Plant for humid bathroom
10 that thrive in humid environments |
The best bathroom plants will instantly give your bathroom a lift, the added greenery creating a spa-like experience and a calming, zen feel.
There is a place in every room for an indoor plant, and the bathroom is no exception. In fact, a well-lit bathroom provides a unique opportunity for houseplants as it is generally the most humid room in the home.
With careful selection of the best bathroom plants, you can take advantage of these unique conditions to give this room a truly tropical and contemporary feel as part of your bathroom ideas. For a real jungle ambience, there are even plants you can hang in the shower.
Added to which, some of the choices are among the best feng shui plants, so can add to the positive energy in your home.
(Image credit: Bloomscape)
Best bathroom plants – what to consider
The quintessential horticultural mantra of ‘right plant, right place’ is just as relevant in the house as it is in the garden. Many of the best plants for the bathroom are those that thrive in warm, humid environments, for example those native to rainforest habitats. For this reason, just as there are best bathroom plants, there are plants you should never keep in your bathroom.
‘Plants that love humidity are great for bathrooms and will thrive because the bathroom replicates their natural tropical climate. They’re often hot, humid and bright, which are three things moisture-loving plants need to be happy and healthy,’ says Morag Hill, Co-Founder of The Little Botanical .
‘Having plants in your bathroom can help create an instant spa-like vibe too, when you’re getting ready in the morning or winding down in the evening.’ Plus, as some are among the best air cleaning indoor plants, they can help to keep your room fresh.
Of course, conditions in bathrooms can differ significantly in terms of temperature, humidity and the amount of direct sunlight received, so not all of these plants for the bathroom may be suitable for your own space – assess your room's conditions.
It’s also worth remembering that primary bathrooms that are used regularly will be much more humid than, for example, guest bathrooms. For primary bathrooms these are the best bathroom plants – for rarely-used bathrooms that aren’t especially humid, consider one of the best low-maintenance houseplants.
1. Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata
(Image credit: The Little Botanical)
Native to the rainforests of tropical America, the Boston fern is the quintessential best bathroom plant. While some ferns have a reputation for being fussy, this is the easiest to look after of them all. The Boston fern’s lush fronds are sure to transform any bathroom, whether nestled at the side of the sink or bath or displayed in a lovely hanging pot.
‘The Boston Fern is used to high humidity as its natural environment is a damp forest floor, so it’s happiest in the bathroom absorbing the humidity in the air after a steamy shower or a bath,’ says Morag.
This easy fern has the added benefit of purifying the air and removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air.
It’s even a pet friendly houseplant.
Enjoying a bright position out of direct sunlight, Boston fern is easy to please. ‘Just don’t forget to give him a weekly drink directly into the soil, as Boston Fern won’t thank you if their soil is left to dry out too much,’ Morag recommends. Also make sure you know how to care for house plants in winter so you water them at the correct time.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron hederaceum
(Image credit: Philodendron heartleaf from Bloomscape)
Heartleaf Philodendron are another easy, low-maintenance choice as plants for the bathroom, which are great for beginners.
‘The Philodendron Heartleaf is one of the most forgiving plants as it can tolerate neglect of all sorts, including low light and inconsistent watering,’ says Lindsay Pangborn, Bloomscape’s gardening expert. They are good low light plants for bathrooms that get less sunlight.
Another great air-cleanser, this gorgeously glossy rainforest plant is perfect for cascading from a bathroom shelf out of direct sunlight.
‘It’s also a great hanging plant if you’re looking to add some visual height, due to its trailing heart-shaped leaves,’ says Lindsay. ‘Its graceful trailing nature creates a serene environment that’s perfect for a space meant for self-care.’ So if you're looking for spa bathroom ideas, adding some of these plants would be a good tip.
As well as being a great bathroom plant, with their these pretty heart shaped leaves, these are great as bedroom plants or to decorate shelves as kitchen plants.
