10 Best Bathroom Plants: Boost Feng Shui & Easy Care Tips

Choosing hardy houseplants that thrive in shady and humid environments lets you create a stylish bathroom with a touch of green. Hanging plants like ivy or Pothos from the ceiling add a high-end look to the space.

To prevent mold on bathroom plants, ensure good airflow so moisture doesn’t build up, and consider switching to hydroponic culture to make it harder for mold to grow.

By mastering decorating tips and plant care pointers, you can maintain a fashionable and clean bathroom and keep your houseplants from withering.

In this guide, we’ll go over the types of houseplants less likely to die in the bathroom, key points for selecting bathroom-friendly plants, decorating precautions and techniques, and the feng shui effects of having houseplants in the bathroom.

Here are 10 houseplants that thrive in low light and high humidity, making them perfect for your bathroom:

1- Money Tree

The money tree has delicate, vibrant green leaves that spread out like a fan, creating a unique and lively atmosphere in the bathroom.

The trunk’s thickness and the tree’s shape vary from one plant to another, making it a great choice for a personalized and bright bathroom space. 

Money tree thrives in rooms with windows, ideally in areas that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight during the afternoon, as this can cause the leaves to dry out. 

Instead, place it in a spot where a wall will shade it. The money tree is prone to root rot if the soil stays wet, so keeping the soil on the drier side is key.

2- Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia sandersii)

Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. Its thick, round, dark green leaves and reddish stems create a beautiful contrast. 

The numerous leaves make it a perfect plant for creating a cheerful, pop-style bathroom. Native to tropical America, Watermelon Peperomia thrives in locations with dappled sunlight and high humidity. 

Direct sunlight, such as from the west, can cause leaf burn and damage the charming leaves. 

During winter, keep the soil on the drier side and hang the plant to improve airflow, which can help prevent root rot and the plant from withering.

3- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Chinese Money Plant has round leaves that grow in an arching pattern. The central stem grows tall, with the circular leaves sprouting in a spiral shape, creating a cute and soothing appearance.

This plant, native to the West Indies, grows well in shady and warm areas, and it’s also heat-tolerant, making it perfect for bathrooms that get hot during the summer without worrying about it withering.

However, if the plant receives too little sunlight, the color of the leaves may become dull. To keep it healthy, move it to a bright location without direct sunlight, especially when watering it or checking on its progress.

4- Monstera

With its deep cuts in the leaves, Monstera is a popular variety that’s easy to grow in bathrooms.

By choosing a particular type, you can find varieties with white or yellow patterns, which can create a stylish bathroom interior with a resort-like atmosphere.

Native to the dimly lit jungles of tropical America, Monstera can thrive in shady conditions and won’t wither in areas with poor sunlight as long as there’s a little light.

It can be grown in locations away from windows or even in windowless bathrooms. 

However, if the temperature drops below 5°C (41°F), the plant may weaken and die, so it’s best to keep it in a warm location during the winter.

As the plant grows, the stems and leaves may become too long and prone to breaking or look unattractive. Prune the stems and remove old leaves every one to two years to maintain their appearance.

5- Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana)

Calathea makoyana is a houseplant with a unique and highly decorative leaf pattern. It thrives even in areas with less than ideal sunlight due to its excellent shade tolerance.

Since it’s a water-loving plant, observe the soil and watch for drying during the spring and summer. 

On the other hand, during fall and winter, the plant’s growth may slow down and absorb less water, so keep an eye on it. The watering frequency may change depending on the sunlight and air circulation.

6- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair fern has small leaves that cluster together, creating a dense and bushy appearance. Its soft, fluffy texture feels pleasant, and its delicate appearance never gets boring.

Maidenhair fern grows in various climates, from temperate to subtropical regions worldwide.

This fern thrives in Zones 8-10 due to the suitable climate and environment, making it easy to grow and resistant to withering.

The ideal place to grow Maidenhair fern is in a bathroom without direct sunlight. If the light is too weak, the leaves may turn black or fall off, so moving the plant to a brighter spot about four times a month is a good idea.

Maidenhair fern is more prone to withering when the temperature drops below freezing, so during winter; it’s best to grow it in a warm place with heating.

7- Staghorn Fern

The large, wavy leaves of the Staghorn Fern stretch out like bird feathers, creating a cool and stylish bathroom atmosphere with their substantial presence.

As an epiphytic plant that doesn’t require soil, you can use moss to display it stylishly on your walls.

Native to tropical regions like Africa and Australia, the Staghorn Fern is a shade-loving fern that thrives in hot and humid environments.

To keep its leaves healthy and beautiful, manage them in a well-lit and humid environment. Since it’s sensitive to drying out, give it a generous shower on the leaves before the soil or moss completely dries up.

