19 Bathroom Plants that Can Absorb Moisture

Benefits of houseplants aren’t just limited to their aesthetic appeal; it is proven to remove toxins and improve air quality.

To reap its benefits while sleeping, garden lovers place oxygen-releasing plants in the bedroom.

So, why shouldn’t you keep this greenery in your bathroom?

It may sound strange, but the air quality in the bathroom is worse compared to other rooms in your house.

Humid, warm and limited ventilation in the bathroom provides favourable conditions for bacteria and mould growth. Studies show that placing houseplants in bathrooms can reduce stress, improve air quality and boost energy levels. 

But, conditions in restrooms are so unpredictable. Depending on ventilation, light and temperature, you should choose plants that can survive and thrive in low lightening conditions.

What are the Factors to Consider While Choosing Your Bathroom Plants?

The growing environment in restrooms is quite humid with low lighting conditions. 

To grow a thriving plant, you must select houseplants that can survive in low-lightening conditions.

Below mentioned are vital aspects to keep in mind:

1. Humidity

Bathrooms are the most humid part of your house. Even if you select humid-loving plants, it is recommended to strike a balance and avoid excess humidity.

The plants mentioned below are known to withstand humid environments in restrooms.

2. Lightening Conditions

Though bathrooms receive negligible natural light, using fluorescent lamps is the best option to provide minimal lighting for plants.

You can place the plant beside the bathroom window, where it gets a sufficient amount of sunlight exposure. 

3. Temperature

Popular houseplants prefer temperatures ranging from 65F to 75F.

Though, in most cases, bathrooms maintain consistent temperatures, you should be mindful to keep plants away from hot showers and drafts.

4. Ventilation

More space for air circulation leads to mold growth. You can improve ventilation by either having a window or an exhaust fan.

5. Space Limitations

Being surrounded by greenery is amazing for plant lovers. But don’t overcrowd the bathroom with plants.

You can install shelves or try vertical gardening to manage small-spaced bathrooms.

6. Watering and Drainage

Regularly monitor soil moisture levels.

Overwatering is one of the leading causes of most houseplants’ failure to survive indoors.

Also, ensure the plant pot has a drainage hole to remove excess water.

19 Best Bathroom Plants that Can Absorb Moisture

1. Peace Lily

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are popular houseplants known for their lush foliage and elegant white flowers. These resilient plants are well-suited for growing in bathrooms with low to medium light conditions, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add greenery to their indoor spaces. To ensure successful growth, it’s essential to understand the specific growing requirements of peace lilies in bathroom environments.

• Peace lilies thrive in low to medium light conditions, making them ideal for bathrooms with limited natural light. Place near a window for filtered sunlight or use fluorescent/LED lights.
• Peace lilies appreciate naturally high humidity levels found in bathrooms and thrive in moist environments. Avoid direct exposure to steam to prevent fungal issues.
• Maintain temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) and avoid cold drafts from windows or vents.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and drain excess water to prevent root rot.
• Use well-draining potting mix and pots with drainage holes. Repot every 1-2 years to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter.
• Promptly remove yellowing or dead leaves and wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.

2. Snake plant

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are excellent choices for gardeners seeking to cultivate greenery in bathroom environments with low to medium light conditions. These hardy plants are not only visually appealing but also require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy individuals. Here are some essential growing requirements and tips for successfully growing snake plants in your bathroom:

• Place in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

3. Pothos

Pothos plants are adaptable to low to medium light conditions and prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

• Position in a spot with indirect sunlight.
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Trim long vines to maintain a compact shape.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate low to medium light conditions. It requires well-draining soil and benefits from occasional misting.

• Place near a window for filtered sunlight.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

5. ZZ Plant (Zanzibar Gem)

ZZ plants thrive in low to medium light conditions and require well-draining soil. They are highly adaptable to various humidity levels.

• Position in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering, as ZZ plants prefer drier conditions.

6. Boston Fern

Boston ferns prefer bright indirect light and high humidity levels. They require consistently moist soil and benefit from occasional misting.

• Place in a location with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity.

7. Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s nest ferns thrive in low to medium light conditions and require consistently moist soil. They prefer high humidity levels.

• Position in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
• Provide regular misting to maintain humidity around the plant.

8. Reed Palm

Reed palms thrive in low to medium light conditions and require well-draining soil. They prefer moderate to high humidity levels.

• Place in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity around the plant.

9. Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plants prefer low to medium light conditions and well-draining soil. They can tolerate low humidity levels.

• Position in a spot with indirect sunlight.
• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

10. Tillandsia

Tillandsias require bright indirect light and good airflow. They do not need soil and absorb water and nutrients through their leaves.

• Display in a location with bright indirect sunlight.
• Soak or mist the plant regularly to provide moisture.
• Ensure good airflow around the plant to prevent rotting.

11. Azalea

Azaleas prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist but well-draining soil. They require moderate humidity levels.

• Place in a spot with indirect sunlight.
• Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Provide regular misting to maintain humidity around the plant.

12. Orchids

Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They require moderate humidity levels.

• Position in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Water sparingly, allowing the roots to dry out between waterings.
• Provide good airflow around the roots to prevent rotting.

13. Baby’s Tear

Baby’s tears thrive in low to medium light conditions and consistently moist soil. They prefer high humidity levels.

• Place in a location with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Trim regularly to control growth and maintain appearance.

14. Philodendron

Philodendrons are adaptable to low to medium light conditions and prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

• Position in a spot with indirect sunlight.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings partially.
• Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

15. Dracaena

Dracaena plants prefer low to bright indirect light and well-draining soil. They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

• Place in a location with indirect sunlight.
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

16. Begonia

Begonias thrive in medium to bright indirect light and require well-draining soil. They prefer high humidity levels.

• Position in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Provide regular misting to maintain humidity around the plant.

17. Spider Plant

Spider plants are adaptable to low to medium light conditions and prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

• Place in a spot with indirect sunlight.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings partially.
• Prune brown tips and yellowing leaves regularly to maintain appearance.

18. Calathea

Calathea plants require medium to bright indirect light and high humidity levels. They prefer consistently moist soil.

• Position in an area with indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity around the plant.

19. Cyclamen

Cyclamen plants prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist but well-draining soil. They require moderate humidity levels.

• Place in a location with indirect sunlight.
• Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Provide good airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Conclusion

Growing plants in the bathroom not only beautifies your restroom but also improves air quality by removing toxins from it.

As the bathroom is humid and has low-lightening conditions, you need to choose plants that can withstand a humid environment and should be able to survive in light.