3. Calathea ‘Freddie’ – Prayer Plant
(Image credit: Patch Plants)
The bold zebra stripes of this stunning Brazilian native make an eye-catching addition to any bathroom. ‘Thriving in bright light and high humidity, the Calathea ‘Freddie’ is a great option as a plant for the bathroom if you’re looking to add another plant with unique decorative foliage,’ says Lindsay. Choosing houseplants with varied foliage is among the many ways of decorating with plants.
Position these best bathroom plants in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and water when the top third of the soil has dried out to ensure the root ball remains moist.
The leaves of this striking prayer plant close up at night before opening up to greet you again in the morning.
Find out how to care for a peacock plant, as they are also known, to keep them happy and healthy.
4. Trailing jade plant – Peperomia rotundifolia
(Image credit: The Little Botanical)
The trailing jade plant is a fantastic choice if your bathroom has no window. ‘This plant copes well under artificial or fluorescent light, making it perfect for low-light bathrooms,’ Morag of The Little Botanical explains. For this reason it is also among the best winter house plants and is also another pet friendly option.
Peperomia rotundifolia is native to the rainforests of Central and tropical South America, where it grows on trees as an epiphyte.
To mimic its natural habitat, try hanging this cascading best bathroom plant in the shower for a truly spa-like experience.
‘As a tropical plant, it also needs plenty of moisture, so it’ll benefit from the steam of a warm bath or shower,’ says Morag. Other than ensuring it receives plenty of water, trailing jade plant is low-maintenance and easy to look after, rarely needing re-potting.
5. Chinese money plant – Pilea peperomioides
(Image credit: The Little Botanical)
Pilea peperomioides is the perfect addition as a bathroom shelf idea or for adding to a bathboard, says Morag. ‘The Chinese Money Plant loves a humid environment. The key to keeping the leaves of this plant dark green is all to do with how much moisture is in the air. As long as it gets enough moisture, the leaves will remain their dark green color.’
Boasting quirky round leaves rather like lily pads, as well as being one of the best bathroom plants, the Chinese money plant is also one of the most popular houseplants.
It has an easy-going and forgiving nature, tolerating a certain amount of neglect when it comes to watering. However, grow your Pilea in a bright spot without too much scorching sunlight, and water whenever the top of the compost has dried out, and it will thank you by producing scores of glossy leaves and even some baby plants around the base.
6. Asparagus fern – Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)
Thriving in high humidity, the asparagus fern is another great plant for the bathroom, says Emily Lawlor, owner of Happy Houseplants . ‘Beautiful cascading stems make the asparagus fern ideal for a hanging basket,’ she explains.
Actually in the lily family, this southern African fern lookalike boasts gently arching feathery ‘fronds’ that are perfect for softening bathroom wall tiles. ‘It is a perfect plant to use in clusters; its foliage mixes beautifully with other houseplants,’ says Emily.
Asparagus fern thrives in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, with regular watering to ensure the compost remains moist but not soggy.
7. Flamingo flower – Anthurium andraeanum
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you want to create a statement in your bathroom with the best bathroom plants, look no further than the unique and striking shiny red flower bracts (spathes) of the flamingo flower.
‘Anthurium andraeanum makes a great houseplant, with elongated leaves and long-lasting, highly ornamental flowers that are popular with florists the world over,’ says Emily, and are a lovely colourful, decorative accessory if you're looking for ways to organise a bathroom countertop.
Hailing from Colombia and Ecuador, flamingo flower is perfect for channelling that sought-after tropical jungle vibe. ‘They thrive in a bright room with plenty of humidity; steamy bathrooms are perfect!’
8. Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’ – inch plant, spiderwort, wandering dude
(Image credit: Happy Houseplants)
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’ is a compact variety of this popular and fast-growing houseplant, and also one of the most eye-catching.
With a shimmering sheen, each leaf is a work of art: the green upper surfaces painted with pale pink stripes, and the undersides a bright violet. Young leaves also appear purple at first, before turning green. No wonder this wandering dude has become an Instagram sensation.
