for feng shui to have plants in the bathroom?

Ans. There are many who believe that plants in a bathroom are bad Feng Shui, just as they are in the bedroom. Nonetheless, if you keep them in balance with the decor and don’t overdo it, they will boost your bathroom’s positive energy.

Conclusion

The bathroom is the best place for plants that love humidity. Nevertheless, high humidity alone may not be enough for some indoor plants. Depending on the plant, direct or indirect sunlight might be needed. You might need to put some bathroom plants in a window for them to thrive. Whereas, there is some bathroom plant that enjoys windowless places.

So, if you have a window in your bathroom, you should choose a sun-loving and humidity-loving plant. The best choice is aloe vera, a string of pearls, or calathea.

There are some indoor plants for bathrooms that don’t mind windows and thrive anywhere in the bathroom. The best plants for this are golden pothos, peace lilies, spider plants, or Boston fern.

While placing weeping figs or Chinese evergreens, keep in mind that they don’t like fluctuating temperatures. To avoid temperature fluctuations, keep your bathroom window shut during chillier days.

Which indoor plant are you planning for the bathroom? Feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends.

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