8- Spider Plant

Like bamboo, the Spider Plant features long, arching leaves that radiate from the center.

With various types of white or yellow patterns on the leaf edges or centers, placing one in your bathroom creates a fresh, natural atmosphere.

The Spider Plant is mainly found in Africa and India, and its cold tolerance varies depending on the leaf’s stiffness.

The soft-leaved spider plants are cold-sensitive, while the tough-leaved ones are more cold-resistant.

Placing cold-resistant varieties in a partially shaded spot in the bathroom ensures healthy growth without worrying about the plant withering, even in winter.

Water it only about twice a month to prevent root rot and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

9- Ivy Plant

Ivy has leaves shaped like duck feet and comes in various colors and patterns, including green leaves with white or yellow markings and solid colors like dark green and lime green.

It has long tendrils that make it perfect for hanging from poles or ceilings in a stylish way in your bathroom.

Ivy is mainly found in Europe and can tolerate cold temperatures and shady areas, making it an ideal choice for dimly lit bathrooms.

However, the variegated varieties may lose their distinctive patterns if the lighting is insufficient.

English Ivy, which is variegated, is recommended for bright bathrooms with windows, while Pittsburgh Ivy, which is solid-colored, is better suited for bathrooms without windows and less light.

10- Pothos

The Pothos plant has glossy, thick leaves that grow along vines. It’s easy to grow and thrives in high humidity and shade, making it perfect for windowless bathrooms.

Native to Southeast Asian jungles, Pothos loves hot, humid environments. It’s well-suited for bathrooms with high humidity but sensitive to cold, so it’s best to keep it warm in winter.

You can place Pothos on windowsills or in corners of your bathroom or even hang them from the ceiling in a basket.

How you display it can affect how it grows – if it grows downwards, the leaves become smaller, while if it grows upwards, the leaves become larger. It’s an interesting plant with a unique feature that can add variety to your bathroom decor.

Bathroom Plant Decor Examples

Here are two examples of plant decor that are perfect for your bathroom:

Example 1: Decor with Consideration for Quantity

If you have enough space around your bathtub, why not cover it with plants? It can make your daily routine even more refreshing and add a touch of luxury to your bath time.

Water-loving plants are a great match for the bathroom environment, providing significant benefits for their growth.

Specific examples include Calathea Orbifolia and Calathea Makoyana, which belong to the Calathea family.

Example 2: Decor with Hanging Plants

Using hanging plants is also a great option for your bathroom decor. You can create a small forest-like space by hanging plants in your bathroom.

The abundance of negative ions will also help you physically and mentally relax.

What Are the Feng Shui Effects of Having Plants in Your Bathroom?

The bathroom is where we wash away the dirt from our bodies, and it’s also believed to be where we can wash away bad luck and negative energy.

However, if the energy becomes bad, it can accumulate negative influences and ruin your luck.

Placing living plants in your bathroom can absorb the negative energy and purify the air, creating a positive energy flow. The harmony between water and wood energy can also help increase your luck.

Feng Shui Effects of Fake Plants

Fake plants are easier to decorate with and can be placed in any desired location in the bathroom.

According to Feng Shui, regular cleaning can enhance good luck but cannot absorb negative energy or purify the air.

Therefore, if you want to experience Feng Shui’s benefits fully, living plants are recommended.

Tips for Choosing Houseplants for Your Bathroom

When selecting houseplants to decorate your bathroom, check the bathroom layout, such as whether there are windows and space for plants.

Then, learn about the plant’s natural habitat and characteristics to ensure they thrive in a bathroom environment. By selecting the right plant, you can enjoy stylish and green bathroom decor that lasts.

Window or no window

Bathrooms are often designed in parts of the house that receive less sunlight, such as the north side or areas shaded by southeast sun exposure.

As a result, even if there is a window, it can be dark and lacking in light for houseplants. When plants cannot photosynthesize, they cannot produce nutrients and may die.

If you’re growing houseplants in the bathroom, opt for shade-tolerant species like ferns or plants from the Araceae family.

If you have a window, place the plants near it to receive light. For windowless bathrooms, choose plants that can tolerate low light and move them to a brighter spot a few times a month.

Regular incandescent or fluorescent lighting isn’t sufficient for plant growth.

Hydroculture suitability

Houseplants that grow only in water, without soil, are generally easy to grow in bathrooms.

There are two ways to grow plants in water: hydroponics using hydro-balls or jelly, and hydroculture, in which plants are inserted directly into vases of water.

Plants that root and grow well in these systems can survive in high humidity and live on water alone.

