Ever stepped into your bathroom after a hot shower and felt like you were in a tropical rainforest? That steamy, damp environment might be perfect for your skin, but it’s also an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Ugh, nobody wants that. The good news? Mother Nature’s got your back.
Plants aren’t just pretty faces in your home decor arsenal. These green buddies can actually help combat excess moisture while adding a splash of life to your loo. I’ve spent years experimenting with different varieties in my own humidity-prone bathroom, and lemme tell you, the difference is noticeable.
Why Plants in the Bathroom?
Bathrooms are moisture magnets. Between showers, baths, and sink splashes, humidity levels can skyrocket in these small spaces. This creates the perfect storm for mold growth, peeling paint, and that musty smell we all hate.
Plants naturally absorb moisture through their leaves in a process called transpiration. It’s kinda like how they breathe, but instead of exhaling carbon dioxide like us humans, they release oxygen. Win-win, amirite? Some plants are particularly talented at this moisture-sucking business, making them ideal bathroom companions.
Besides tackling humidity, bathroom plants offer other perks too. They purify the air by filtering out toxins, boost your mood with their greenery, and transform an otherwise sterile space into something more spa-like. Who dosent want that zen feeling when they’re doing their business?
Now let’s dive into the stars of the show1 5 moisture-loving plants that’ll help keep your bathroom fresh and dry.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston fern isn’t just a pretty face it’s a humidity-absorbing powerhouse. These lush, feathery fronds thrive in moist environments, making them perfect bathroom residents. They can absorb moisture through their leaves like nobody’s business.
Native to humid, tropical regions, Boston ferns actually prefer the steamy conditions your bathroom provides. Hang one in a basket near your shower, and watch it flourish while it helps keep dampness at bay. Just remember that while they love humidity, they also need indirect light so they’re best for bathrooms with at least one window.
I’ve had my Boston fern for three years now, and its dramatic cascading fronds have grown almost two feet long! The maintenance is minimal considering the benefits just mist it occasionally during dry winter months when heating systems can dry out the air.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are the drama queens of bathroom plants in the best possible way. With their glossy dark green leaves and iconic white “flowers” (technically modified leaves called spathes), they make a statement while quietly working to reduce humidity.
These beauties are incredibly efficient at removing moisture from the air through their leaves. They’re also among the best air-purifying plants, filtering out common bathroom toxins like ammonia from cleaning products. Talk about a multitasker!
My peace lily lets me know exactly when it needs attention by drooping dramatically, but perks right back up after watering. It’s been thriving in my low-light bathroom for years, occasionally rewarding me with those elegant white blooms. Just keep these away from pets they’re toxic if ingested.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are the unsung heroes of the plant world. These striped beauties with their arching leaves and little “babies” are practically indestructable, making them perfect for plant novices. They’re also excellent at absorbing excess moisture.
The spider plant earned its name from the spider-like plantlets that dangle from the mother plant on long stems. These little offspring can be snipped off and propagated, meaning you could eventually have spider plants fighting humidity in every room of your house!
I’ve got mine in a hanging basket where the cascading babies create a waterfall effect. They thrive in bright, indirect light but will tolerate lower light conditions too. Just don’t overwater them they’re susceptible to root rot if their soil stays soggy.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy brings a touch of classic elegance to your bathroom while being a humidity-fighting champion. This trailing beauty is particularly talented at removing airborne mold particles a common bathroom nemesis. NASA studies have even confirmed its air-purifying abilities!
With its cascading vines and distinctive lobed leaves, English ivy creates a romantic, somewhat Victorian atmosphere. Place it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket and let those vines drape dramatically. The contrast of the deep green against white bathroom fixtures is chef’s kiss.
My ivy has taken over an entire corner of my bathroom, climbing up a small trellis I installed. It grows quickly under the right conditions, so be prepared to trim it back occasionally. Also worth noting it’s toxic to pets, so position it out of reach if you’ve got furry friends.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If you’re cursed with a black thumb, the snake plant might be your bathroom’s salvation. These architectural beauties with their tall, sword-like leaves are virtually indestructible. They’re sometimes called “mother-in-law’s tongue” draw your own conclusions about that nickname!
