18 Bathroom Plants that Absorb Moisture

It sounds perfectly normal at the mention of the balcony or outdoor plants but how about bathroom plants that absorb moisture?

Out of the ordinary, isn’t it?

Well, it shouldn’t feel that way since just like we have plants growing outdoors or indoors in pots, we can also keep plants in our bathrooms.

While most people prefer to use synthetic or artificial plants, live bathroom plants will not only absorb moisture from the atmosphere, but they also have several other benefits including spicing up your decor, purifying the air as well as improving your mental health and energy.

Wondering which plants are ideal for your bathroom?

You don't have to because I have done comprehensive research on suitable bathroom plants and in today's article, I’m going to list the common ones together with the factors to consider.

Sounds good? Let’s get started:

Factors to consider while selecting your bathroom plants

Humidity

The most humid part of every household is the bathroom hence when choosing plants for your bathroom, select those that can withstand such conditions.

You’ll find this list article helpful since it has more than enough bathroom plants that absorb moisture to choose from. You don’t have to break a sweat wondering which plants are humid-tolerant.

Toxicity to humans and pets

The plants that you choose to keep in your bathroom should not be toxic to either pets or humans.

If you must have a plant that can cause harm to family members, you should place it at a place where kids and pets cannot reach. Which sometimes isn’t practical and better to avoid them altogether.

Better safe than sorry.

Lighting

Many if not all bathrooms have low levels of light and this has resulted in most people believing that they cannot keep plants in their bathrooms.

This shouldn’t be the case.

As you will see in this article there are several low light bathroom plants to choose from. Sometimes you will be needed to move the plants around towards light depending on the season.

Alternatively, you should consider using fluorescent bulbs to give your bathroom plants the desired light wavelengths.

Temperature

Every bathroom has different temperature levels at different times of the day depending on the kind of showers taken (maybe hot, warm or cold).

Therefore, it’s important to choose plants that can easily adapt to rapid temperature changes.

If all making a decision based on these conditions listed above is too difficult for you, just settle on the plants that I’ve suggested below. You’ll thank me for it.

Space

The size of your bathroom determines the free space available for keeping plants.

So, it is very important that you understand the growth habit of the plant as well as the space available before considering keeping it.

Big plants when fully grown will require more space and vice versa. Space is also a determining factor when selecting the plant pots. Here's a list of the best indoor pot planters and their sizes.

18 Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

The English Ivy is a great indoor plant that you can consider placing in the bathroom in hanging baskets.

This plant is ideal for reducing the impurities in the air especially formaldehyde that’s more present in the household products like bathing soap, cleaning detergents, furniture and treatments for carpets.

The ivy will also help you get rid of the mould that grows in areas with high humidity.

With little maintenance and low light requirement, it is easy to keep English Ivy in your bathroom provided that you always keep the soil/ potting mix moist.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

The peace lily is a plant that is mostly known for its ability to absorb moisture from the atmosphere through its leaves. This plant can therefore survive with minimal or no watering.

Moreover, it requires low amounts of light to grow hence a perfect choice for a bathroom plant. Another characteristic that makes peace lily a good choice for keeping in your bathroom is its ability to purify the air of all contaminants.

However, this plant can also be toxic when accidentally ingested. This should not deter you to keep peace lilies in your bathroom. Just ensure you keep the plants at a place where kids and pets can’t reach.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is without a doubt a very spectacular plant that you can grow indoors in your bathroom.

Its smooth arching leaves improve your bathrooms’ overall appearance.

The most astonishing fact about spider plant is that it can remove up to at least 90% of pollutants and moisture in the air.

This unique characteristic makes it to stand out from the rest.

Learn more about spider plants by reading this article - Brown Tips on Spider Plants? Here’s What to Do.

4. Mother In-Laws Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

This is one of the most popular of the bathroom plants that absorb moisture.

Just like the Ivy, it has a special ability to filter household toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, which is found in many cosmetics and cleaning products.

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston Fern is an indoor plant that likes moist growing conditions with indirect sunlight.

This plant is able to absorb excess moisture from your bathroom without much of a struggle, a characteristic that enables it to balance out the humidity levels leaving your bathroom more comfortable.

However, take more care of your fern by misting especially during cold winters as plants may die when the air dries out too much. In this case, misting is advised.

6. Reed Palm (Chamaedorea spp)

Reed Palms are known to thrive best in tropical and humid areas.

Guess the best example of such areas?

Your bathroom!

These bathroom plants have proven over and over again to be good at excess moisture absorption, air purification as well as ability to grow under low light hence another good choice for your bathroom.

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

This bathroom plant is great in absorbing excess moisture in the air and does not need a lot of watering unless the soil /potting mix is too dry.

Cast Iron Plant is a low light plant and can tolerate temperatures of between 10 – 27 degrees Celsius.

8. Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Also known as ZZ plant, Zuzu plant, aroid palm, eternity plant or emerald palm.

Zanzibar gem plant is almost indestructible and can put up with any sort of growing conditions ranging from low light, high humidity, low water levels as well as a rapid temperature switch.

This bathroom plant needs to be watered only four times a year. Its elegant oval leaves will grace your bathroom for many years.

9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a hardy, easy-to-care-for plant that can survive in most spaces hence sometimes referred to as a "cubicle plant".  It can tolerate the high humidity in your bathroom.

Moreover, it can withstand low light levels and irregular watering schedule.

This bathroom plant is fast-growing and flourishes into a beautiful hanging vine especially when suspended from the shower curtain rod.

10. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Another one of the best plants for your bathroom.

It loves low light levels and the extra moisture your bathroom can provide. With these conditions, the Bird's Nest Fern becomes big with beautiful dark leaves that improves the appearance of your bathroom.

However, you’ll need enough space to plant Bird’s Nest Fern as it will ultimately grow bigger.

11. Baby’s tear (Soleirolia soleirolii)

A bright green delicate creeping herb that trails prettily over wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets.

It prefers shade and moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms with low levels of natural light.

12. Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp)

Orchids like low light, enjoy the same temperatures as we do, and like a bit of humidity.

If well taken care of they produce beautiful blooms for several months and add exotic elegance to your bathroom.

13. Calathea (Calathea spp)

Calatheas respond very well to humidity and can tolerate indirect light hence well-suited for most bathrooms.

These plants bring a splash of colour and elegance to your bathroom.

14. Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp)

Tillandsia is a low light plant and just like many other bathroom plants, it is able to absorb excess moisture from the environment through the leaves.

Another one to add to your bathroom decor.

15. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

This succulent plant needs low amounts of sunlight, fewer water requirements and the humidity in your bathroom will be perfectly enough to keep it healthy. 

Apart from the fact that Aloe Vera beautifies your bathroom, it is also incredibly useful especially when immediate relief from sunburns, cuts, or bug bites is needed. 

16. Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)

Dracaena requires high humidity levels, so your bathroom is basically the perfect location for it.

These plants also tolerate low light but can thrive even better in a medium to bright indirect light location, too.

17. Begonia (Begonia spp)

Many types of begonia grow well in containers and they enjoy the warmth and humidity of a bathroom shelf.  

Begonias are extremely colourful ornamentals and do very well indoors.

18. Azalea (Rhododendron spp)

Azalea produces the most beautiful blooms out of all bathroom flowers. Their purple, white, pink and red flowers make your bathroom look adorably beautiful.

These plants thrive best in warm, humid environments just like the bathroom.