Hydroculture also helps maintain cleanliness, as there’s less chance for mold to grow on the soil surface. Excess water can be easily discarded, and there’s no need to worry about dirtying the bathroom with soil.

However, plants grown in water alone may have limitations and stop growing at a certain height. If you want larger plants, consider growing them in soil.

Plants that can tolerate high humidity

Bathrooms tend to be humid places. Houseplants that prefer dry conditions can be susceptible to root rot and withering. Choose plants that thrive in high humidity.

Tropical plants like Pothos or monstera from the Araceae family, which grow in jungles, are particularly suitable. Orchids and air plants, which grow on tree branches and rocks, are also recommended.

Is there space for the plants?

You’ll need a suitable spot even if you find the perfect bathroom-friendly plant. Consider leaving space near a window or on a shelf, not directly under the showerhead. 

You can also hang plants from walls or the ceiling. Ensure that the plants are placed in an area where they can thrive without getting damaged.

Tips and Care for Decorating Your Bathroom with Plants

Bathrooms have less sunlight and ventilation than living rooms and other indoor spaces, making them more prone to shade and humidity buildup.

Depending on the houseplants you choose, this can create an environment where they wither easily.

Once you’ve selected plants that can thrive in a bathroom, creating a comfortable environment is important by ensuring proper sunlight, ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels.

Use well-draining soil

Soil tends to dry slowly in a bathroom, and plants are more likely to remain damp for extended periods. Make sure to use soil with good drainage and aeration properties.

If you use only potting soil, it helps prevent the growth of insects like flies, keeping your bathroom clean.

If you want to enjoy watching your plants grow, a mix of potting soil, coconut coir, and leaf mold is recommended.

This combination provides good drainage and aeration, allowing your plants to grow larger.

Avoid plants with thorns

Avoid placing houseplants with thorns, such as cacti, in a small bathroom. Accidentally touching them while washing your hair or body, especially when not wearing clothes, can lead to injuries.

You might also hurt yourself when cleaning the bathroom.

Improve ventilation

Bathrooms tend to be overly humid, and keeping the windows and doors closed can lead to poor ventilation, mold growth on the soil, or even root rot.

Regularly open the windows and doors, even when the bathroom is unused, to prevent humidity buildup and promote proper ventilation.

However, during winter months, when it’s more likely to dry out, it’s a good idea to open the windows and doors after using the bathroom to let them dry, then close them once the room is no longer damp.

Expose the plants to sunlight periodically

  plants struggle to thrive in bathrooms with only natural light or the glow of light bulbs. Generally, moving the plants to a brighter location 2 to 4 times a month is a good idea.

However, if the leaves color appears unhealthy or the plant becomes leggy, consider adjusting the frequency to once a week.

Especially after watering, it’s best to take the plants out of the bathroom and place them in a well-lit area for a day. Growing the plants in a location with indirect sunlight and good ventilation will help them flourish.

Ensure the temperature doesn’t drop too low

Bathroom temperatures can easily drop during winter, and plants may wither without heating. Close the windows and doors to prevent cold drafts when the bathroom isn’t in use.

When opening windows or doors to dry the space, move the plants to a warmer location.

Extremely low temperatures can cause leaves to turn yellow, develop black spots on their surfaces, or even fall off.

If installing a heater is not an option, growing the plants in a warm spot during winter is safer.

Decorating The Bathroom With Plants

In a bathroom with limited space and items, arranging the plants to prevent them from withering is essential.

Placing plants directly on the floor or in a spot where they can be splashed by shower water can cause them to wither quickly and make the bathroom dirty.

Here are some suggestions for easy decorating using windowsills or poles.

Place them near the window

When placing plants near the bathroom window, choose a spot where they won’t be directly hit by water. If shower water excessively splashes the plants, the soil will remain damp, potentially leading to root rot.

It’s also difficult to determine the appropriate watering frequency and amount when the soil is wet, so placing the plants where the soil can dry easily, is crucial.

Keep the plants near the window from spring to autumn, and move them away from the window during winter to prevent them from withering due to cold temperatures.

Hang them from poles

Bathrooms often have towel racks, curtain poles, and showerhead bars, which are convenient for hanging plants.

Try using macrame or netting to create hanging plant decorations. Suspending the plants in the air makes it difficult for moisture to accumulate in the spaces between the pot and the plant, improving ventilation.

Conclusion

When growing plants in a bathroom, choosing plants that withstand low light and overly damp environments is essential.

By mastering the decorating tips and understanding the key points of plant care, you can create a stylish and clean bathroom while keeping the plants healthy and free from withering.

Consider adding plants to your bathroom to create a chic space with a touch of green!

Sharing is caring!