Only a few houseplants thrive in low light, high humidity, and warm temperatures.

Keep reading to learn about the factors to consider when selecting bathroom plants, as well as 15 amazing houseplant ideas for this space.

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

Airy, lacy asparagus fern loves the humidity of a bathroom. It does well in either moderate or bright light, so a spot by a window is best. Asparagus fern looks soft to the touch, but the stems have thorns, so beware. It can grow to two feet tall with branches that can sprawl laterally as much as six feet.

WARNING: This plant is highly toxic—keep it away from pets and small children.

Color Varieties: Pale green foliage
Sun Exposure: Bright artificial light or window sunlight
Soil Needs: Well-drained potting soil

Bamboo (Bambusa Spp.)

Growing bamboo in containers controls its size and spread because it is well-known that it can become very invasive when planted in the garden. But even when confined to containers, bamboo plants can become large, requiring repotting every year or so. The clumping varieties will need repotting less often than those that spread through runners. During the growing season, feed bamboo weekly with a diluted fertilizer high in nitrogen, cutting back to monthly in the winter.

Color Varieties: Pale to dark green foliage; variegated forms available
Sun Exposure: Six hours of sunlight daily
Soil Needs: Prefers sandy potting mixes but tolerates most potting soil mixes

Begonia (Begonia Spp.)

Many types of begonias grow well in containers, and they enjoy the warmth and humidity of a bathroom shelf. In particular, rex begonias (Begonia x rex), with their showy foliage, grow well indoors. Begonias like humid conditions but not water-logged soil, which can cause root rot. Begonias prized for their flowers need a bright spot in the bathroom with some direct early morning sunlight. Begonias grown for their foliage need a bright location away from direct sunlight.

Color Varieties: Light-green, dark-green, bronze, or variegated foliage. Some varieties are grown for beautiful blooms while others are grown for their distinctive and unusual foliage.
Sun Exposure: To encourage flowering, provide some direct sunlight; for varieties grown for their foliage, provide bright filtered light.
Soil Needs: Begonias do best in general-purpose, soilless potting mix.

Bromeliads (Various Genera)

Bromeliads are unusual specimens; they readily produce long-lasting blooms in locations where most houseplants do not blossom at all. Bromeliads flower with yellow, pink, or red blossoms in winter, and the blooms last for several weeks. Bromeliads include several different plant genera and dozens of species, many of which are epiphytic (drawing moisture from the air rather than from soil). These are ideally suited to bask in the humidity of a bathroom, but they also need good air circulation, which can be provided by running the bathroom exhaust fan or setting up a small portable fan to run for a few hours each day. Feed them with an orchid fertilizer. (While they’re not orchids, they require the same nutrients as orchids.)

Color Varieties: Dark green foliage and pink or red flowers
Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light is best. They will tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day, but don’t place them in hot afternoon sun because it can burn the leaves.
Soil Needs: Soil depends on genus and species; those requiring soil do well in a succulent potting mix.

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

This plant earned its common name, the cast-iron plant, because it is so hard to kill, Aspidistra elatior is an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. A tropical plant growing two to three feet tall, this is one of the rare houseplants that will tolerate almost full shade. Variegated varieties need more light than solid-green specimens. It also does not require high humidity, making it good for guest bathrooms that aren’t used often.

Color Varieties: Medium-green foliage; rarely flowers when grown as a houseplant
Sun Exposure: Low, indirect light; tolerates full shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, peaty potting mix

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Spp.)

Few plants are as forgiving and adaptable as the Chinese evergreen, comprising about 20 species within the Aglaonema genus. These large-leaved, tropical perennials will thrive even if you forget to water and feed them. While they love humidity, they will also tolerate dry air, provided you keep them out of cold drafts, which can damage the leaves. They grow from ten inches to four feet tall, depending on the variety; some cultivars (such as ‘Silver Queen’) have gray-green and even pink variegation.

Color Varieties: Dark green; some varieties are variegated
Sun Exposure: Low, indirect light; no direct sun
Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained potting mix

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum var.)

You will find croton plants in an assortment of brightly-colored foliage, and the pictum variety has multi-colored leaves. These tropical broadleaf evergreens grow slowly, but they can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide, so be sure you give it enough room to grow. Croton plants need bright, but indirect light, and lots of humidity and moisture, although they do not like to sit in wet soil. Wait until the top two inches of soil are dry before watering. Reduce watering in late fall and winter.