Snake plants are succulents, which normally wouldn’t thrive in bathroom humidity. However, they’re incredibly adaptable and will happily absorb excess moisture while requiring minimal care in return. They’re also champion air purifiers, working overtime to clean your bathroom air even at night when most plants take a break.
I’ve placed mine in a corner that gets occasional light, and it’s been growing steadily for years. I literally water it maybe once a month, and it’s never complained. For a bathroom plant that combats humidity without demanding attention, snake plants are hard to beat.
6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera isn’t just for soothing sunburns it’s also a surprisingly effective bathroom moisture regulator. This succulent beauty has thick, gel-filled leaves that store water, helping it to absorb excess humidity from the air. Multi-purpose much?
Beyond its humidity-fighting powers, having aloe in your bathroom means you’ve always got nature’s first aid kit on hand. Got a minor burn, cut, or skin irritation? Snip off a small piece, squeeze out the gel, and apply directly to the affected area. Talk about convenient!
My aloe has been thriving on my bathroom windowsill for years. It gets bright, indirect light there and seems to love the steamy atmosphere when I shower. It’s grown from a tiny plant to one that regularly needs repotting, and I’ve even harvested pieces for both skincare and treating the occasional curling iron burn (we don’t talk about that).
7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Want to transform your bathroom into a tropical paradise? The bamboo palm is your ticket to an instant spa-like atmosphere. With its delicate fronds and elegant stems, this palm brings major vacation vibes while silently battling bathroom humidity.
Despite its exotic appearance, the bamboo palm is surprisingly low-maintenance. It thrives in the indirect light and steamy conditions bathrooms typically provide. The plant’s large surface area of leaves means it can absorb significant amounts of moisture from the air.
I’ve got a medium-sized bamboo palm in the corner of my bathroom, and it’s become the rooms focal point. Visitors always comment on it little do they know it’s actually a hardworking member of my anti-humidity task force! Just make sure you’ve got enough floor space, as these can grow up to 7 feet tall (though they’re slow growers).
8. Orchids (Phalaenopsis varieties)
Think orchids are fussy divas? Think again! Bathroom conditions actually mimic their natural tropical habitat perfectly. These stunning flowering plants absorb moisture through their aerial roots, making them excellent humidity fighters.
Phalaenopsis orchids (moth orchids) are particularly well-suited for bathroom life. They love the steamy shower environment and indirect light. Unlike many flowering plants, they can bloom for months at a time, adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
I’ve kept a purple phalaenopsis on my bathroom counter for years, and it’s rebloomed faithfully every spring. The flowers last for weeks, and even when not blooming, the thick, glossy leaves look tropical and lush. Just be sure to plant them in special orchid mix rather than regular potting soil they need good drainage despite loving humidity.
9. Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Air plants are the ultimate bathroom hack for small spaces. These quirky little plants don’t even need soil they absorb all the water and nutrients they need directly from the air through specialized cells called trichomes. How cool is that?
Their unique appearance ranges from spiky alien-like formations to soft, curly tendrils. Since they don’t need pots with soil, you can display them in all sorts of creative ways tucked into seashells, displayed in glass terrariums, or even mounted on bathroom walls.
My collection started with one tiny air plant and has grown to seven different varieties scattered around my bathroom. They thrive in the shower steam, tho I occasionally give them a quick dunk in water during particularly dry spells. Their minimal space requirements make them perfect for even the tiniest bathroom counters.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen brings a pop of color to your bathroom while quietly combating humidity. These sturdy plants come in various patterns of green, silver, and even pink, adding a decorative touch to utilitarian spaces. They’re like the secret agents of bathroom plants—beautiful but highly functional.
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Chinese evergreens are accustomed to humid conditions and actually prefer them. Their large leaves are efficient at absorbing moisture, and they’ll thrive even in bathrooms with minimal natural light.
