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If you’re aiming to elevate your bathroom’s ambiance affordably, there are easy ways to do it. Painting or wallpapering can work, but it demands time for choosing the right hues and patterns—and often a full day to execute. A faster, more transformative option? Bathroom plants. The right greenery can turn a bland, white bathroom into a serene, spa-like retreat in no time.
For a verdant, thriving bathroom environment, select plants that thrive in warm, humid conditions. Consider sunlight and water needs: windowless bathrooms need low-light tolerance houseplants. Classics like eucalyptus and aloe contribute to a calming atmosphere, with hanging and trailing vines adding texture and dividing up exposed walls.
Need a bathroom refresh in minutes? Browse our carefully curated list of 33 top-rated bathroom plants, perfect for any lighting condition—turn your space into a warm, green retreat.
1. Aluminum Plant
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Also known as Pilea cadierei, this silver-spotting beauty loves bright indirect light and lots of humidity. Its metallic leaf spots make it a work of nature for any bathroom.
Size: Small
2. Calathea Musaica
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With dramatic mosaic-textured leaves, this plant demands high humidity, well-draining soil, and frequent moisture—exactly what bathrooms have. A little persnickety, but it’s worth it.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern
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Wild epiphyte Asplenium nidus draws nutrients from water rather than soil. It loves tropical bathrooms with humidity, medium to bright indirect light, and well-draining soil for a relaxed but lush appearance.
4. Rabbit Foot Fern
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Ideal for beginners, this fern thrives in humidity and indirect light. Simply mist it every few days to keep the environment moist and happy.
5. Rubber Tree ‘Burgundy’
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With glossy burgundy leaves, this rubber tree does great in low to medium light and humid bathrooms. Its only extra care? Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and sunlight-ready.
6. Olive Tree
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Unlike one might expect, olive trees are rather well-suited for bathrooms—they love humidity and low light. Placed best in a corner, they bring vertical interest with little watering necessary.
7. Peace Lily
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Known for its pure white flowers and air-purifying abilities, the peace lily does well under natural light and humidity. Just make sure to keep it out of reach of pets, as it is poisonous if eaten.
8. Black Bamboo Tree
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This taller variety of bamboo saves counter space and flourishes in fast-growing, cold-hardy conditions—perfect for open-window bathrooms. May need winter pruning to keep growth in check.
9. Hypoestes Pink Splash
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Its bright pink leaves make this dwarf tropical plant a pick-me-up to tiny rooms. Also purifies the air of mold and airborne chemicals—perfect for tidy shelf placement.
10. Anthurium
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Tropical treat that thrives on heat and moisture, Anthurium is smothered with vibrant flowers in bright, indirect light. In low-lit bathrooms, the glossy leaves remain appealing even when not in bloom.
11. Coffee Plant
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This plant will not get you morning cups, but the frilly, glossy leaves are a stunning addition to any bookshelf. It prefers both low and indirect light—simply water more frequently when the sun is brighter. High humidity makes it gleam even brighter.
12. English Ivy
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A classic bathroom choice, English ivy cleans the air and thrives in low-light, humid environments. Display it up high and allow the vines to flow for an elegant, dramatic effect. Growth rate is fast, so expect to direct its path from time to time.
13. Blue Star Fern
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Unlike most ferns, it prefers more regular watering and reduced humidity. It has an irregular leaf form that exudes tropical vibes. Place it in bright, indirect light—like a windowsill—for maximum impact. A self-watering pot works magic.
14. Kangaroo Fern
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This pet-friendly, side-spreading plant thrives in humid, low-light areas—like your steamy bathroom. Give it room to stretch out, and mist often to simulate its native rain forest habitat.
15. Boston Fern
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Another long-standing humidity lover, the Boston fern will thrive on a top shelf and in corners. The leaves hang best if they’re hung. Needs occasional light—sit it in front of a window or supplement with a grow light if necessary.