Color Varieties: Green, or combinations of yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze, purple, and green
Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Soil Needs: Well-drained, humusy potting mix

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia Spp.)

Dumb cane plants, also well-known by their botanical name dieffenbachia, do best with minimal care. Water them when the soil feels dry (feel just a few inches below the surface). This plant requires more light during the short days of winter and dappled light in the summer. Rotate your dumb cane plant every month so it grows evenly on all sides. These plants can grow several feet tall.

Color Varieties: Combinations of green and yellow/white foliage
Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Soil Needs: Loose, fast-draining potting mix

Ferns (Various genera)

Ferns are a unique family of shade-loving plants that reproduce through spores rather than flowers and seeds. Many ferns make great houseplants and can handle the temperature fluctuations and humidity in a bathroom environment. Some can even be grown right in a shower stall where they are regularly soaked. Some recommended ferns for the bathroom include Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.), bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus), and button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia).

Color Varieties: Light to dark green, depending on species
Sun Exposure: Depends on the species
Soil Needs: Depends on species; most thrive in moist, well-drained potting mix

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

The gardenias most often grown as indoor plants are G. jasminoides, also known as cape jasmine. These tropical broadleaf evergreens are not particularly easy to grow indoors because they respond poorly to cold drafts or sudden blasts of heat. However they can grow well in the humid conditions of a bathroom provided they receive enough bright light. Gardenias can be large plants, growing to six feet tall, but they can be kept smaller with frequent pruning. Feed with an acidic fertilizer.

Color Varieties: Dark green leaves; white flowers
Sun Exposure: Needs six to eight hours of sunlight for flowering
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic potting mix rich with peat moss

Orchids (Orchidaceae Family, Various Genera)

Orchids comprise hundreds of species in dozens of genera in the Orchidaceae family of plants. Many orchids are ideal for growing in bathrooms that do not get too cold. Some species are planted in soil, while others are epiphytes (air plants) that absorb moisture from the air. Orchids can bloom for weeks, and because some varieties are smallish plants, you can cluster several together for quite a show. Some prefer moderate light; others need bright light.

Color Varieties: Pink, red, purple, white, depending on the variety
Sun Exposure: Depends on variety but needs light for blooms
Soil Needs: Depends on type, but generally requires a bark mix designed for orchids

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Spp.)

Peace lilies are elegant plants that require minimal care. They do best with regular watering and appreciate the humidity in the bathroom. Do not allow the soil to remain dry for extended periods of time. Peace lilies do well in limited light; however, if your plant is not flowering, it might need a slightly brighter location. When feeding, use a very diluted fertilizer mix.

Color Varieties: Glossy green foliage; white flowers
Sun Exposure: Bright, filtered light
Soil Needs: Well-drained potting mix

Philodendron (Philodendron Spp.)

Philodendrons are tropical plants that thrive in bathroom conditions. Some varieties produce vines or trail with stems as long as 20 feet and other varieties grow upright. Both types are relatively easy to grow. If you water this plant too much or too little, the plant will drop its leaves. However, it prefers consistently moist soil. Philodendrons need bright, indirect light; too much shade creates spindly stems.

Color Varieties: Dark-green foliage; some cultivars have variegated leaves
Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
Soil Needs: Soil-based potting mix

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Closely resembling the heart-leaved variety of Philodendron (P. hederaceum), pothos is an almost indestructible plant. As indoor plants, it is common to see pothos specimens grow to six to ten feet or longer. However, if you regularly prune stems back to just above a leaf, the plant will become fuller and bushy. Water whenever the soil feels dry. Pothos will thrive in low light or bright, indirect light.

Color Varieties: Green to marbled yellow foliage
Sun Exposure: Bright light to near-full shade
Soil Needs: General potting mix rich in peat mos

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

A common name for the snake plant is mother-in-law’s tongue. They are low maintenance plants and their vertical growth habit provides a nice contrast to trailing and vining plants. Depending on the variety, mature plants can range from eight inches to four feet tall. If the leaves start to flop open, hold them together with twine to keep them growing upright. Snake plants prefer bright light but can handle less than ideal conditions. Variegated varieties need more light, or they can revert to all-green foliage. Potted plants are often moved to shady outdoor locations in the summer. Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry.

