The bathroom is often underestimated or not even considered as a suitable location for houseplants. Yet, it offers conditions that numerous plants thrive in. Many popular houseplants originate from tropical rainforest regions with consistently high humidity. With its steam, often higher temperatures, and sometimes diffused light, the bathroom frequently provides similar conditions.
Why the bathroom is a good place for plants
Bathrooms typically have higher humidity than other rooms because regular showering and bathing produce moisture and water vapor. This environment benefits many houseplants and promotes healthy growth. While bathrooms are also heated, the air is usually less dry than in other living spaces because it is regularly circulated. Furthermore, bathroom temperatures are generally relatively constant, often between 18 and 24 °C, a range well-suited to many houseplants. This creates a favorable indoor climate for plants, which not only provides optimal support but can also make them less susceptible to pests such as spider mites.
Bathroom requirements: What plant lovers should pay attention to
If you're thinking of getting plants for your bathroom, there are a few important points to consider to create suitable conditions for your green companions. While many plants appreciate the high humidity in bathrooms, factors like light, temperature, and location play a crucial role in their long-term health.
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Sufficient light: The orientation of the bathroom, the size of the window and the amount of available daylight determine which types of plants are suitable for the location.
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Constant temperature : Consistent, warm temperatures without cold drafts are important, as strong temperature fluctuations can weaken many plants.
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Plenty of space : The Plants should have enough space in the bathroom and should not be permanently exposed to direct splashing water from the shower or sink.
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Suitable plant containers: Since the high humidity in the bathroom increases the risk of waterlogging and mold, pots with drainage holes are particularly important.
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Choosing the right plants: Not every houseplant is equally suitable as a bathroom plant, which is why the selection should always be made according to the specific requirements.
Suitable bathroom plants
While some plants thrive in high humidity and consistent temperatures, others are sensitive to persistently damp conditions or insufficient light. Therefore, choosing the right plants for your bathroom is crucial. Here are some examples of houseplants that are well-suited for the bathroom:
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Fern species : Ferns love high humidity and feel particularly comfortable in bright to semi-shaded bathrooms, for example near windows or on shelves.
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Monstera : The Monstera copes well with increased humidity and is particularly suitable for larger bathrooms where it has enough space to fully unfold its large leaves.
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Peace lily : The peace lily likes humid air, is easy to care for and is well suited for bathrooms with less direct light, for example in corners or a little further away from the window.
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Pothos : The pothos is a very adaptable plant for the bathroom, it can also cope with less light and, with its climbing growth, is ideal for shelves, hanging baskets or even shower rods.
- Philodendrons: Philodendrons cope well with the humid air in bathrooms and are versatile, both as climbing plants and in larger plant containers.
- Syngoniums : Syngoniums also cope well with high humidity and, depending on the variety, can grow compactly or take up more space, making them suitable for various bathrooms.
These plants should not be placed in the bathroom.
While many tropical houseplants thrive in the humid bathroom environment and are suitable as bathroom plants under appropriate lighting conditions, there are also plant species that do not tolerate these conditions well. For these, the bathroom is usually an unsuitable location and can lead to growth problems or damage in the long run. These include, for example:
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Succulents and cacti: These plants prefer dry air and sunny locations, which is why the high humidity in the bathroom can quickly lead to rot.
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Some palm species: Some palms, such as the Kentia or Yucca palm, do not cope well with permanently humid air and are also sensitive to waterlogging and lack of light.
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Plants with hairy leaves: Moisture can accumulate on the leaves, which promotes fungal diseases and leaf spots, making this type of plant rather unsuitable for the bathroom.
Are there plants suitable for bathrooms without light?
Plants need light for photosynthesis and therefore for their survival. In a bathroom without windows or additional light sources, plants cannot remain healthy in the long term. They grow more slowly, lose leaves, and eventually die. However, there are some robust, shade-tolerant species that are suitable as bathroom plants, provided... Ambient light from adjacent rooms is present or artificial lighting, such as in the form of a plant lamp, is used.
Among the most adaptable plants is the pothos , which thrives even in low light and is therefore suitable for darker bathrooms. The cast iron plant is considered one of the most shade-tolerant houseplants and is also a good choice for bathrooms with very little natural light. The snake plant also tolerates low light levels and is extremely easy to care for. The monstera also thrives in shady to partially shady locations and is a suitable decorative plant for bathrooms with low light.
Care instructions for bathroom plants
Since bathrooms have different conditions than many other living spaces, plant care should be adjusted accordingly. High humidity, consistent temperatures, and reduced air circulation affect both water requirements and overall plant health. Important care tips for bathroom plants:
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Watering behavior in high humidity: Due to the increased humidity, water evaporates more slowly, which is why plants in the bathroom usually need to be watered less often.
- Avoid waterlogging: Excess water should always be able to drain away, as waterlogging in the humid bathroom climate quickly leads to root rot .
- Keep an eye on mold growth: Mold can form, especially in permanently damp substrate, which is why soil and plant containers should be checked regularly.
- Sufficient air circulation: Even though many bathroom plants like high humidity, they should not be placed too close together so that the moisture on the leaves can dry faster after showering and fungal diseases can be avoided.
- Regular checks for pests: Even though many pests prefer dry air, plants in the bathroom should be regularly checked for aphids , thrips , or other pests.
- Adjust location if necessary: If there is little daylight in the bathroom, it may be useful to occasionally move the plant or provide it with an additional plant lamp.
Make your bathroom greener and more tropical
Plants create a green and pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom, contributing to a natural, tropical ambiance. The bathroom is often underestimated as a suitable location for plants, but it often offers ideal conditions for many houseplants. By paying attention to suitable lighting conditions, a suitable location and appropriate care instructions such as correct watering and avoiding waterlogging, you can keep your plants healthy in the bathroom in the long term. In our online plant shop you'll find a wide selection of tropical houseplants, many of which are ideal for the bathroom. Choose your favorites and have them conveniently delivered to your home.
