Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to adding greenery but incorporating plants into this space can do wonders for both its aesthetic and atmosphere. With the right shower-friendly plants, you can elevate your bathroom’s ambiance, improve air quality, and create a spa-like retreat.
Many plants thrive in the high humidity and indirect light conditions typical of bathrooms, and here’s a list of 19 stunning options to bring your space to life.
Let’s explore each plant, its care needs, and why it’s perfect for your shower.
1. Spider Plant
Spider plants are highly adaptable and produce offshoots, often called “spiderettes,” which can be propagated into new plants. Their cascading foliage makes them a great choice for hanging baskets, adding a dynamic and lively aesthetic to your shower space. They are also non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for households with furry companions.
- Care Requirements: Easy to grow, prefers bright indirect light but tolerates low light; keeps the soil moist but not soggy.
- Benefits: It is an excellent air purifier and adds a pop of green with its long, arching leaves.
- Placement: Hang in a corner of the shower or place on a windowsill.
2. Azalea
Azaleas are known for their striking, colorful blooms that can range from pink to red, white, or purple. They thrive in cool, humid conditions, making the bathroom an ideal spot. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages more blooms, adding a refreshing burst of color to your space.
- Care Requirements: Prefers bright indirect light; keep the soil consistently moist.
- Benefits: Adds vibrant color with its beautiful blooms.
- Placement: Position near a shower window for optimal light.
3. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are epiphytes that don’t require soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients directly from the air. They come in a variety of forms, from spiky and sculptural to soft and flowing, making them perfect for creative displays. Use driftwood or glass terrariums to showcase their unique beauty.
- Care Requirements: Needs bright, indirect light; mist 2-3 times a week.
- Benefits: Unique shapes and textures add an artistic flair.
- Placement: Attach to a shower wall or hang from a decorative holder.
4. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are loved for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and their beautiful, glossy leaves. Their white, sail-like flowers add a touch of elegance, while their natural air-purifying abilities make them a functional addition to any bathroom. Regular misting can keep the leaves looking fresh and vibrant.
- Care Requirements: Thrives in low to medium light; water when the soil feels dry.
- Benefits: Cleans the air and produces elegant white flowers.
- Placement: Place on a shelf or the floor where it can soak in the humidity.
5. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Fern is known for their delicate and graceful foliage. This plant requires consistent moisture and appreciates the humid environment of a bathroom. This plant is perfect for adding a soft, natural element to your shower area, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
- Care Requirements: Bright indirect light; keep the soil moist but ensure good drainage.
- Benefits: Its lush, feathery fronds add texture and a tropical vibe.
- Placement: Hang in baskets or place in corners of the shower.
6. Pothos
Pothos, often referred to as “Devil’s Ivy,” is a versatile plant that thrives in low light and requires minimal care. Its long, trailing vines make it ideal for hanging baskets, where it can create a cascading green curtain. Regular trimming encourages fuller growth and prevents the vines from becoming leggy.
- Care Requirements: Low to medium light; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Benefits: Known for its trailing vines and ability to purify the air.
- Placement: Hang in a macramé holder or let it cascade from a high shelf.
7. Begonias (Various Species)
Begonias are available in an array of colors and patterns, from richly hued blooms to striking, textured leaves. They thrive in humid conditions and can brighten up even the dullest corners of your bathroom. Certain varieties, such as Rex begonias, are prized for their dramatic foliage, which adds visual interest.
- Care Requirements: Bright indirect light; keep the soil evenly moist.
- Benefits: Adds vibrant foliage or flowers, depending on the variety.
- Placement: Set on a ledge or windowsill.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not only a beautiful but also a practical addition to your bathroom. Its gel, known for soothing burns and skin irritation, can be easily harvested from the leaves. The plant’s succulent nature means it stores water in its leaves, making it incredibly low-maintenance.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; water sparingly and allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Benefits: Known for its healing gel and sleek, minimalist look.
- Placement: Position near a window where it gets filtered light.
9. Snake Plant
Snake plants, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” are virtually indestructible and can thrive in almost any environment. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen even at night, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality. Their vertical growth habit adds a sleek, modern look to any bathroom.
- Care Requirements: Low maintenance; prefers indirect light but tolerates low light; water sparingly.