Spiderwort looks beautiful in a hanging basket or container, where it will hang over the sides. It also loves humidity, so is ideal for bright bathrooms,’ says Emily from Happy Houseplants. ‘It’s a classic 70s houseplant making a huge comeback, and for good reason – its easy-care nature makes it hard not to love,’ she adds.
To keep these plants for the bathroom happy, simply place in bright, indirect light, and water whenever the top layer of compost has dried out.
9. Moth orchid – Phalaenopsis
(Image credit: Future)
Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes, meaning that in their natural habitat – the rainforests of South and Southeast Asia and Northeast Australia – they grow on trees, where they take in moisture from the air using their thick aerial roots.
This makes them ideal for growing in humid bathrooms, where they will happily absorb moisture from the air.
Phalaenopsis – or moth orchids – are some of the easiest orchids to grow, making them very popular as houseplants and gifts and it is easy to get to grips with orchid care. They also produce extremely long-lasting flowers that will add a stately and luxurious feel to any bathroom.
The waxy blooms, which come in a huge array of colors and patterns, can last for up to six months. Choose a white Phalaenopsis for pure elegance, or bold pink blooms for a pop of color. Despite their exotic beauty, Phalaenopsis are unfussy and withstand a certain amount of neglect. All they need to thrive is high humidity, a bright spot out of direct sunlight, and for water to be run over the whole plant every week or so. Make sure you also know when to repot orchids to keep them blooming.
10. Air plant – Tillandsia
(Image credit: Getty images)
For something a little different and a little quirky in your bathroom, try a tillandsia.
These fun, spiky plants are a unique and mess-free option, requiring no soil, and instead absorbing all the moisture they need from the air.
Sometimes air plants come mounted on a piece of driftwood or inside a sea urchin to give the appearance of a jellyfish – perfect for a beach bathroom feel – or you can place your tillandsia inside a glass bowl for a minimalist look.
Air plants are straightforward to look after – all they require is a humid environment and bright, indirect light. Also, make sure you know how to water an air plant to keep it happy and healthy – if you find your air plant turning brown then check if you are watering it too little or too often, and its position.
They are perfect for hanging in the shower, or elsewhere in the bathroom, in which case they will enjoy being dunked in water for 2-3 hours each fortnight. Give these cute and quirky plants a go.
Is it ok to put a plant in the bathroom?
It is ok to put a plant in the bathroom, but it is a matter of right plant, right place.
Certain plants will thrive better in the warm, humid conditions of a bathroom than in any other room of the house – just make sure you consider the natural habitat of a plant when you’re choosing one for your bathroom.
Thriving bathroom plants will create a calming and luxurious feel, absorb excess moisture and clean the air, as well as making a wonderful decorative feature.
(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)
Are succulents good for bathrooms?
Succulents will generally not thrive in the high humidity of a regularly used bathroom. This is because they are adapted to dry, low-humidity habitats and are prone to rotting in damp conditions
They are very popular and make fantastic low-maintenance houseplants if you know how to care for succulents, and most will thrive in a sunny spot in a little-used or guest bathroom.
However, there is one very versatile and easy-to-please succulent that can handle the higher humidity of a regularly used bathroom quite well, which is the coppertone sedum, Sedum adolphi.
10 humidity friendly houseplants for your bathroom
In your eagerness to add warmth to your interiors during the quarantine gardening boom, don’t forget about one humidity-filled haven: the bathroom.
“Bathrooms are a fun category,” said Annette Gutierrez of the Los Angeles plant store Potted. “I’ve got a whole hoya thing happening in mine. I love how they hang. Hanging plants are great in the bathroom where counter space is at a premium, and since most houseplants are tropicals, they love the humidity.”
Filled with moisture, bathrooms are an ideal environment for humidity-loving houseplants, but don’t substitute humidity for watering. “You still have to water your plants,” Gutierrez added.
Bloomscape plant expert Joyce Mast finds the bathroom a fun place to experiment. (And what better time than during a long-running pandemic?) You can place them on a shelf, mount them on tile with adhesive-backed hooks or hang them from a tension rod. “Don’t be afraid to place plants in the shower,” Mast said.