Color Varieties: Deep green leaves with gray-green or golden yellow stripes
Sun Exposure: Bright, warm light; avoid direct sunlight
Soil Needs: Soil-based potting mix

 Sansevieria trifasciata

The cow’s tongue, donkey’s ears, mother-in-law’s tongue, or snake’s tail, as it is known, has the ability to purify the air and regulate the temperature of the spaces where it is found, especially during the nights, when the microscopic pores of its leaves open to transpire.

This species is very resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions, such as dry and hot air, scarce watering, and little light. It is recommended to water only when the substrate that was last used dries out.

Rubber tree

This species absorbs water through its roots and expel it through pores on the underside of its leaves. The more foliage it has and the larger the size of its leaves, the more moisture it will release.

Place it near a tree if possible. The rubber tree requires a well-lit environment and can withstand a few hours of direct sun exposure per day, as long as the sun is not too bright. When it comes to watering, try not to overdo it. Water the substrate until it is almost completely dry.

Boston fern

It is a popular houseplant, often grown in hanging baskets or in similar conditions. It can suck formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Although the fern prefers partial to full shade outdoors, it does not grow in shade indoors and responds best to bright filtered light. It needs abundant watering, quality soil, and ample of space to grow.

 Pothos

This vine is capable of regulating temperature, as well as eliminating indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.

As an indoor plant, it can reach several meters in height if given adequate support. Best results are achieved by providing it with medium indirect light. It tolerates intense luminosity, but long periods of direct sunlight burn the leaves. Generally, it only needs watering when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Ribbon plant

The ribbon plant or spider ivy is a plant that can improve the quality of the air and absorb heat quickly to balance the temperature of the room where it is located.

Indoors, the ideal is to place it in a well-lit room, but without direct exposure to the sun’s rays. They should maintain a constant humidity level: two abundant waterings per week in the warm months. In the cold months, one watering a week or every ten days will be sufficient.

Weeping fig

One of the few trees that grow well indoors is the focus, which helps keep the air moist and fresh. It also removes common toxins from the air in the home. This tree grows well in sunny, bright conditions. It requires a moderate amount of watering in the summer and just enough to keep it from drying out in the winter.

Aloe vera

The aloe vera or aloe vera plant, known for its cosmetic and medicinal uses, is ideal for refreshing the environment of your home because it can regulate the temperature.

Maintaining an aloe vera plant is simple because it is a low-maintenance plant. Water it only when the soil appears dry or cracked, and no more than once a month in the winter. It necessitates a lot of light, so it is critical that you place it in a location where it will receive the most sunlight, such as near a window.

Areca palma

It is one of the plants with the greatest air purifying power because it significantly reduces formaldehyde and benzene levels in the environment. It requires shade or partial shade to thrive. The plant tends to wilt if it does not receive enough light.

A two-meter-high plant transpires one liter of water through its leaves every 24 hours, so it does necessitate some attention. The root ball (the soil that surrounds the roots) should always be kept moist, but not soggy.

Aglaonema

It is an easy-care plant that thrives in low to medium light conditions. It generally grows less than half a meter and helps remove harmful toxins from the household air. At the same time, it humidifies indoors and cools the temperature. There are many leaf varieties of this plant; if your goal is to cool the environment, choose one with lush foliage. It is important to consider that its leaves contain an irritant that can be toxic to pets.

Do you like to have plants at home? How many and what species do you have? We would love to see a picture of them.

Get ready to bring the outdoors inside! These gorgeous hanging plants will add instant ambiance to any space—and boost your mood.

Tradescantia nanouk (Tradescantia albiflora “nanouk”)

Plants that trail, creep, or climb are known as vining plants and are perfect for hanging baskets, which allow the vines or “runners” to spill over the edge of the pot, says Mast. That makes them look super lush and adds to the ambiance of any room. This one, and a variation known as Tradescantia Zebrina, are easy and fast-growing indoor hanging plants; they’re beloved for their green, purple, and cream-colored striped leaves. Tradescantia nanouk likes indirect bright light, so make sure that the sun’s rays don’t hit the leaves directly.

Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)

Easily identified by its wavy, rippled-edge fronds and bright green color, this fern is non-toxic to animals, unlike these plants that are poisonous to dogs. It is tropical, so it prefers humid environments and bright indirect light, although it will tolerate low indirect light. Keep in mind that hanging plants still need adequate drainage, but if you don’t want water dripping, you can use a pot without holes and fill the bottom with lava rocks, which are lightweight and create a place for excess water to pool away from the plant’s roots. 