I’ve placed mine on the back of my toilet tank where it gets occasional filtered light from a frosted window. It’s been growing steadily for years with minimal attention, just needing water when the soil feels dry. For a humidity-fighting plant that doesn’t demand much in return, Chinese evergreen is hard to beat.
11. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you’ve managed to kill every houseplant you’ve ever owned, give pothos a try in your bathroom. These nearly indestructible trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves come in varieties from golden to neon to marbled, and they’re champion moisture absorbers.
Pothos plants can thrive in almost any light condition, though they’ll grow faster and develop more variegation in brighter spots. Their cascading vines can reach impressive lengths, making them perfect for shelves or hanging baskets where they can dramatically drape.
My golden pothos has been with me through three apartment moves, and it’s currently trailing around my bathroom mirror frame. It grows so quickly in the humid bathroom that I regularly snip pieces to propagate in water and give to friends. The roots develop in a matter of days just another example of how much these plants love moisture.
12. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Looking for something a bit more unusual? Fittonia, with its intricately veined leaves in patterns of pink, white, or red against green backgrounds, brings both visual interest and humidity control to your bathroom. These low-growing beauties are like living artwork.
Native to the humid rainforests of South America, nerve plants are perfectly adapted to bathroom conditions. They absorb moisture through their delicate leaves while adding a designer touch to your space. They’re particularly effective when grouped together in terrariums or dish gardens.
My collection includes both pink and white varieties that live on my bathroom windowsill. They’re dramatic little things drooping noticeably when they need water but perking right back up after a drink. This actually makes them perfect bathroom inhabitants since the humidity keeps them happier between watering.
13. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Calatheas are the show-stoppers of the bathroom plant world. Their patterned leaves featuring stripes, splashes, and underbellies in colors from purple to pink seem almost painted by hand. Beyond their beauty, they’re excellent at processing bathroom humidity.
These plants get their “prayer plant” nickname from the way their leaves fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. This daily movement is actually part of how they process moisture. In their native tropical environment, they’ve evolved to maximize humidity absorption.
I’ve got a calathea medallion that’s become the statement piece of my bathroom. It took some trial and error to find its perfect spot (not too much direct sun, please!), but now it’s thriving and regularly unfurling new patterned leaves. Fair warning these can be slightly more demanding than some other bathroom plants, preferring filtered water and consistent humidity.
14. Begonia (Rex varieties)
Rex begonias bring the drama with their incredibly colorful, textured leaves in shades of silver, purple, red, pink, and green. These stunning plants aren’t just pretty faces they’re also effective at processing bathroom moisture through their broad leaf surfaces.
Unlike many flowering houseplants, rex begonias are grown primarily for their foliage. Each leaf is a masterpiece of color and pattern, often with metallic sheens or spiral arrangements that catch the eye. They prefer the humid conditions bathrooms provide, making them ideal moisture-absorbing decor.
My rex begonia collection started with one plant and has grown to four varieties arranged on a small stand in my bathroom. They create a living artwork display while helping keep humidity levels in check. They do appreciate bright, indirect light, so they’re best for bathrooms with decent windows.
15. Philodendron (Heartleaf and Brasil varieties)
Rounding out our list is the ever-reliable philodendron, particularly the heartleaf and Brasil varieties. These trailing vines with their glossy, heart-shaped leaves are not only charming but also exceptional at processing excess moisture through their foliage.
Philodendrons are among the most adaptable houseplants, tolerating a wide range of conditions while continuously putting out new growth. Their ability to absorb humidity through their leaves makes them perfect bathroom companions, and their trailing habit adds visual interest to shelves and counters.
I’ve had the same heartleaf philodendron for over five years, and it’s now cascading down from my bathroom shelf nearly to the floor. It requires almost no maintenance beyond occasional trimming and repotting every couple years. For a plant that works hard fighting humidity while asking little in return, philodendron is tough to beat.
16. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
The maidenhair fern is like the delicate ballerina of bathroom plants. With its feathery, fan-shaped fronds on thin black stems, it brings an ethereal elegance while quietly drinking up bathroom moisture. These dainty-looking plants are actually moisture-absorbing machines.