16. Marble Pothos
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Ideal for dark, windowless bathrooms, this pothos variety is watered only when the soil is dry as a bone. Low-maintenance and hardy, it’s ideal for beginners looking for laid-back greenery.
17. ZZ Plant
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Arguably one of the most low-maintenance houseplants around, the ZZ plant can take neglect in stride. Water occasionally when dry and keep in low to medium light. It matures up to three feet tall with time—ideal for adding vertical drama.
18. Lemon Lime Prayer Plant
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Prayer-fold at night, this vibrant plant thrives in low to bright indirect light and adores humidity. Water filtered or distilled keeps edges from burning, but tap water is acceptable as well.
19. Pilea Peperomioides
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Also referred to as the pancake or UFO plant, this sweet tropical plant loves bright, indirect light and humidity—just like your bathroom. Its flat, round leaves are just adorable, and it has « pups » you can share with your friends.
20. Golden Pothos
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Trailing star golden pothos can handle low or bright indirect light. If the air is too dry, the leaf ends may become brown, so give the humidity a boost with regular misting to keep it content.
21. Majesty Palm
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Tropical and rich, majesty palms adore steamy bathrooms with occasional misting. They’ll survive in low light, but they actually prefer bright locations—in front of an east- or south-facing window, ideally. Leaves turning brown or crispy mean more water and less light is in order.
22. Mini Preserved Living Wall
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Want green without the upkeep? A preserved moss wall brings texture and color to your bathroom—no water or sun required. Hang and experience a constant splash of nature on your wall.
23. Hedgehog Aloe
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This hassle-free succulent is perfect for beginners. It needs minimal watering and prefers a light place—either indirect or direct sun will do. Bonus: The gel in its fleshy leaves is great for soothing skin irritation and minor burns.
24. Snake Plant
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A standby of both novice and experienced plant lovers everywhere, the snake plant (also sansevieria) can handle all humidity and light. Its dramatic architectural form and resilience render it a low-maintenance showpiece for any bathroom.
25. Calathea Rattlesnake
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This showy plant loves moisture and medium indirect light. Your bathroom’s humidity keeps its iconic leaves healthy and stunning. In return, it brings fresh life to your space with its graphic, patterned leaves.
26. Algerian Ivy
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For that secret garden feel indoors, Algerian ivy is a fun option. It prefers medium light and average humidity. Suspend it in a basket so its long, trailing stems can take center stage.
27. Ionantha Air Plants (12-Pack)
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Although they’re named air plants, they do need water—just give them a weekly watering. They love light, indirect sun and humidity, so a bathroom windowsill is their perfect position. Small and quirky, they’re perfect for artistic arrangements.
28. Monstera Deliciosa
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A tropical showstopper, the monstera (or Swiss cheese plant) thrives in low to bright indirect light and loves humidity. While easily tolerant, it’s happiest with regular moisture and filtered light.
29. Watermelon Peperomia
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This playful plant adores hot, humid bathrooms. Mist it often and give it medium to bright indirect light. Its unique leaf pattern—watermelon rinds—are a splash of bright personality.
30. Mini Heart Lucky Bamboo
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Lucky bamboo thrives in water and is about as low-maintenance as they come. It’s perfect for dark bathrooms and will bring a soothing, spa-like ambiance immediately. Simply replace the water from time to time, and it’ll sit happily growing away.
31. Philodendron Heartleaf
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A wonderful beginner plant, philodendron heartleaf loves bathroom humidity and can spread big and lush. Hanging vines are dramatic, and it’s a lovely option for shelves or hanging baskets.
32. Tradescantia Zebrina
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This beautiful purple cascade plant likes more humidity. When leaves start turning brown, it’s a good sign that the air is too dry. It’s a gorgeous and easy-to-care-for addition to bring some deep color to your bathroom.
33. Spider Plant ‘Variegated’
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Spider plants prefer bright light but will also accept reduced lighting. Spider plants will thrive in moderate humidity and look beautiful on shelves or hanging baskets. Watch for baby spider plants that will propagate or give to a friend.
