Bathroom steam creates the perfect tropical environment for certain houseplants to thrive. With the right lighting and a consistent source of humidity, your bathroom can double as a mini indoor jungle. This collection of 25 unique houseplants is carefully chosen to match the steamy setting, transforming your everyday bathroom into a lush, green escape.
1. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns have fluffy, arching fronds that love humidity. Indirect light and moist soil help them thrive indoors. They need regular misting to stay vibrant and full. Steam from showers keeps their fronds from drying out. Place them near the tub for extra moisture. They’re perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves.
2. Spider Plant
Spider Plants thrive in steam-filled rooms and are low-maintenance. Their striped leaves bring energy to shelves or hanging pots. Bathroom humidity helps them grow faster and stay healthy. They tolerate low light but enjoy brighter corners. Baby offshoots can be replanted easily. Spider plants are great for beginners and clean indoor air.
3. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies love high humidity and low light. Their white flowers brighten dark corners instantly, and steam keeps their leaves from turning brown. They grow well with weekly watering and care. Place them away from direct sunlight. They’re also known for purifying indoor air.
4. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids bloom beautifully in humid conditions. Bathroom steam mimics their native rainforest home. They need indirect light and regular root moisture. Avoid letting water sit in the crown area. They reward care with long-lasting flowers. Phalaenopsis are perfect for window ledges.
5. English Ivy
English Ivy trails nicely and loves moist air. It grows well in hanging baskets or on trellises. Steam keeps its leaves soft and green. It prefers indirect light and cooler temperatures. Regular trimming helps manage its shape. It adds a classic touch to bathroom decor.
6. Pothos
Pothos is forgiving and grows in nearly any light. It thrives in high humidity, like steamy bathrooms. Choose from Golden, Neon, or Marble Queen types. It’s perfect for trailing down shelves or walls. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It’s hardy and a favorite for new plant owners.
7. Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern is not a true fern but behaves like one. It's fine leaves adore moisture and indirect light. Steam helps keep it soft and full. Great for hanging or placing on a high shelf. Soil should be kept slightly damp at all times. It softens any bathroom corner instantly.
8. ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant handles low light and high humidity easily. Its thick leaves store moisture, reducing watering needs. Bathroom steam keeps it looking glossy and green. Place it on the floor or a corner stand. It’s slow-growing but very low-maintenance. Perfect for busy or beginner plant owners.
9. African Violet
African Violets are compact flowering plants that thrive in warm, humid bathrooms with indirect sunlight. Their fuzzy leaves dislike cold drafts and wet foliage, so water carefully from the base. Moist air from the shower boosts blooming, encouraging flowers throughout the year. Keep the soil lightly moist and avoid overwatering to prevent root problems.
10. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen grows well in warm, damp rooms. Its colorful leaves brighten up shadowy corners. Bathroom steam enhances its lush, full look. It prefers steady temperatures and little disturbance. Keep it out of cold drafts and direct sun. Easy to care for and great for low-light areas.
11. Blue Star Fern
Blue Star Fern stands out with soft, blue-green fronds that love humidity. It thrives in indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil. Steam from daily showers keeps its foliage lush and vibrant. Place it on a shelf or hang it near a bathroom window. Its unusual color adds variety to green-heavy spaces.
12. Kentia Palm
Kentia Palms feature elegant, arching fronds that do well in the warmth and humidity of a bathroom. They prefer steady, indirect light and benefit from steam that prevents leaf dryness. Although they grow slowly, they reach an impressive height over time.
13. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia’s bold leaves love moist air. Steam helps prevent dry edges or yellowing. Water when the top inch of soil dries. It grows well in filtered, indirect light. Add it to corners for a tropical effect. Keep out of reach of pets and small kids.
14. Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Fern grows without soil, mounted or hanging. It absorbs moisture directly from humid air. Bathroom steam supports its health and shape. Mist or soak it once a week. It prefers indirect light and open air circulation. Adds artistic flair to your indoor jungle.
15. Fittonia
Fittonia, or Nerve Plant, likes high humidity levels. It has colorful, veined leaves that pop in small spaces. Steam prevents drooping and keeps it perky. It is perfect for shelves or terrariums in bathrooms. Avoid letting it dry out completely. Bright, indirect light works best for growth.
16. Philodendron
Philodendrons are adaptable and humidity-loving. Their trailing vines do well in moist air. They need medium light but tolerate low conditions. Let the soil dry slightly before watering. Brasil and Heartleaf types are especially popular. Display in hanging baskets or across shelves.
17. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo grows directly in water or soil. It loves warmth and steamy air around it. Perfect for bathroom counters or small spaces. Change its water weekly to keep it fresh. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Symbolizes luck and calm, adding visual peace.
18. Dracaena
Dracaena has tall, striped leaves that love steam. Humidity helps them stay green and glossy. Place them in corners near the shower. Mist weekly or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Do not overwater! Let the soil partly dry first. It works well in pots on bathroom floors.
19. Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii is known for its holey leaves. It enjoys warm, moist air and indirect light. It is great for hanging pots or climbing up supports. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Bathroom steam keeps its leaves from crisping. It adds a bold, tropical feel indoors.
20. Tillandsia
Tillandsia, or Air Plants, grow without soil. They take moisture from the air around them. Steam from daily showers keeps them hydrated. Soak or mist them weekly to maintain health. Mount them on walls or set them in shells or holders. They bring a clean, modern look to bathrooms.
21. Peperomia
Peperomia thrives in warm, humid conditions. It has thick, textured leaves in many shapes. It does not need frequent watering to stay lush. Indirect light and moist air help it flourish. It is great for windowsills or countertop displays, and its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces.
22. Tradescantia
Tradescantia grows fast and shows bold colors. Purple, green, and silver stripes light up a room. Steam enhances its growth and keeps leaves soft. Needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Prune often to encourage bushier growth. Best in hanging baskets or shelf displays.
23. Baby Rubber Plant
This thick-leaved Peperomia variety is compact and glossy and thrives in humid conditions. It prefers bright but indirect light and grows well with minimal care. Bathroom moisture helps its leaves stay plump and shiny without frequent watering.
24. Snake Plant
Snake Plant is famous for being tough and nearly impossible to kill, thriving even in humid bathrooms. It tolerates low light but prefers indirect sun and can handle infrequent watering. Steam keeps its upright leaves from becoming dusty or dull.
25. Anthurium
Anthuriums bring vibrant red, pink, or white flowers and thrive in indirect light and high humidity. Bathroom steam encourages more frequent blooming and helps their waxy leaves stay healthy. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it dry out completely. Their bold color makes them a striking accent in modern bathrooms.
Create Your Own Indoor Spa Escape
With so many steam-loving options, your bathroom can become a mini tropical paradise. These plants do more than survive. They thrive, purify air, and elevate your space. Whether you have shelves, counters, or hanging spots to fill, there is a houseplant on this list for every bathroom vibe. Choose your favorites and enjoy a lush, calming retreat right at home.
Before you go, check out 14 Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture And Reduce Humidity.