Unlike the more common Boston fern, maidenhair fronds have a distinctive triangular shape with tiny leaflets arranged along black, wire-thin stems. The effect is almost magical like a miniature forest floor transported to your bathroom. They create this floaty, dreamy vibe that transforms an ordinary bathroom into something special.
I nearly gave up on my maidenhair after it threw a tantrum in my living room, but moving it to my steamy bathroom was life-changing for both of us. It’s now thriving in the humid microclimate near my shower, unfurling new fronds regularly. Just keep in mind they’re a bit fussier than some other options they hate drying out completely and will let you know it by crispy edges if humidity drops too low.
17. Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)
Want something truly conversation-worthy? Pitcher plants are the carnivorous oddities that actually benefit from your bathroom’s humidity. Their modified leaves form distinctive “pitchers” filled with digestive fluid that trap insects nature’s most bizarre humidity fighters.
These fascinating plants have evolved to trap and digest insects in their native tropical habitats, but in your bathroom, they’ll focus more on humidity absorption than bug-catching (though they might occasionally snag a stray fruit fly!). The pitchers themselves are stunning often brightly colored with speckles, stripes, or blushes of red.
My Nepenthes ventrata has been the ultimate bathroom curiosity piece, developing several new pitchers since I hung it near my shower window. Visitors always do a double-take when they spot it, not expecting to see a carnivorous plant while washing their hands! They need bright, indirect light to form pitchers, so they’re best for bathrooms with decent windows.
18. Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
The lemon button fern is like the Boston fern’s compact, better-behaved cousin. With tiny round leaflets that resemble buttons and a fresh, citrusy scent when brushed, this humidity-lover packs big moisture-absorbing power into a small package. Perfect for tight spaces!
Despite its delicate appearance, this fern is surprisingly resilient. The small, rounded leaflets create more surface area for moisture absorption compared to their size, making them efficient humidity fighters. Their compact growth habit means they won’t take over your bathroom like some larger ferns might.
I’ve got mine perched on the corner of my tub in a vintage ceramic planter, where it gets occasional water splashes and lots of steam. When I run my fingers through the fronds, they release this subtle lemony scent that’s so refreshing—like bathroom aromatherapy! It’s been much easier to maintain than my previous Boston fern experiment, which quickly outgrew its welcome.
19. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
The polka dot plant brings a splash of whimsical color to your humidity-fighting plant arsenal. Covered in spots of pink, white, or red against green backgrounds, these cheerful plants look like they’ve been splattered with paint while efficiently absorbing bathroom moisture.
Available in heights from 6 inches to 3 feet, polka dot plants can fit nearly any bathroom space. Their distinctive spotted foliage comes in various color combinations—from bright pink to deeper burgundy spots—adding a playful element to your decor while putting all those leaves to work soaking up excess humidity.
My pink-spotted variety sits on my bathroom windowsill where it gets bright, filtered light, and lemme tell you, it’s grown twice its original size in just a few months. The spots actually become more vivid in the humid bathroom environment, almost glowing against the green background. Just pinch back the stems occasionally to keep it bushy rather than leggy.
20. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
Looking for a truly unusual bathroom statement piece? Staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants that can be mounted on boards like living wall art, absorbing bathroom humidity directly through their fronds without needing soil. They’re like botanical trophies if trophies helped control moisture.
These fascinating ferns have two types of fronds: the flat, shield-like ones that attach to surfaces and the dramatic, antler-shaped ones that grow outward and give them their name. Both types work together to process moisture from the air, making them particularly efficient humidty fighters.
Conclusion:
I mounted mine on a cedar board with some moss and hung it above my tub it’s become the definitive focal point of my bathroom. Guests always ask about the “weird antler plant” on my wall! After three years, it’s grown from a small specimen to one nearly 18 inches across. They need occasional direct watering (I take mine down and soak it briefly once a week), but otherwise happily subsist on bathroom humidity.