“They will love the steam and moisture boost, and the gentle rain will clean their leaves of dust and debris.”
Plants may do well in humidity, but remember they need light. Several months ago, I received an asparagus fern terrarium as a gift. But after two months in my bathroom, the fern turned yellow due to insufficient light. So take your plant’s light needs into consideration before placing it in the bathroom.
Here are 10 houseplants that should do well in the bathroom. Have a favorite bathroom plant or a success story of your own? Tag us on @latimesplants and we just might share it with our Instagram followers.
Bird’s nest fern
(Bloomscape)
1. Fern
Many ferns, such as Kimberly queen fern, bird’s nest fern and blue star fern thrive in extra moisture and will grow beautifully in a bathroom habitat according to Mast. Although many ferns grow at the base of trees in their natural habitat, it’s a good idea to give them medium light or bright filtered light indoors to encourage growth.
2. Gardenia
Gardenias are beautiful plants that do best in bright light but love the high humidity environment of a bathroom. “If you have a window in your bathroom that gets at least four hours of sun, for example, south- or west-facing, this would be a perfect spot to add a gardenia,” Mast said.
Snake plant, or sansevieria.
(Bloomscape)
3. Snake plant
Sansevieria is another plant that tolerates low light conditions and would be perfect to add to a bathroom that receives only minimal natural light. “Snake plants need very little water and thrive on neglect, so they are a perfect addition for someone who is new to plants or needs a plant that doesn’t mind being forgotten from time to time,” Mast said.
Spider plants do well in the bathroom. They are also not toxic to dogs and cats.
(Bloomscape)
4. Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum, or spider plants, are fun, easy houseplants that would make a great addition to a bathroom as they are tolerant of low light and love extra humidity.
“Spider plants would be great as a hanging plant above a bathtub for a dramatic effect,” Mast said. “Take advantage of overlooked surfaces like behind the toilet or over a vanity if you’re low on shelf space.” Spider plants are easy to propagate because they produce plantlets at the ends of their stalks. Simply cut one of the plantlets and place it in water. When roots are about an inch long, transfer the plant to potting soil.
Parlor palm, Chamaedorea elegans
(The Sill )
5. Parlor palm
Like most tropical plants, Chamaedorea elegans thrives in warm, humid rooms, so it helps to mist them or place them on a tray filled with moist pebbles. The miniature palm is a slow grower that can reach about 3 feet high, so you don’t have to worry about it overtaking the small space of a bathroom.
Calathea medallion
(The Sill )
6. Prayer plant
Calathea, often called prayer plant because of the way its leaves open during the day and close at night, will thrive in medium to low light and the added humidity that a bathroom would provide.
Although beautiful, with dramatic foliage, calathea can be a diva and needs consistent watering, pruning and feeding.
Fittonia do best in high humidity. Stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles and mist for adequate moisture.
(Lisa Boone )
7. Nerve plant
Fittonia plants can be finicky but do well if they have warmth, humidity and good lighting. Just don’t place them in direct sunlight or their delicate leaves will become brown and brittle. Keep the soil barely moist at all times and give it a regular misting or place it on a tray of wet pebbles. If you want a fuller look, pinch the stems for denser growth.
A detail of a monstera variegata in the home of Brandon Jeon (@mrplantdad).
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
8. Monstera
Monstera deliciosa, also called swiss cheese plant, is trendy (check out #MonsteraMonday on Instagram) and for good reason: It’s a dramatic, low-maintenance houseplant that is easy for beginners. Monstera does best in bright filtered light and on pebble trays.
A small plant is a good choice for the bathroom as monstera is a fast grower. If it grows too fast, train it with a moss-covered pole.
