The Best Plants to Liven Up Your Bathroom Space

Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, but they offer a unique opportunity to introduce some greenery into your home. Adding plants to your bathroom not only enhances the aesthetics but can also create a more relaxed, refreshing environment. The humid, steamy atmosphere of a bathroom can actually be ideal for many types of plants, provided you choose varieties that thrive in such conditions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best plants to liven up your bathroom space, offering a splash of nature and color to make your bathroom feel more inviting and vibrant.

Why Add Plants to Your Bathroom?

Plants are a great addition to any bathroom for several reasons:

• Air Purification: Plants can help improve air quality by filtering toxins and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier environment.
• Humidity Control: Many bathroom plants thrive in humid environments, and some even help absorb excess moisture, preventing mold and mildew.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Plants bring a fresh, natural element into the bathroom, softening the hard edges of tiles and fixtures and making the space feel more relaxing and spa-like.
• Stress Reduction: Greenery has been shown to have calming effects, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Mill Park or looking to refresh your current bathroom, incorporating plants into your design can add an easy yet impactful touch of nature.

Best Plants for Your Bathroom

Here are some of the best plants to consider when bringing some life and greenery to your bathroom space.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is one of the most popular indoor plants due to its low-maintenance nature and resilience. It thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, making it ideal for bathrooms.

• Why It Works: Snake plants do well in low-light environments, and they can tolerate the occasional forgetfulness when it comes to watering. They also absorb moisture and can help purify the air, making them perfect for steamy bathrooms.
• Aesthetic: With its tall, sword-like leaves, the snake plant adds a modern and architectural touch to any bathroom.

Care Tip: Keep the plant in indirect light, and water it every two to three weeks to prevent overwatering.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only a great plant for your bathroom, but it also serves a practical purpose. Known for its soothing properties when applied to burns and skin irritations, aloe vera is an easy-to-care-for succulent that thrives in a bathroom setting.

• Why It Works: Aloe vera loves sunlight, which it can absorb through the bathroom window. The humid environment can also keep it hydrated, but it still doesn’t need frequent watering.
• Aesthetic: The thick, fleshy leaves of the aloe vera plant add a sculptural quality, and its bright green color complements any bathroom decor.

Care Tip: Place the aloe vera near a window for the best sunlight, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is another low-maintenance, adaptable plant that works well in bathrooms. Its long, arching green leaves, often with white or yellow stripes, bring a dynamic element to your bathroom.

• Why It Works: Spider plants thrive in indirect light and can tolerate high humidity. They also grow quickly and produce "babies" (small offshoots), making them great for filling up space.
• Aesthetic: The cascading leaves of a spider plant make it a wonderful choice for hanging baskets or placing on shelves, where its greenery can spill over the edges.

Care Tip: Keep the spider plant in indirect sunlight, and water it once a week, ensuring the soil drains well.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are a lush, vibrant choice that loves humidity, making them an ideal addition to your bathroom. With their delicate fronds, they can bring an elegant and natural vibe to the room.

• Why It Works: Boston ferns thrive in humid conditions, making them well-suited for bathrooms with a shower or tub. They also prefer indirect light and can be placed on shelves or hung in baskets to save space.
• Aesthetic: Their full, feathery fronds add softness and texture to the bathroom, and they can fill empty corners or hang from high shelves for added drama.

Care Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide indirect light. Be sure to mist the plant regularly to help it thrive in the humidity.

5. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Orchids are often associated with elegance and luxury, and their delicate, colorful flowers can add a pop of beauty to your bathroom. They thrive in the warm, humid conditions typical of most bathrooms.

• Why It Works: Orchids prefer warm, humid environments, making bathrooms an ideal setting for them. Their low light requirements also make them adaptable to spaces with limited natural light.
• Aesthetic: The graceful flowers of orchids come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a stunning focal point in any bathroom.

Care Tip: Orchids need indirect light and should be watered weekly. Allow the water to drain thoroughly, as orchids don’t like to sit in water.

6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is an easy-to-care-for, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in the low-light conditions often found in bathrooms. Its glossy, dark green leaves bring a touch of sophistication to any space.

• Why It Works: ZZ plants can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them ideal for bathrooms that may not get a lot of natural light. They also thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for steamy bathrooms.
• Aesthetic: The shiny, upright leaves of the ZZ plant offer a clean, modern look that complements minimalist or contemporary bathroom styles.

Care Tip: Water the ZZ plant once every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. It’s better to underwater than overwater this plant.

7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, often referred to as devil’s ivy, is a versatile plant that can be placed almost anywhere in the bathroom. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves are a beautiful addition to small spaces.

• Why It Works: Pothos is one of the easiest plants to care for and can thrive in low light and humid environments. Its vines grow quickly, making it an excellent choice for filling in empty spaces or hanging from high shelves.
• Aesthetic: The trailing vines of pothos add a natural, lush look to your bathroom. You can let it cascade over the sides of a plant pot or place it in a hanging basket to create a flowing greenery effect.

Care Tip: Pothos requires minimal care. Keep it in indirect light, water it every 1–2 weeks, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is a stunning plant with glossy green leaves and white flowers. It’s known for its air-purifying properties and ability to thrive in low light and high humidity.

• Why It Works: Peace lilies are perfect for bathrooms with low light and high moisture levels. They are also great for improving indoor air quality, which is especially beneficial in a space like the bathroom.
• Aesthetic: The combination of dark green leaves and white flowers makes the peace lily a striking addition to any bathroom, adding a touch of elegance and serenity.

Care Tip: Keep the peace lily in indirect light and water it when the soil feels dry to the touch. It’s important to keep it hydrated, but not overwater it.

How to Care for Bathroom Plants

• Humidity: Most bathroom plants thrive in humid conditions, but be sure not to leave them in overly wet soil or stagnant water. Allow good air circulation to prevent mold or mildew growth.
• Lighting: Consider the natural light in your bathroom when selecting plants. Some plants prefer direct sunlight, while others thrive in low-light conditions.
• Watering: Overwatering is a common mistake. Be sure to check the soil before watering, and allow excess water to drain from pots to avoid root rot.

Conclusion

Bringing plants into your bathroom can have a transformative effect on the space, making it feel more inviting and serene. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of green with easy-to-care-for succulents like aloe vera or snake plants, or you want to bring in something more lush and decorative like orchids or ferns, there’s a plant perfect for every bathroom. With the right care, these plants will not only add beauty and freshness to your bathroom but also help purify the air and create a calming, spa-like atmosphere. So, why not breathe some life into your bathroom with these greenery choices?