The Best Houseplants for Your Bathroom

The conditions in a bathroom are a little trickier than the rest of the house when it comes to choosing plants. Bathrooms have fluctuating temperatures, constant humidity and varying degrees of sunlight depending on how many windows are in the room. Even with all these variables, there are plants that can thrive in a bathroom setting.

Target indoor plants that can thrive in a warm, humid environment. Think of the plant’s native environment, such as tropical places. Here are some of the best plants to choose from:

Peace Lily: This plant can tolerate both fluorescent or artificial light sources, allowing it to flourish in dimly lit areas. A word of caution if you have pets, hoewver—peace lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats.

Philodendron: If you forget to water your plants, then this one is for you. Philodendrons are low-maintenance and can thrive in low-light environments. This plant is also toxic to cats and dogs.

Bird’s Nest Fern: This leafy plant likes moderate, indirect light, so make sure you don’t put it directly on your window sill. It only needs water every week or two and is safe for cats and dogs.

Aloe Vera: Since we are talking about bathroom plants, your plant might as well have some beauty benefits attached to it. The gooey insides of the aloe plant’s leaves can be used to helps soothe skin, heal minor burns, reduce itch and more. Aloe vera needs bright, indirect light and water infrequently. It is toxic to cats and dogs.

Calathea “Freddie”: The majority of potted calathea plants flourish in humid environments, so it’s a great plant for your bathroom. It also enjoys moderate, indirect light and only needs water when the soil has dried halfway down. This is another pet-safe plant.

Spider Plants: Another no-fuss option, spider plants tolerate low light or bright light, but they don’t like full sun. You can cut and propagate spiderettes from a parent plant, so you get a lot of bang for your buck with this species. Water every week or so and fertilize sparingly. The bonus is these plants are safe for your dogs and cats.

Of course there are many other plants that thrive in a humid environment and can tolerate added moisture in the air. Be sure to do your homework before choosing one for your space.