Marie Kondo swears by Peace Lilies — does your bathroom secretly crave jungle vibes too?

June 12, 2025

These Plants Don’t Just Survive in Humidity — They Thrive in It

Your bathroom could be a mini rainforest — here’s what to grow in it.

You’ve stepped out of a steamy shower, your mirror’s fogged over, and the air feels like a tropical greenhouse. And guess what? Some houseplants absolutely love this vibe. Instead of seeing your bathroom as a no-go zone for greenery, it could be your plant’s version of paradise.

Big-leaf beauties, trailing tendrils, even those Instagram-famous ferns — many humidity-loving plants actually grow better in bathrooms than anywhere else in the house. One customer of ours swapped her failing fiddle leaf for a humble Boston fern, and a dreary corner turned into the lushest part of her whole home.

Why Bathrooms Are Secretly Plant Heaven

It’s not just the moisture. Bathrooms are usually less drafty, more stable in temperature, and depending on the window placement — flooded with soft, indirect light. That’s something rainforest-floor plants adore. Think of your bathroom as mimicking the under-canopy of a jungle: warm, protected, moist. Basically, plant nirvana.

"A humid bathroom helps keep your plants hydrated without constant misting or overwatering. It’s nature’s cheat code."
— Candeece

Still, not everything green will take to a tiled jungle. You’ll want species built for it — ones that evolved in steamy, shaded environments. Here are a few local-favourite picks:

Humidity-Loving Houseplants That Actually Love Your Bathroom

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Feather-like, fluffy fronds that soak up humidity like a sponge. Loves hanging baskets or shelf nooks near the shower.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Glossy leaves and simple white blooms. Enjoys steamy corners and even helps purify indoor air.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Practically indestructible. Tolerates low light and thrives with minimal fuss—plus, it’s one of the few night-time oxygen producers.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A cascading dream. Easy to grow, happy in low light, and nearly impossible to kill. Trails beautifully from shelves or shower caddies.
Calathea (Calathea orbifolia, etc.): The drama queen of the group—with striking patterned leaves that dance (literally!) as the light changes, but gives its best performance in humid air.

Don’t Forget: Light Still Matters

Humidity alone won’t save a light-starved plant. Even in a bathroom, filtered light helps greenery photosynthesise and stay healthy. If your bathroom’s darker than a possum’s pocket, try a mirror trick — position one opposite the window to bounce light across the room. Or pop in a small grow light for the corners that always feel a bit flat.

A True Story: From Brown Leaves to Bathroom Bliss

One of our regulars showed up with a sad-looking calathea — browning, refusing to stand tall. We swapped its spot from the hallway to her ensuite. A month later she was back, beaming. “It’s standing proud again — like a peacock after rain,” she laughed. Turns out, steam really was the missing ingredient.

Care Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Plants Happy

Let tap water sit overnight: Some humidity-lovers like calatheas are fussy about fluoride and chlorine. Letting water sit can help.
Wipe leaves regularly: Steam can cause buildup. A quick gentle wipe every now and then keeps foliage fresh and breathing well.
Avoid soggy roots: Ironically, moisture-loving plants still hate being waterlogged. Use well-draining pots and don’t let them sit in pooled water.

And if your plant throws a hissy fit even in a bathroom? No shame in rehoming. Not all plants share your shower-hour ritual needs. That’s just gardening — a little trial, a little error, and a lot of learning.

Wait — Are These Plants Safe for Pets?

Always worth checking. While peace lilies look peaceful, they can upset your fur baby’s stomach if nibbled. Pothos and snake plants too can be mildly toxic. If you’ve got curious cats or grabby toddlers, pop your greenery out of reach or stick with pet-friendly bets like the spider plant or prayer plant.

The Unexpected Joy of a Bathroom Jungle

No space is too small for nature. And turning the most overlooked room in your home into a thriving, leafy oasis? That’s the kind of quiet magic we all need. It’s soft reminder each morning — growth is possible, even in places we don’t expect.

Happy planting,

Candeece 🌿

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