We all know how steamy and damp a bathroom can get after a hot shower. The foggy mirrors, wet walls, and heavy air can make it feel less relaxing. While dehumidifiers help, there’s a more beautiful and natural solution — houseplants that absorb moisture. These plants thrive in humidity, purify the air, and turn your bathroom into a green, calming retreat.
Here’s a detailed look at the best bathroom plants that absorb moisture and flourish in humid spaces.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is one of the easiest and most popular choices for bathrooms. It features long, arching leaves with green and white stripes that look striking in hanging baskets or pots on shelves. Spider plants thrive in humidity and indirect sunlight, making them perfect for steamy bathrooms. They also purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene while naturally absorbing moisture. Keep their soil slightly moist, and trim off dead leaves to keep them healthy and lush.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, the snake plant is incredibly hardy and thrives in low light and high humidity. Its tall, sword-like leaves are a stunning visual feature, especially in modern bathrooms. This plant doesn’t just absorb moisture — it also filters out air pollutants like benzene and toluene. It’s a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that can survive neglect and irregular watering, which makes it a perfect match for people with busy lifestyles.
3. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas bring color and cheer into your bathroom with their pink, purple, or white blooms. They thrive in warm, humid air and need partial sunlight, so a bathroom windowsill is ideal. These flowering plants prefer acidic soil and should be watered twice a week to stay vibrant. The splash of color they bring will make your bathroom feel fresh, warm, and inviting.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are famous for their lush, glossy leaves and elegant white blooms. They love humidity and thrive in low-light bathrooms, where many other plants struggle. Peace lilies are also powerful air purifiers, removing mold spores and moisture from the air. To keep them healthy, water them once the top layer of soil feels dry, and if you’re forgetful about watering, use a self-watering pot.
5. Boston Fern and Bird’s Nest Fern
Both Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) and Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are humidity-loving plants that look amazing in bathrooms. Boston Ferns have soft, delicate fronds that hang beautifully from baskets, while Bird’s Nest Ferns produce sturdy, wide leaves that suit minimalist spaces. These ferns prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil. Mist their leaves regularly to maintain freshness and vibrant color.
6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, often called Devil’s Ivy, is nearly indestructible and perfect for humid spaces. It produces long, trailing vines covered in heart-shaped leaves that can be draped along shelves, mirrors, or curtain rods. Pothos adapts easily to different lighting conditions but does best in bright, indirect light. It absorbs moisture and helps eliminate indoor toxins like formaldehyde. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering to avoid root rot.
7. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias add texture, color, and life to any bathroom. With varieties like Begonia maculata — known for its silver-spotted leaves — they bring visual interest and thrive in warm, humid environments. They need moderate light and slightly moist soil. Allow the topsoil to dry between watering. Fibrous and rhizomatous Begonias are especially well-suited for bathrooms. Their delicate blooms and patterned leaves will make your space look more vibrant and stylish.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera isn’t just for skincare — it’s also a great plant for balancing moisture in the air. This succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, so it doesn’t require frequent watering. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and humid conditions, making it a great fit for a bathroom windowsill. Just be sure not to overwater it; Aloe prefers its soil to dry out between watering sessions.
9. Tillandsia (Air Plant)
Tillandsias are air plants that don’t need soil to grow — they absorb moisture directly from the air through their leaves. Their spiky, grass-like appearance adds a modern, sculptural touch to any bathroom. These plants love humidity but need occasional watering — simply soak them in water for a few minutes each week. Display them in hanging glass globes, on driftwood, or attached to your wall for a creative touch.
10. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Orchids may seem delicate, but they love humidity and thrive in bathrooms with filtered light. Their elegant, long-lasting flowers bring a touch of luxury to your space. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight and should be watered when their growing medium begins to dry. Keep them on a bathroom shelf or near a window for the perfect balance of warmth and moisture.
11. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is almost impossible to kill and perfect for low-light bathrooms. It has thick, waxy leaves that store water, so it requires minimal attention. The ZZ plant tolerates humidity well and helps purify the air. It grows slowly but adds a bold, structured look to your bathroom decor. Water it only when the soil has completely dried out.
12. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
This plant truly lives up to its name — it’s nearly indestructible. The Cast Iron Plant thrives in low light, fluctuating temperatures, and high humidity. Its deep green, shiny leaves make a stunning contrast against light-colored walls or tiles. It doesn’t require much watering, only when the soil becomes dry. Wipe its leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and glossy.
13. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are tropical plants that love warmth and humidity, which makes bathrooms their happy place. With heart-shaped or elongated leaves and long, trailing vines, they’re perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. Choose non-variegated varieties for low light bathrooms. Keep their soil slightly moist, and they’ll reward you with fast, healthy growth.
14. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are loved for their decorative leaves with striking patterns and colors. They thrive in high humidity and indirect light, which makes bathrooms an ideal environment. Their leaves move up and down with the light — a fascinating feature that adds a dynamic touch to your room. Water them regularly and mist often to keep their foliage lush.
15. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a climbing and trailing plant that adapts well to both light and shade. It’s known for removing airborne toxins, particularly formaldehyde. The dark green, waxy leaves look stunning cascading down from hanging planters or wrapping around mirrors. It’s low maintenance and a natural air purifier that helps reduce humidity and mold.
16. Baby’s Tear (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s Tear is a charming, creeping plant with small, round leaves that form a dense green carpet. It thrives in dark, humid environments, making it perfect for bathrooms. It loves moist soil and should be watered regularly to prevent drying out. Its delicate vines can be trained to drape along pots or grow around small decorative fixtures, adding a soft, whimsical feel to your space.
Final Thoughts
Who needs a dehumidifier when nature provides such stunning alternatives? Each of these plants helps control humidity, freshen the air, and beautify your bathroom. Whether you prefer the elegant Peace Lily, the colorful Azalea, or the tough-as-nails ZZ Plant, there’s a perfect option for every bathroom setup.
Choose the ones that suit your lighting conditions and style, and enjoy stepping into a bathroom that feels like a peaceful, tropical retreat every single day.