NASA said it first—your bathroom secretly wants to be a rainforest sanctuary

September 2, 2025

Freshen up your mornings with these bathroom plant ideas that elevate and energise

Spider plants in the shower? Yes — and here’s why your morning routine might never be the same.

Why plants belong in your bathroom (yes, really)

Houseplants have long been the heroes of living rooms and kitchens, but the bathroom? That’s their underrated stage. With their love of moisture, low to medium light needs, and air-purifying superpowers, many indoor plants thrive in steamy corners and windowsill spots.

According to a NASA study on clean air, plants like peace lilies, ferns, and pothos remove toxins from the air — improving both your mood and your space. Translation: cleaner air, calmer mornings, prettier shelves.

What changed: from flat and foggy to calm and cultivated

A local customer recently shared how adding just two trailing devil’s ivy plants to her bathroom transformed the entire feel: “It went from a cold, basic rental bathroom to something that felt spa-like. Every morning feels a bit more peaceful.” All it took? A couple of $9 pots and a steamer-friendly plant buddy.

Best indoor plants for your bathroom

Here’s what works and why:

Spider Plant – Loves indirect light and humid air. Great in hanging baskets or perched on a cabinet.
Boston Fern – Thrives in moist, warm conditions with decent airflow. Perfect for beside the shower.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Practically impossible to kill. Trails beautifully and handles steam like a champ.
Peace Lily – Elegant, fast-growing, and purifies air while tolerating lower light.
Aloe Vera – Needs a bit more sunlight but makes a stylish inclusion next to a frosted window. Bonus: you’ve got built-in first aid for little scrapes and burns.

Tips for keeping them alive (and thriving)

No one wants a sad, soggy fern or a crispy peace lily. Here’s how to keep things lush:

Pot with purpose: Use well-draining pots with saucers. Avoid soggy roots.
Rotate and reshuffle: Even bathroom plants need variety. Rotate for even growth and give them a break in higher-light rooms if needed.
Wipe leaves: Steam can deposit residue over time. A damp cloth now and then helps breathe life back in.
Watch for mould: Bathrooms are humid by nature. Keep airflow up, and when in doubt, crack open a window.

What if your bathroom has no window?

Here’s the lowdown: plants need some light to photosynthesise. But many can adapt to artificial light with a little help. Peace lilies and pothos are particularly good in low-light areas. And if you’ve got zero natural light? A small LED grow light does wonders without wrecking your vibes.

“My bathroom has no windows, only vibes — so I popped in a pothos and a tiny grow light and it’s positively thriving.”

Don't just decorate — shift how you feel in your space

Adding a living plant to your bathroom doesn’t just boost your ‘interior styling’ skills. It gives micro-moments of calm. That splash of green suddenly makes brushing your teeth a little less dull, Sunday cleaning a little more intentional, and your home — rental or otherwise — feel more yours.

It’s a simple swap — one trailing pothos for that dusty diffuser — but the emotional impact lasts much longer.

Which plant are you bringing into your bathroom first?

Start small. Grab one forgiving beauty, place it near your sink, and see how waking up feels a little different. Because your bathroom doesn’t need a full makeover to feel fresh — just a little jungle magic.

Happy planting,
Candeece

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