The 10 Best Plants for Bathrooms
High humidity, minimal sunlight and fluctuating temperatures: Bathrooms are like the Wild West for houseplants. But hope for a happy, green bathroom isn’t lost: These oxygen-emanating varieties stand up like champs to the bathroom elements—steam, dim lighting and all. Here, the 10 best plants for bathrooms.
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1. TILLANDSIAS
You might better recognize these guys by their household name: “air plants.” They require next to zero care (because hullo, they aren’t planted in soil). Plus, they gladly soak up humidity and water spray—no mildew in sight.
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2. CAST IRON PLANT
It’s all in the name, now, isn’t it? This leafy green plant is practically foolproof to maintain, due to its need for low light and infrequent watering, plus an ability to adapt to a wide range of temps.
3. FERNS
Ferns of all varieties thrive in humid climates—they’re also tough enough to withstand temperature changes. A word of warning: They do need moderate sunlight, so a windowed bathroom is a must if they’re on your wish list.
4. PHILODENDRON
This leafy plant is a tropics native—meaning it loves humidity and is accustomed to growing in a dark, leafy jungle bathroom. Important: It can be toxic to pets and kids if ingested, so arrange its vines to grow on a high ledge or cabinet if you have either (or both!) running around.
5. PEPEROMIA
With its diminutive size and pretty, watermelon-esque leaves, this plant makes the chicest little toilet topper or sink addition. Bonus points: It prefers a low-light situation—wavelengths from fluorescents can even keep it alive in lieu of sunlight.
6. ALOE
Reminder: This miracle plant is actually in the succulent family—meaning it’s really tough to kill. The bathroom’s humidity alone may meet its watering needs, and a little indirect sunlight is all it needs on the light front. Easy peasy.
7. ORCHIDS
Orchids are notoriously happy damp environment-dwellers: Warm and steamy climates are their MO. We recommend picking an easy-care variety (like dendrobium), which will do well with minimal sun exposure.
8. SPIDER
In the world of houseplants, the spider has a reputation as one of the chillest around. For the bathroom specifically, they vibe on humidity and are just as happy in bright sunlight as in cavernous conditions.
9. CHINESE EVERGREEN
This sizable green plant is extremely durable and thrives in medium to low light. While they prefer warmth and humidity (hello, shower time), they’re also sturdy enough to withstand fluctuation: aka the perfect bagno cocktail.
10. SNAKE PLANT
Another stalwart guy? The snake, which is super adaptable in different heat and water levels. What’s more, they’re an amazing carcinogen filter (they clear the air of many toxins that are commonly found in bathroom cleaning products).
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