- Benefits: Filters toxins from the air and adds a modern touch with its upright, architectural leaves.
- Placement: Set on the shower floor or a small stool.
10. Orchids
Orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, are synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Their long-lasting flowers and sleek leaves make them a standout addition to any bathroom. To keep them thriving, ensure the roots have proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; water weekly and ensure good air circulation.
- Benefits: Elegant blooms create a luxurious feel.
- Placement: Place near a shower window or on a shelf.
11. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a hardy and resilient option for bathrooms with limited light. Its waxy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication and are incredibly low-maintenance. It’s also known for its ability to tolerate neglect, making it perfect for busy households.
- Care Requirements: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
- Benefits: Glossy, deep green leaves provide a modern aesthetic.
- Placement: Set on the floor or a countertop.
12. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant is one of the most durable indoor plants. Its dark green, strap-like leaves bring a timeless charm to bathrooms. This plant is a great choice for anyone new to plant care, as it can handle a range of conditions.
- Care Requirements: Adaptable to low light; water when the topsoil is dry.
- Benefits: Nearly indestructible and perfect for beginners.
- Placement: Place on the floor or in a corner.
13. Philodendrons
Philodendrons are beloved for their fast growth and lush, vibrant foliage. Whether climbing or bushy, they can adapt to various environments and bring life to your bathroom. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; water when the topsoil feels dry.
- Benefits: Trailing or upright varieties add greenery and purify the air.
- Placement: Hang from the ceiling or set on a ledge.
14. Calathea (Various Species)
Calatheas are often called “prayer plants” due to their leaves’ habit of folding up at night. Their intricately patterned leaves can feature stripes, spots, or even a velvety texture, making them a statement piece. They thrive in high humidity and require consistent care to stay vibrant.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; keep the soil consistently moist.
- Benefits: Striking patterned leaves add visual interest.
- Placement: Place on a shelf or countertop.
15. English Ivy
English Ivy is a classic choice for adding elegance to any space. Its cascading growth habit is perfect for hanging baskets, where it can create a lush, flowing effect. It’s also known to help reduce airborne mold, making it a practical choice for bathrooms.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; keep the soil slightly moist.
- Benefits: Trailing vines create a cascading effect and purify the air.
- Placement: Hang in a basket or let it trail from a high ledge.
16. Baby’s Tear
Baby’s Tear is a delicate plant with a charming appearance, thanks to its tiny, round leaves that form dense mats. It thrives in humid conditions and looks stunning when allowed to cascade from hanging planters. Regular misting will keep it lush and healthy.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; keep the soil moist.
- Benefits: Dense, tiny leaves create a lush, soft appearance.
- Placement: Perfect for a hanging planter or windowsill.
17. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a bathroom favorite for its soft, feathery fronds that create a lush, tropical vibe. It’s excellent at removing toxins from the air and requires consistent humidity to stay fresh and green. Occasional pruning helps maintain its bushy appearance.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; keep the soil consistently moist.
- Benefits: Its bushy fronds make any space feel tropical and relaxing.
- Placement: Hang in a corner or place on a pedestal.
18. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird’s Nest Ferns are known for their unique, wavy fronds that radiate out from a central rosette. Their striking appearance adds a touch of drama to any bathroom. These ferns appreciate consistent watering and benefit from occasional misting to mimic their natural rainforest environment.
- Care Requirements: Medium to bright indirect light; keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Benefits: Its wavy, bright green fronds add texture and life.
- Placement: Place on a shelf or hang for a dramatic effect.
19. Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Ferns are not true ferns but share a similar lush appearance. Their delicate, needle-like leaves bring softness and texture to any space. They thrive in humid environments and require regular watering to maintain their vibrant, green foliage.
- Care Requirements: Bright, indirect light; keep the soil slightly moist.
- Benefits: Fine, feathery foliage adds elegance and softness.
- Placement: Hang in a basket or place on a shelf.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your bathroom into a green sanctuary is easier than you think with these 19 shower-friendly plants. By selecting options that thrive in high humidity and indirect light, you’ll create a space that’s not only visually appealing but also beneficial to your health and well-being.
Start with one or two plants, and watch your bathroom come to life!
