Top 10 Best Plants for Your Bathroom

Written by: April Mall
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Last Update: April 30, 2025
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Tagged:Plant Inspiration

Top 10 Best Plants for Your Bathroom

Table of Contents

Bathrooms don’t always get the spotlight when it comes to home design —but they should. You’re already in there brushing, rinsing, and sometimes hiding from your to-do list, so why not make it a lush little escape?

Turns out, the warm, steamy, low-light vibe of a bathroom is perfect for certain houseplants. And the best part? Once they settle in, they’ll basically thrive on your daily shower steam and good intentions.

Whether you're a first-time plant parent or halfway to building a rainforest, this guide’s got your back (and your bathtub).

Top 10 Bathroom Plants

Image

Plant

Light ☀️

Water 💧

Why It Works

Hoya linearis

Bright, indirect

Let dry between waterings

Long, fuzzy tendrils love humidity — looks dreamy trailing from a shelf.

Hoya surigaoensis

Bright, indirect

Moderate, don’t overwater

Climber that thrives in warmth and moisture; perfect for steamy corners.

Hoya pubicalyx 

Medium to bright, indirect

Light to moderate

Red-splashed leaves that shimmer; low-key and low-maintenance.

Bird’s Nest Fern

Low to medium

Keep soil evenly moist

Wavy, glossy leaves that love a little steam. No misting drama needed.

Philodendron ‘Brasil’

Medium, indirect

Water when top inch is dry

Variegated, viney, and totally into shower humidity.


Pothos

Low to bright, indirect

Let dry slightly between

One of the easiest plants to grow — can trail or climb, no problem.

Spider Plant

Medium to bright, indirect

Water when dry

Compact, hardy, and loves to make baby plants (pups!).

Peace Lily

Low to medium

Keep soil consistently moist

Gives you blooms, filters air, and lives for the steam.

Boston Fern

Medium, indirect

Keep consistently moist

Lush and dramatic — hang it up and let it soak in the shower mist.

Chinese Evergreen

Low to medium

Water when top 1–2" are dry

Great for lower light and small spots — quietly killing it.


🌱 Looking to grab one of these leafy legends?
Check out UPT’s Hoya Collection or browse by feature for a ready-to-go steamy jungle starter pack!

Why Even Bother with Bathroom Plants?

Let’s talk perks — because this isn't just about looking cute (though... they will look cute). Turning your bathroom into a mini jungle actually makes a lot of sense. Here’s why:

  • Humidity lovers thrive: You’re basically giving them a free spa treatment every time you shower. No humidifier needed.

  • Cleaner air, less gunk: Peace Lily and pals help remove toxins and may even reduce mold spores. They’re like natural air filters but better looking.

  • They make mornings better: Greenery = happy brain chemicals. Science backs this up. So yes, your 8 a.m. grogginess just got an upgrade.

  • Instant glow-up: Plants bring life to even the most basic space. One shelf + one trailing vine = serious aesthetic.

  • Therapy with leaves: You don’t have to talk to them, but we’re saying... if you do? They won’t spill your secrets.

What Makes a Plant Bathroom-Friendly?

Not all houseplants are built for the steam life. Here’s what separates your bathroom MVPs from the crispy-leaf drama queens:

  • Tolerate high humidity: Your bathroom is basically a tropical microclimate. The best plants are those that thrive in moisture — think rainforest vibes, not desert chic.

  • Feel best in low to medium light: Unless you’ve got a massive frosted window or skylight, bathroom lighting tends to be soft and filtered. Your ideal plants should be low-light lovers or at least tolerant of indirect sun.

  • Be compact, trailing, or shelf-stable: Floor space is precious in a bathroom, so opt for plants that fit on a windowsill, hang from a hook, or trail from a shelf without sprawling like jungle royalty.

  • Prefer consistent conditions: Plants that can handle some fluctuation in temperature and air movement (like fans or open windows) will have the easiest time thriving here.

🌱 Plant Tip: Group plants with similar light and water needs together. This creates a humidity-boosting microclimate that keeps everyone happier (and saves you time).

Pro Tips for Happy Bathroom Plants

Your bathroom might feel like a jungle, but that doesn’t mean your plants are on autopilot. Here’s how to keep them healthy and thriving long-term:

Use well-draining pots — soggy roots are not a vibe
Even in a humid space, overwatering is a common mistake. Go for terra cotta, ceramic with drainage holes, or plastic nursery pots tucked into decorative ones.

Don’t rely on steam alone — check the soil regularly
Just because the air is damp doesn’t mean your soil is. Get hands-on and poke your finger into the dirt to know when it’s time to water.

Wipe leaves to keep ‘em dust-free and photosynthesizing
Bathrooms = grime magnets. Keep your plant’s leaves clean with a damp cloth so they can absorb light and breathe easier.

Watch for mold, especially if the airflow is low
If your plant’s soil stays wet for too long or you notice a funky smell, it’s time to check for rot. Use fans or crack a window to keep air moving.

Rotate plants if they lean toward your window or light source
A little turn every week keeps growth even and your plant looking full from every angle.

Style Tips for Your Bathroom Jungle

Creating a lush, design-forward space doesn’t require a full renovation — just some clever placement and a few plant-friendly upgrades:

Use macramé or ceiling hooks for trailing plants
Hang a Hoya linearis or Pothos from the ceiling near a window or corner of your shower — hello, dramatic jungle canopy vibes.

Elevate ferns or small plants on shelves near the mirror
This not only gives them better light but also makes your reflection way more serene.

Add waterproof trays under pots to protect your counters
Bathrooms get wet. Protect your vanity or shelving with trays, coasters, or cork mats that double as decor.

Use shower caddies or ladder shelves to double as plant homes
A tiered ladder shelf is perfect for clustering humidity-loving plants — and it looks straight off your Pinterest board.

Mix leaf textures + shapes for a designer jungle feel
Combine fuzzy, waxy, ruffled, and variegated leaves for visual interest. Try pairing a fern with a glossy Aglaonema and a striped Philodendron for max contrast.

Let Your Bathroom Bloom

Your bathroom already has what most houseplants dream of: warmth, moisture, and filtered light. All that’s missing? A few leafy sidekicks.

🛒 Ready to grow? Check out our Exact Plants Collection or explore Humidity-Happy Hoyas to find your next bathroom BFF.

🌱 Looking for plant inspiration? Explore our blog for more inspiring posts and plant care tips. 

FAQs: Bathroom Plants, Debunked

Can plants survive in a windowless bathroom?
Yes, but they’ll need a boost. Rotate them into brighter rooms weekly, or use a grow light to keep them happy.

Do I need to water them less because of the humidity?
Not necessarily. Humid air helps, but you still need to check the soil — especially for pots with less airflow.

My bathroom gets cold at night; is that a problem?
Not for most humidity-loving plants. Just keep them off the floor and away from drafty windows.

Which plant is best if I want zero fuss?
Start with a Pothos, Spider Plant, or Hoya pubicalyx — they’re basically plant training wheels.

Can I hang a plant in the shower?
Totally. Just make sure it’s in a spot where it won’t get direct spray, and use a waterproof pot or liner.


April Mall

Founder of UPT, fell in love with Hoyas right after acquiring her first Hoya 'Sunrise'. Sharing her love for plants with the world through high quality houseplants


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