Phalaenopsis on a window sill
(Nedopekin Yuriy/igorkorsunsky - stock.adobe.com)
9. Orchid
Phalaenopsis from Trader Joe’s will do well if the bathroom has a window, said Huntington orchid specialist Brandon Tam. “The higher humidity is a definite plus but not mandatory,” he said. “I recommend having a few orchids in the bathroom if you have space. People will have higher success with the more observations that they make. The bathroom is one of the more visited rooms. That’s why I tell people to put them where they will be able to check on them throughout the day.”
Lipstick plant, left, and pothos, right, do well as hanging plants in the bathroom.
(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
10. Lipstick plant
The long-stemmed Aeschynanthus radicans, also known as lipstick plant, is an excellent hanging plant for the bathroom as it prefers high humidity.
Give it bright light, moderate water and misting and it will produce bright red 2-inch-long flowers that peek out of 1-inch calyxes, or tubes, that resemble a tiny tube of lipstick.
Living plants in the bathroom
There are practically no people indifferent to living plants. For residents of cities, a special pleasure is to get out into nature, walk through the park among green foliage, visit the botanical garden. It is not surprising that we want to feel the same peace and tranquility that live plants give at home.
A piece of the Garden of Eden can be arranged in any room, but people rarely think about decorating their bathroom with plants. But in vain. It is in the bathroom that we are alone with ourselves. Washing in the morning, we meet a new day, after the evening shower we go to rest.
Indoor plants can help you get in the right mood and add positive emotions. They purify the air of toxins, add a bright accent to the design of the bathroom, give extraordinary aromas and a feeling of freshness.
Which plants are suitable for the bathroom
For the bathroom, plant species that can tolerate temperature extremes, high humidity and lack of light are better suited. Of the large plants - Monstera, Philodendron, Japanese Fatsia. If you want to see flowers in your bathroom, choose violets, spathiphyllums, Decembrists, cyclamens, etc. .
Climbing plants will fit well into the interior - small-leaved ivy, fern, philodendron clinging, epipremnum golden. Moisture-loving bamboo and asparagus will also be an excellent decoration for the bathroom. Some types of orchids can also live in the bathroom, because in nature they grow next to water bodies.
Humidity
Plants need water to survive. Tropical views are perfect for the bathroom. The abundance of steam, high humidity and room temperature are excellent conditions for cordelina, fern, ficus, monstera, dracaena and others.
Despite the high humidity, it is necessary to water the flowers.
But spraying is not necessary, with daily use of the bathroom, there will be enough moisture in the air..
Light
No less important for plants and light. If your bathroom doesn't have a window that gets enough sunlight in, no big deal! You can use artificial lighting.
You can place the lighting vertically, in corners. In this case, the plants will receive a sufficient amount of light, and the devices themselves will not be visible. The ideal distance from the lamp to the flower is 20-50 cm.
Placement
Depending on the size of the room, you can choose small plants in pots or planters that can be placed on the shelves or on the corner of the bathroom. And you can also prefer the taller green varieties, creating a real tropical garden in your bathroom.
Don't overdo it, the plants shouldn't interfere with your harvesting. Choose tree species or flowers with broad leaves only if there is free space, otherwise, instead of an exotic garden, you will end up with an impenetrable jungle.
Tall trees are best placed on the floor. Choose a place where there is the least amount of activity, such as the corner of the bathroom. Large plants can block ugly pipes or ceilings if they are in the bathroom.
The bathroom window sill is a great place to grow flowers. If there is enough space, you can arrange a real greenhouse here. The window will provide the light the plants need, here they will feel best. Plants located on shelves and racks should not stand too high, otherwise it will be inconvenient for you to care for them.
The greenery winding along the cabinets and walls looks very impressive. To do this, you can use a fishing line so that the leaves have something to catch on. Do not place climbing plants dangerously close to the doors - there is a high risk of accidentally pinching the shoots and harming the flower.
Caution
Make sure that representatives of the flora do not come into contact with household chemicals, it would be nice to sometimes put them on the balcony or open windows so as not to create a shortage of fresh air.
If foam or toothpaste gets on the leaves, wipe them with a damp cloth. Also, be careful if you use aerosols in the bathroom, they are dangerous for plants.