English ivy plant (Hedera helix)

This rather traditional ivy is often found outdoors, but it does just as well as an indoor hanging plant, and with just as little maintenance, making it ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a ton of time—or doesn’t want to put in a ton of effort. Unlike tropicals, this variegated leafy climber does not like humidity, prefers well-drained soil, and thrives best in a window with a southern exposure, in indirect light. It adds instant sophistication to any room.

Arrowhead hanging plant (Syngonium nephthytis)

Its name comes from the unique shape of its large green and yellow leaves, but this hanging plant is also known as the American evergreen plant. Native to the tropics, it loves humidity so much, you can even hang it in a bathroom. It cascades or climbs beautifully if it receives nutrients from liquid fertilizer, and it needs rich, well-drained soil to thrive, preferring indirect light.

Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

The polka dot plant is a charming specimen. Thanks to its color, pattern, and outward personality, it is becoming increasingly popular with plant collectors, according to Kate Cooper, CEO and founder of Bloombox and an adviser to PlantX. You can find it in various shades of green, pink, and purple, and its dappled foliage is naturally eye-catching, drawing attention in a way that can softly fascinate and encourage us to notice nature more. This, coupled with its dramatic response of wilting to any overwatering or underwatering, is a daily reminder of how you’re living alongside another living thing. FYI, the polka dot plant requires only moderate light, and its foliage is actually more colorful when it’s kept in low light.

Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomia)

The most distinctive feature of this plant is its large, coin-shaped leaves, which perch on thin stems—a look that sometimes lead it to be called a UFO plant. It’s a popular choice because of its striking geometric shape, brilliant emerald color, and easy care. Just set it in bright indirect light, and water it once a week or so. 

Marble queen pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy because it is a fast grower and notoriously difficult to kill, comes in many varieties (the variegated golden and pearls and jade varieties are both popular), and all are lovely options for indoor hanging plants, according to Kay Kim and Ryan Lee, cofounders of Rooted. With its variegated white and green leaves, the marble queen variety really pops. Its roots enjoy being slightly crowded inside a pot, which can make it a great choice for small spaces, and because it can be toxic to furry friends, it’s ideal for hanging high. 

Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

Who could resist this plant’s heart-shaped leaves? Plus, the name philodendron comes from the Greek word for love, philo, so it’s extra sweet. This fast-growing vine will thrive in low-light or medium-light conditions, making it perfect for rooms that don’t get a ton of natural light. But beware: All varieties of philodendron can be toxic to pets—all the more reason to hang them high out of reach, preferably over a counter to catch any fallen leaves.

Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii)

Few plants are as distinctive as this one, with its large, lace-like leaves. Though not typically grown as a hanging plant, it can be done to great effect. “I’ve seen them used in large pots and allowed to grow down instead of up and I find it quite charming,” says Jeff Dinslage, CEO of Nature Hills. They have a proclivity to climb, and due to their tropical origins, they do best in bright direct light or partial shade with regular watering.

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

If you have an indoor hanging plant, you should be aware of one potential issue: If you can’t see the plant’s soil or it’s in a less accessible location, it might not get as much care as if it were on an eye-level shelf. For that reason, it makes sense to put more hardy and drought-tolerant plants in baskets, says Puneet Sabharwal, CEO and cofounder of Horti, which offers plant subscriptions by mail as well as an “Order a Jungle” option of between five and 20 curated plants for your space. Trailing succulents, like strings of pearls, do well in a hanging basket because they don’t need a lot of water, and the long tendrils of sphere-shaped leaves have a beautiful, modern look. For placement, Sabharwal says to always choose a bright spot within three to four feet of a window.

Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum)

While most people think of succulents as short and squat, there are several varieties of these desert plants that trail and make the perfect hanging plant. There are several variations on string of pearls, including string of dolphins, string of hearts, and string of bananas, and all look really interesting as hanging plants and can grow as long as you allow them to. Donkey’s Tail is great for beginners and can tolerate a little more water than normal succulents. Make sure you use succulent soil, which drains well.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This spiky-leafed beauty with variegated foliage is probably one of the top two options you think of when you think of indoor hanging plants, and for good reason—it’s incredibly low-maintenance. “It is very adaptable to different growing conditions,” says Elisa McCurdy, creative director of Greendigs. “Spider plants are forgiving if the occasional watering is missed, and they do best in bright, indirect light but can also adjust to lower light conditions.” They’re also among the easiest plants to propagate.