Glass and ceramics are not the best choice for bathroom vases: if they fall on the tiles, they are likely to break. It is better to use plastic flowerpots and bottles and small pots.
If you follow all the rules, plants will thank you by transforming a boring bathroom. Interior decoration with live plants is beautiful, fresh and unusual. Taking a bath, surrounded by greenery and perceiving the smells of fresh flowers, is reminiscent of the true pleasure of aristocrats, available to everyone.
10 plants for the bathroom - INMYROOM
Tips
Humid, stuffy, little light... The atmosphere in the bathroom often resembles a dense tropical forest. What kind of plants are comfortable in such conditions?
Contemporary bathroom interior is rarely complete without lively decor.
Bouquets of fresh flowers washbasins and jacuzzis look very impressive, but it is impractical to use them regularly. It is much easier to have indoor plants in the bathroom. But what? If you have a spacious bathroom with good daylight, then flowers that are tolerant of high humidity and heat will do. If the bathroom is small and without windows, which are found in most apartment buildings houses, shade tolerance must be added to the listed requirements.
However, all plants need at least a minimal light source. To do this, use fluorescent bulbs or periodically take the plants to a light windowsill. Do not forget to provide them with timely watering and spraying, according to the characteristics of their species. Let's get acquainted with ten representatives of room flora, the most suitable for living in the bathroom.
Dracaena sander or indoor bamboo
Often it is called luck bamboo. It looks stylish as in a transparent vase with water, and in an ordinary pot with soil.
But in the midst of plants, bamboo can easily get lost, so it's better to place it alone. Dracaena Sandera prefers penumbra, calmly refers to humidity and heat. Don't forget bamboo grows very fast, and about the extra space for it is worth worry in advance.
Sansevieria
O her endurance and unpretentiousness can be legendary. Besides, she's great purifies the air. It needs very little light and water to survive. young low sansevieria is suitable for decorating shelves and countertops of a washbasin, and massive mature plants will complement the corner spaces of the bathroom. If hang sansevieria in a flowerpot, then it can germinate with leaves down, multiplying with aerial rhizomes.
Chlorophytum
Thanks for its endurance and decorativeness, this plant is actively used in indoor landscaping. It is also appropriate in the bathroom. Lush hairstyle chlorophytum is best looks on high horizontal surfaces: on cabinets or in flowerpots. IN care, he is absolutely unpretentious and feels good in the shade.
Orchid
This the flower is more associated with whims and high care requirements. But two out of 20,000 species of orchids, living in a bathroom will do just fine: phalaenopsis ("Butterfly") and paphiopedilum ("Venus slipper"). They are perfect suitable for modern interiors. Their flowers will be an elegant decoration washbasin countertops, doubling their beauty in a mirror image. They need diffused, soft light and high humidity, which is in the bathroom easy to provide.
Calathea
She popular due to decorative leaves with expressive veins. Calathea comfortable at 90% humidity and heat (not less than +16 °С). The plant prefers partial shade with a little sunshine. Sharp temperature changes include negative and immediately begins to wither away. For watering it is better to use warm, soft water.
Philodendron
For For this ampelous plant, light is not as important as moisture. Soil in his pot should be constantly moistened, but without busting.
Due to rapid growth Philodendron is important to provide ample space. You can safely use to create a newfangled decor - a green wall.
Ivy
His belong to unpretentious vines and are actively used in interior decoration. In relatives in the subtropics, he is used to living in shady forests, so in a dimly lit bath he will be quite comfortable. But from dry hot air, it will easily fade. Ivy suitable for the design of the upper shelves and vertical gardening. Plant one of the most effective air purifiers.
Nephrolepis sublime
Undemanding in care, a representative of ferns is often found in bathroom landscaping. But for plants are more suitable for rooms with a window - with a lack of daylight, nephrolepis starts dropping leaves. But he is not afraid of moisture and needs regular spraying. And once a week he will not refuse a warm shower under weak water. jet that does not damage the shoots.
Monstera
One one of the most favorite vines among flower growers.
